As a teen, five people in my family, including me, were in a serious car accident. The neighborhood organized a month of meals for us. Because I was the only one who was mobile and not seriously injured, it helped me immensely to care for my family in ways that didn’t require constant cooking. I hadn’t known most of my neighbors at the time, and their kindness still moves me. Since then, I’ve contributed by providing a meal or donating financially to help others in similar need. I don’t need to know them to help.
When need is ongoing, it's harder to get a surge of assistance. That’s where volunteers who consistently show up make a different kind of difference. Many of our community services rely heavily on volunteers. The list of organizations and number of people volunteering are mind-blowing. Our libraries, fire departments, emergency response network, non-profits of every variety, religious organizations, food banks, and Meals on Wheels are just a tiny subset of the groups serving our communities and trying to meet extremely important needs.
I’m a firm believer in thanking and encouraging people doing the work. People are often praised when they retire or leave a role. When they’re doing the work day in, day out, appreciation makes a much bigger difference.
Where my health limits my energy, I find ways to participate and contribute that align with my skills and abilities. I can donate, attend the annual event, or offer my knowledge as a resource. Spreading the word and speaking positively about the work organizations do helps.
I won’t be able to do hours of engagement because I work a full-time job and manage my MS symptoms with a lot of rest. Still, I can research, offer suggestions, or contribute financially within my means. Sometimes people judge when I don't participate the way they think I should. Not everyone will understand or approve of how I choose to contribute, and that's okay.
When I expand my focus, I notice my communities aren’t limited by geography. Online Multiple Sclerosis support communities have provided a wealth of information, support, and a sense of kinship. Recently, a group from the United Kingdom contacted me about using some information from my blog. It made me feel good that they found my writing useful. While I won’t be attending anything in person, I’m enjoying reading their newsletter and seeing their local MS support efforts.
My contributions to my community are readily known through my job and the work I do, and I feel good about that. The lesser-known contributions involve sharing how Multiple Sclerosis affects me, how I cope with it, and how I hope to destigmatize living with health issues. I’m eager to support and cheerlead others, be a sounding board, and do what I can for people navigating their own health issues. I’ve been surprised over the years to learn how people knew of me and suggested that someone newly diagnosed should talk to me. It’s created more connections and friendships, and it’s shown me how far-reaching my community is.
