Multiple Sclerosis: The Many Faces of the Disease

Multiple Sclerosis: The Many Faces of the Disease, is a non-fiction autoimmune disease story revolving around Suzanne McCuiston Bradley, a woman plagued with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for most of her life. In the beginning, the focus is on symptoms and early indicators of the disease. Although the National MS Society estimates that about 400,000 people have the disease, no one knows for certain. This alarming number can have serious impacts on people with MS, as well as loved ones and caregivers.A case study of Suzanne reveals her life and how she suffered from this debilitating disease. It shows how she was able to overcome in certain circumstances and how she was merely able to survive in other situations. Her life is discussed before and during MS. This story was originally about helping her find a cure, or at least relief. Later, it became about helping other people deal with the emotional and physical symptoms of MS. While one chapter is specifically about Suzanne, her battle is tied into the other chapters as well. She is used as an example whenever possible.Writing this book helped gain insight into the true life of Suzanne. The goal was to learn primarily what science could not yet answer: why this disease occurs and how to cure it. Despite the fact that these answers do not really exist, hopefully one day they will exist, this story examines these questions and other areas relative to Multiple Sclerosis.