“If you can't escape it then embrace it. Keep smiling, be cheerful, laugh a lot, and build self confidence,” says Lila, the lead character at the end of a stage act titled ‘Lila Bracelet'. The message coming out of World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day celebrations here on Wednesday was loud and clear. Will-power among sclerosis patients is the key to overcome setbacks and renew normal life.
“It is not easy to pick up the pieces. And yet, it is not difficult. You have to really learn to take care of yourself, do yoga regularly, attend meetings with fellow MS patients, and learn from each other,” says Aarti Vishal, a MS patient.
The MS Day celebrations, organised by Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI), featured ‘Lila Bracelet' that portrayed the travails of a young couple after the wife -- Lila -- is diagnosed with MS. Close to 150 MS patients along with their friends, relatives, and doctors attended the programme.
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“Sclerosis can't be treated. After coming to terms with this fact, the patient has to start exploring ways to fight back. I was diagnosed with MS in 2003. And today, I am doing fine. It is all up to the patient's will-power to start taking interest. Yoga, medicines, group meetings, and taking advice of the doctor are very important,” says Venkat Raman, another MS patient.
“We thought a play will be the best way to show all the phases -- first the anger, then the slow realisation that the ailment will not go away and then the fight back -- in life of MS patients.
Doctors, care givers, and family members have to play a very important role in encouraging MS patients,” says chairperson of MSSI, Meena Gupta.
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To join MSSI: 93900-55598/ 98490-15313.