Wendy Lovell was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) more than 20 years ago.

She's now a poster child of sorts.

She spoke with The Royal Gazette to draw awareness to the efforts of the Multiple Sclerosis Society (MSS).

On Friday the organisation is to hold its annual tag day. The hope is to raise $15,000 to bolster the assistance the group gives to MS sufferers on the Island.

Mrs. Lovell is one of approximately 30 MSS members. At its meetings, guest speakers offer expertise in various areas and financial assistance is made available to those in need.

According to Mrs. Lovell, the symptoms can be painful.

Over the years she has experienced a tingling sensation, numbness, slurred speech and blurred or double vision.

Others have suffered muscle weakness, poor balance, tremors and temporary or permanent paralysis. Problems with bladder, bowel, or sexual function are common, and fatigue is a major concern. MS can cause forgetfulness, and can make it difficult to concentrate.

It can also cause mood swings, and may make people more susceptible to depression.

"A number of people want to know how I can smile and go along with my daily routine in pain and my response to that is 'only through the grace of God'," she said.

"I thank God for my wonderful husband, family, Bethel Church family, MS support group, special friends and a caring boss.

"They all play a very special part in my life and it helps me to deal with my MS when it gets tough."

The disease is difficult to diagnose for two reasons: the symptoms come and go, and they are shared with other ailments that affect the central nervous system.

Mrs. Lovell suffered for five years before she was diagnosed in 1989.

She and others on the Island with MS are treated by two neurologists – Bermuda-based Dr. Keith Chiappa and Dr. Didier Cros who flies in from Massachusetts General Hospital.

"An MRI seems to be the best test to confirm or rule out MS; a definitive diagnosis can take several months, and sometimes it takes years."

A diagnosis ranges in severity – from mild to primary progressive MS. In some, the disease is degenerative.

"MS is not a fatal disease," she said. "Individuals with MS have near-normal life expectancies. Most people with MS learn to cope with the disease and live production lives.

"There is however no cure."

MS can be especially painful during weather extremes and "nerve damage can cause severe burning, cramping and muscle spasms, which can be extremely painful," Mrs. Lovell stated.

She recently suffered a relapse and is now preparing for a trip to Boston for further tests.

"Through it all I will continue to keep the faith and hold on to God's promise that He will never put more on me than I can bear," she vowed.

Like many, she has to undergo a weekly injection to protect against viral infection. She relies on Avonex. Others use Copaxone, Rebif and Betaseron.

"All these medications aim to slow the progression of the disease as well as minimise the severity and frequency of episodes.

"Some take medication to combat fatigue, depression and muscle weakness.

"A few have been on medications more widely used for cancer. Often MS suffers undergo steroid treatments to combat their episodes.

"Many practice an overall wellness approach [which] includes strict and healthy diets, immunotics, vitamin regimes, good fitness and alternative healing therapies such as acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine and homeopathy."

Tags will be offered at locations around the Island on Friday. Proceeds will be used to assist with medical costs – the MSS pays for 15 percent of the total cost, insurance, and other medical provisions.

"Proceeds also go towards the Society's efforts to educate and increase awareness of MS in Bermuda, and if we have money to spare we always try to contribute towards the efforts of the National MS Society towards finding a cure."

Persons can also make donations through the Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son A/C No. 20-006-060-572527-100 with a note re the MS Society 'Carnation Campaign'.

For information on MSS telephone Carolyn Armstrong on 293-0772 or Wendy Lovell on 293-2649.

The group meets on the first Monday of every month at St. Mark's Church Hall.