Life Interrupted

 Now That's Improvement, NOT!

More than seventeen years after Multiple Sclerosis forced me from the workforce, the most efficient, prosperous and profitable economy on the planet, it pains me to learn that record numbers allege disability discrimination on the job.

During the late 1980's with the establishment and implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, I was living and working during an exciting time. A moment in time punctuated with this law promising and providing protection against job discrimmination and job security for the disabeled employees working within our great country.

Yet, today I read an article written January 7, 2010 by Michelle Diament in disabilityscoop A premier Source of Developmental Disability News entitled Record Numbers Allege Disability Discrimination on The Job.

The article reported allegations of workplace discrimination based on disability rose to the highest level ever last year. Of the more than 21,000 cases reported 20%, still a lofty number were legitimate. As to why there were so many, 80% false discrimination claims filed, I offer this theory__ because the economy is so bad and so many people have lost, are losing and are afraid of losing there jobs people may be filing false claims hoping for a financial award. resulting an explantion to which was also hinted upon within the aforementioned article in January which stated, the reason is unclear but may be due to the economy, changes in the workforce or better awareness, stated Equal Employment Opportunity Commission officials.

Take a trip... You deserve a break

My wife and I went on a wonderful ten day all inclusive vacation to the Dominican Republic departing from Boston's Logan International Airport. I'm pretty disabled, as I have lived with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for more tha thirty years, so believe me I had many concerns, even doubts whether I should even consider taking such a trip.

I'm legally blind, confined to a wheelchair and struggle with bladder control issues. I was able to go on the most fabulous vacation because of a little planning and preparation ahead of time. In an attempt to reduce the issues and hardship raised by heightend airport security visualise yourself and your special needs ( your walker, wheelchair, oxygen canister etc.). What looks like it will; be an issue? That is what willl draw the attention and suspicion of airport security? Arrive early and be prepared to wait. It's just part of todays reality.

When scheduling your trip work with a travel agent that can provide you with answers and go as far as to arrange for any special needs you may have with both the airline and the resort at which you will be staying. Do not be afraid to ask questions about every special need and concern you may have. They can and will arrange to take care of you and your every issue, but you need to express every need and concern. No one is a mind reader. Like me, I'm sure that you will find your agent to be extremely knowledgable, helpful and compassionate. These are people whose sole purpose it is to make sure that you have a relaxing and memorarable vacation experience. Go and have the time of your life.

There was a time not too long ago when I felt there was no or very little direction for my life__ no purpose to my life__no reason to get out of bed in the morning__ and seemingly nothing could change that. Back then I remember thinking oh how I wish things could be different. How I wished I could put the years of education and experiences, which I had accumulated over my lifetime to good use.

You know what they say...be careful what you wish for, smile. I have become overwhelmed by the amount of time I have to invest daily (8 to 12 hours) working to promote and market my self-help memoir. But, more importantly is the time and effort I put in to ministering to others struggling with what can become a bleak and depressing situation similar to that which I once experienced. Helping others learn to live and deal more positively with the hardships and stress put on one's relationships as a result of life being interrupted by chronic illness or disability has truly become my purpose. A purpose with which I have been blessed. I never dreamed that I would have the strength and abilities to make a difference in the lives of others. Yet, that is what I'm doing every day and I love it.

You will never hear me complain__, never say, it's not my job__ or that there is not enough time in the day__and the biggie, the complaint of all workplace complaints, I'm not paid enough. No there's a whole new perspective on life these days. There is a driving force behind my being. I have a purpose and the reward is great. Over the past several months, especially during the last month I have been reaching out to others utilizing the Internet and yes, even the old-fashioned radio. It's my goal to let individuals with multiple sclerosis or any chronic illness for that matter, know that life can be and still is great. I know... remember from whom you are hearing this message. If you've read my self-help memoir, Life Interrupted, It's Not All About Me www.likeinterrupted-nolonger.com then you know about my depression and downward spiral that was a result of my "poor me attitude" and the stress introduced to my relationship as a result of life being interrupted by multiple sclerosis.

I've been so busy and there is a purpose and lust for life every day. Have faith. Don't give up and God will make a way. Here are a few of my Media Interviews from September and October 2009:

The Relationships101 Radio Show: Host Dr. Beth Ericsson

USAToday.com: article written by Dan Wooding

The Aberration Nation blog: Written Interview Penelope Pzortec

Internet Media: www.AsistNews.net: Writer Touched By MS Says Disability Does Not Have To Mean Inability

The Boundless Riches Radio Show: Host Lisa VanAllen

Zerbincast: Podcast Hosts Kevin and Shelley Zerbe a couple living with MS

The Prayer Chain Of Faith Show: Host Pastor White

Prophetess Spinks, Mega7RadioLive

Gospel 89.3 Radio interview

I don't usually get excited by political stuff, but this obviously hits home in a big way. Our new leader gives me more cause for concern with every passing minute. If you, like me are concerned and you have any ideas on what we can do as a nation of concerned citizens, I would

love to hear your ideas.

Social Security..................

For the first time in history, the Democratic Congress will not allow an increase in the social security COLA (cost of living adjustment). In fact, The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation predicts there may not be any COLA for the next three years. However, the per person monthly Medicare insurance premium will be increased from the 2009 premium of $96.40 to $104.20 in 2010 and to $ 120.20 for the year 2011.

Send this to all seniors and recipients of Social Security disability income that you know. Remind them to not vote for the incumbent senators and congressmen in the 2010 and the 2012 elections.

God bless,

Chris

Hello again,

I received an e-mail this morning from a friend who does not suffer from MS, rather Lupus which is another autoimmune disorder.  I wanted to share it with you.  I know, I know our neurologists are going to say, results in animals and results in humans are two different things.  Still, it is very interesting.  If nothing else this has to be a reminder that the cure for MS is going to come along.  Some doctor will come across it by accident just as they did in this case.  Anyway, here's Sheila's e-mail and the link to the article:

Aug 11 was a historic day for M.S. sufferers! Scientists successfully reversed M.S. in mice. The discovery was made by accident. They were searching for a cure for cancer instead.

Here is the link:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-08/mu-mrs081109.php

I also wanted to ask if you had heard my most recent interview given last Saturday August 8?  If you go to my interviews page you can click on the red link for the Zebcast (podcast) you will be able to listen to the 43 minute interview in its entirety. The interview was conducted by Kevin and Shelly Zerbe an incredible and perfect couple for this interview as you will hear.  Kevin has MS so he and Shelly could completely relate to my book Life Interrupted It's Not All  About Me. if you have the opportunity to share the link for the interview with others who could benefit, please do.  You're my blessing  and I thank you so very much.

I pray that you are all having a blessed day,

Chris

Hello everyone,

`

I wanted to share this with you, because I know you'll all be interested or curious at the very least. At this time I am in the middle of discussions with doctors from the United States who perform a procedure, over in the Dominican Republic which is described as an embryonic stem cell transplant. When you have the opportunity, you may want to visit the Company's web site. There is a lot of great information, even testimonies from folks that have undergone the procedure. Google MEDRA, stem cells, Dominican Republic and read more. The treatment cost is $30,000. I would have to raise the money but it would be worth every penny to be healthy again. What do you think?

Have you ever heard of the company MEDRA? MEDRA treat s people with a number of chronic illnesses like MS, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal cord injury and more with embryonic stem cells with tremendous results. MEDRA, specifically Dr. Radar performs the procedure (involving an IV and injection of two types of stem cells) that takes approximately 90 minutes. The procedure is performed in the facility in the Dominican Republic because as you know embryonic stem cells cannot be used here in the U.S.

MEDRA has mailed me a package that explains the whole process, I have spoken on the telephone for more than two hours and I think I am going to do it. If you have the opportunity google MEDRA, Dominican Republic, stem cells. I would love to hear what you think. I'm not crazy, am I?

I wish you all well. You're in my prayers,

Chris

Are you aware how often relationships fail as a result of life being interrupted by chronic illness or disability? Recently I learned that 75 percent of marriages where one of the partners suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS) ends in divorce. Fifteen years ago my response would have been, come on, no way. Fifteen years ago I had already lived with MS for fifteen years. Yes, there were some difficult and uncertain times, but for the most part if you didn't know me well, you would have been unaware of my disability. After having had the disease for fifteen years, I felt the rate of progression was so slow that my lifestyle would be restricted but relatively normal.

I was married for the first time in 1992, after having been diagnosed with MS twelve years earlier. you can read all about that time of my life right up until 2008 in my book, Life Interrupted, It's Not All About Me. The book which I have written to help others managing with chronic illness within their family deal more positively with the resulting stress put on the relationship as a result of one's life being interrupted by chronic illness or disability. I have written this book to help others avoid making the same relationship destroying mistakes that I once made. At one time, not long ago I wasn't sure if. there was a need for a book such as mine untill I received confirmation time and time again.

I can remember, in 2006 having just completed writing my book, about to set out to find a publisher, but not really feeling confident with what I had written. After all, I had never written a book before__I was not a writer. I was a nutraceutical chemist with a degree in ecology. At that point I turned to prayer, asking God to show me what to do__ to provide direction. My first bit of confirmation came in the most unsuspected manner. About a week later, I was relaxing watching television around 8:00 PM when I was interrupted by a telemarketer. After listening to her spiel I thought.... O'kay now she's going to hear mine. I began telling her about my book, turns out that she has colitis and her relationship wss suffering because her husband refuses to recognize her disability or to make simple adjustments to accommodate the issues had by his wife. Beverly, the telemarketer, began by telling me that she had explained to her husband time and time again her need to sit next to or at the very least within close proximity to a restroom when they took their two young boys to a sporting event, the park a barbecue or whenever. We were on the phone for more than an hour and she wanted to buy my book. Confirmation or coincidence?

I received my second confirmation, again in 2006. At that time I was in the planning stages of a course that I was going to be facilitating at my church. The course, Life Interrupted, became a reality in December 2006. At that time I was informed by employees of the church, heads of the various ministries, pastors and the Caring Coordinator for whom I was volunteering at that time, that the turnout would likely be small, likely two to four participants. A flier was placed in the church bulletin 3 Sundays in a row leading up to the Wednesday evening class. Turned out to be a freezing cold night, but 25 people came out to hear my story and learn how they could better deal with the stress put on the relationship as a result of life being interrupted by a chronic illness or disability. It is a real problem that is just beginning to draw the attention of the medical community. I don't think anyone ever recognized the prevalence and enormity of this issue. Do you agree or disagree?

I have facilitated discussions and held book signings at hospitals, MS clinics, numerous support groups for a multitude of chronic conditions and I've seen the tears. I knew those tears all too well. To think, at one time back in 2001 when my wife was leaving me and I felt like I was being abandoned by my caregiver, I thought I was going to be alone for ever. How was I ever going to meet someone? Who would want to meet me, damaged goods. I thought I was likely headed for a nursing home. Yes, I was living a nightmare and I could not imagine a pleasant ending. God is in control and he has a plan.

I held a book signing at a Barnes & Noble in Framingham MA from 7 until 8:30 PM on an unusually cold and wet evening and the audience was phenomenal, Every seat was filled. Management had to bring out to more rows of seating and more people appeared. It was standing room only as far as I could see. The discussions and questions from people were tremendous. I was approached by a couple that had a daughter who was afflicted with MS, there was a woman who lost her husband after a decades-long battle with the disease and her 48-year-old brother was just diagnosed. For a while the scenarios seemed endless. The best part of the night was seeing so many individuals that had entered the store quietly with almost somber and solemn looks on their faces earlier in evening were now laughing, talking and now leaving my event with smiles on their faces. Confirmation? I am pretty sure I have all the confirmation I need.  There's  no doubt in my mind that God wanted me to write this book to help others. Writing a book, sitting in a chair at a desk, writing for hours, these are just a few of the tasks that I know are physically impossible for me, yet a published books since before me now.  I know it was the work of God and I'm proud to have been the vessel through which His work was done.  What do you think?

Be well and God bless,

Chris

Hello everyone,

Wow, you all are so helpful and understanding. You would think that our co-workers, spouses, family members and friends, the people who are closest to our lives would understand, be the most likely to show compassion or at least want to understand what it means when we get a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. It tears me apart when I hear someone with MS say that there husband or wife is in denial about their MS. When a parent freaks out because the neurologist sent his daughter home with a walker. And, I hate hearing about all the anger, usually misdirected that is being shot back and forth between couples trying to deal with all the stress put on their relationship because of the fact that life has been interrupted by MS. My book Life Interrupted, It's Not All A bout Me published by Tate publishing in 2008? It deals with all these issues with which many of us with MS or any chronic illness for that matter may be dealing with every day. I have had MS for 29 years so I am no longer in a situation where I have to prove that I have a disability, but in 2001, after twelve years my ex-wife asked for a divorce. I don't blame her. She met her end point, because as the disease worsened I became a bitter and angry man suffering with depression, a lack of self-worth and a diminishing self-esteem. As individuals dealing with the symptoms of MS, as frustrating and many times embarrassing as they are, we must not take it out on our loved ones. Likewise, the healthy spouse has to educate himself/herself about the disease, move beyond denial and dig in. Remember, it's for better or worse and in sickness and in health. That's my two cents anyways. What do you think?

God bless, Chris

       It is another cool, wet and dreary day here in Massachusetts. Its hard to believe we're about to reach the midpoint of June already. Busy as usual, I am still having trouble with Amazon.com.  It  seems that they have been selling the self published version of my book (black cover) rather than the newly released  book (white cover) released October 14, 2008 by Tate Publishing and Enterprises LLC. The new version of the book is available from Borders.com, barnesandnoble.com, target.com and directly from the publisher at.www.Tatepublishing.com. I am truly sorry for any confusion or inconvenience .

        I have suffered from MS for 29 years and over the past decade my cognitive difficulties, brain fog and just the inability to come up with the right word when speaking has become more prevalent. Yet, I speak at hospitals, support groups and bookstores regarding the book that I have written, which helps individuals deal with the stresses put on relationships as a result of life being interrupted by chronic illness or disability. We can use things like tape recorders and note pads to help us remember the things that we need to do when they are available.

I want to share a technique I use to help me remember things that I need to do. For example, let's say I/you are in bed, no not together, lol, but I/you are in bed and we remember a few things that we need to do in the morning. What I'll do is create a word or part of a word that will help me to remember all of the tasks that I need to do the following day. Remember, each year to remember one word than it is to remember several tasks. Here's an example, let's say I have to.....

pick up an ice cream birthday cake.... I

Go to the pharmacy...........................P

pick up an anniversary card................A

make doctors appointment ................D

I would create the word PAID

Or create the partial word DIAPer to help me remember what I need to do tomorrow.

PAID_____pharmacy, anniversary card, ice cream, doctors appointment

The technique won't help you write a book, but it will help with your to do list.

Be well and God bless,

Chris

                                                                  www.Lifeinterrupted-nolonger.com

Wishing you and your family the best. Yeah, this disease stinks, but if you can remind yourself to recognize the things with which we have been blessed even while we live  and deal with MS and it's uncertainties, like me I think most everyone will find that living with this disease on a daily basis is like playing a game. Each one of us with MS is playing the same game. Everyone's version of the game is the same but different.

The obstacles, rules and awards are always changing during the game. Obstacles can range from a plethora of visual impairments, numbness, weakness, paralysis, tremors and more. The rules though always changing are things like this afternoon you have to rest, you must avoid the mid-day heat and sun or maybe today you can only walk 25 feet before your right leg starts dragging. Then there are the awards. Yes, I said awards__humbly accept the days you wake up with abilities that were gone the day before. Yesterday my eyes were shaking___today they are not, yesterdaymy fingers were so fatigued I was unable to raise a glass of water to my lips___yet, today I was able to stretch and work out or you could lift your grandson from his crib. The most important thing is that you choose whether to play with a smile or a frown. Either way, the misery of MS will be there, but you don't have to add to the misery by being miserable. After all, if your bowl of soup is too hot you don't add boiling water to cool it off, do you? It's a game and it's one you can win.

Hello this is Chris Tatevosian, author, MS suffer and longtime member of Mandy's Maze. As most of us know already Mandy's Maze and MS Central are enlightening, informative and educational sites dealing with multiple sclerosis among other ailments. Mandy's Maze, designed and written by Mandy Crest who like myself has and deals with MS every day. The Maze has so much to offer to all individuals, not just those of us dealing with MS. Recently I read this article written by Mandy Crest following a recent interview on the Oprah show. I thought that I would add my two cents..... I have added my thoughts in italics to the following superbly written article by Mandy Crest. I hope that you enjoy and please let me know what you think via e-mail at duketate@aol.com or by visiting my web site and signing my guestbook.  www.Lifeinterrupted-nolonger.com

The Montel/Oprah M.S. Misfire, March 2009

March 2009 Mandy wrote:

admit it -- I don't watch Oprah. But so many people told me about Montel Williams' March 17 appearance on her show that I had to get my hands on a copy. I heard it was an extremely powerful piece about multiple sclerosis.

Immediately, I was startled by Montel's outpouring of raw emotion as he spoke of his MS progression. Repeatedly breaking down in tears, the former marine and all-around tough guy described his road to diagnosis, battle with depression, suicide attempt, and chronic pain. At times I completely forgot that I live with the same disease, so drawn in was I by his circumstances and

As an author and multiple sclerosis suffer who has lived with MS for more than 29 years now, I can truly understand as do most of us with MS , from where Montell's concerns, fears, anxiety and demons stem. It's simply the unpredictable, unexplainable course this disease will take during one's lifetime.

As I try to explain to readers in my book, Life Interrupted, It's Not All About Me, those of us suffering from MS, whether afflicted or acting as the caregiver for one who is afflicted with MS or any chronic illness for that matter the future is unpredictable. Especially when dealing with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. I tell readers, yes the disease is miserable, but it's your decision whether to go through the rest of your life smiling or crying and depressed. It's likely that we will always have the miserable disease whether we're smiling or crying and depressed, so how do you want to spend the rest of your days? It comes down to one of two choices? You can have your MS/chronic illness, basically your misery but you can have that misery and smile and try to make the best of it or you can have that misery and add your emotional misery to it.

Having written my self-help memoir dealing with this specific topic has afforded me the opportunity to slow down and examine my life. The obvious fact is, we have the choice to go through life dealing with whatever trials and tribulations we must with either a smile or a frown. Yes, we have an affliction, but that doesn't mean we should just sit back in a downward spiral plummeting into a state of deep depression that feeds on our own self-pity and feelings of worthlessness. As in my case, this only leads to the development of one's relationship destroying poor me attitude.

Mr. Williams suffers from depression, a side effect of MS and as Mandy states "That doesn't make him an unacceptable role model. It makes him a human being who, despite MS and serious depression, chooses not to hide.

I have chosen not to hide because of my MS. No, I made my life an open book hoping to show others in similar situations that life isn't over and that your.

He follows a strict regimen of vitamins (lots of them), Saying "I can't run anymore -- running is gone," he continues to work out every day in order to stay as strong and healthy as possible.

What really hit home for me was his description andf how his wife, Tara, "has the ability to get her arm under mine and make me look like I'm holding her and drag me to another place." Those of us with loving exercise, and healthy diet. He demonstrated his daily injection, a constant reminder of his condition. "Can't I just forget it one day?" "It" being a disease without an obvious cause or cure, and allowing for little control. "I'm tired of being sick." care partners understand what that's all about.

Hello it's Chris again. Here are my two cents. Having been there myself, I would have to say that Mr. Williams likely gets depressed in this situation as did I, because feelings of low self-esteem and self worth as his wife has to do more and more for him. This is difficult for a guy to accept. We're supposed to be the strong ones, the protectors, heroes and breadwinners, at least that's what we think. This is something we have to just get over, because one's frustration and anger takes a serious toll on one's relationship. I learned that lesson too late, but I'm a better spouse for it today. This is something Montel must quickly realize, otherwise he too could lose his wife.

There are dark moments, he says. African-American men, as a group, do not fare well with MS. At 52 years old, he considers the average life expectancy of an African-American male, and the slightly shortened lifespan of someone with MS, and sees his remaining years possibly numbering in the single digits.

Two more cents, smile: One must remember white, black, turquoise, what ever MS or not, any one of us could be gone tomorrow. Here's a quote from my book "worrying about the future, almost always insurers that the future for which one hopes never happens." More negative actions and feelings like depression, anger, worry and frustration takes a toll on relationships and over time can prove to be too much for one's spouse to bear.

"I could quit and say that's it. Stay in bed and not get up. Or I can get my butt up every single day, being a contributing member of society, and try to figure out how I deal with it", says Montell.

Asked his biggest fear when he wakes up in the morning he replies, "not being able to walk." Boy, can I relate.

My final wo cents: Initially the fear of losing the ability to walk is a daunting an haunting concern, but I have found the longer one lives with MS and the more knowledgeable one becomes about MS the more we find that losing the ability to walk while initially devastating does not rank highest on my list of most horrible symptoms of this disease. Every face of MS is unique. We may not have control over our physical losses, however we do have control over our emotional losses. MS can become emotionally crippling, don't you let it.

Why DID he say this... Why DIDN'T he say that...? I don't get it. We say it all the time here on Multiple Sclerosis Central. "My MS is not your MS." We understand a basic fact about MS -- that with all we have in common, no two cases are alike. Some people with MS barely register it as a blip on their radar screen; others face devastating disability; and the rest of us live in the million shades of gray in between. It's bad enough that we "look so good" that our symptoms are invisible to the outside world. For us to attack each other for how we appear in public is a mistake.uncontrollable crying is a (rare) symptom of MS. The man lives with chronic pain and depression. Are we really going to beat him up for admitting that? I would not expect him to feel positive all the time and certainly would not want him to fake it so that we can all feel better. I deeply resent it when other people presume to know my reality better than I do, or tell me how I should feel. And by the way,There is no one ideal public face to put on MS, no role model that will encompass all there is to this disease. Whether it's the healthiest looking person in the world or the bedridden nursing home patient -- each of us represents the face of MS. Because Montel Williams' MS does not resemble my MS does not mean one of us is wrong. Your face, my face, Montel's face -- aren't we all the face of MS?

Hi all,

I hope that everyone is having a good day. I recently received an e-mail that spoke to my hear inspiring me to start this discussion. Have you ever wondered if something you had done was from God? Most of you know that I have written a book and a good number of you have actually read it. Over the past year there have been many people who have referred to my project/book as a wonderful ministry. I usually just smile and say thanks, chalking such comments up to the fact that folks were being kind, perhaps being a little sympathetic and showing compassion towards me. We all know that's the true work of God. After all, I could never have imagined that something I had done, especially written could ever affect and touch, I mean really touch people's hearts. Then I received the e-mail below that touched my heart and made me think...

Blessings, Chris Tatevosian

Chris
"Sorry it has taken me so long to get back with you. I thought about saying that your book saved my marraige--but that isn't quite true. My husband and I have been married for 21 years and we love each other dearly. But what your book did was cause me to realise the impact my illness has on him. I cried as I read how you realized too late the impact your illness had on your wife.

I read your book while I was sick in bed dependent on my husband to give me medicine and remind me to eat and drink. I relaized how sweetly and gently he does that. I also relaized the way I reacted to him. After reading your book, Life Interrupted, It's Not All about Me, I saw so much of myself in the anger part of being sick. He always bore the brunt of my anger and frustration.

This last exacerbation of this illness that plauges me has been different because of you. Thank you for writing this book. Thank you for opening your heart--good, bad and ugly. The bad and ugly struck me and caused me to make a deliberate effort to love him with every glass of 7up, and with ever medication. I thanked him and hugged him with every meal he cooked and every load of laundry he did. God inspired you to write the book if not for many just for me. Thank you so much. I thank God for you and I have told others about your book. I have really been meaning to go to Living whole and write a blog about your book. I have been so sick I really havent felt like doing much writing. Use this message anyway you want to.

Your book caused me to step back and look at my ugly self and the way I was treating the one who loves me the most. He doesn't even know about the book. But, he loves the hugs and kisses."
Thanks again
Angela

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. Please feel free to visit and sign the guestbook on my web site:

www.Lifeinterrupted-nolonger.com

Thanks,

Chris

Hello and thank you for visiting my blog. How did you find me? I was wondering if you would be able to assist me in the process of marketing and promoting my book Life Interrupted, It's Not All About Me? As you know I have a web site, I'm just not getting the traffic. If my niche is those suffering with a chronic illness, their caregivers, family and friends how can I get my web site in front of their eyes?

The book has been a blessing to so many.  Not just those dealing with MS and their families, but I have received wonderful comments, rave reviews and countless thank you's from those suffering with fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic pain, RSD, chronic migraine headaches, arthritis, diabetes and autism. These are just some of the conditions that come to mind of those who have read my book and sent me a thank you for writing it..  If you haveig any ideas or suggestions that would help me to reach other's who might benefit by reading my book, please let me know.

This is my newly designed Book promotional banner I hope that it's not too much to ask, but I I would love it, truly appreciate it and forever be indebted to you___ OK, for a little while anyway, lol, if you would place my banner on your page, blog or web site. You can also find it online here is the link:

http://photobucket.webtechgurl.com/life-interrupted.gif .

********HTML CODE BELOW************

Thank you and God bless,
Chris

Hello everyone,

Sorry to have been incognito for so long, but my voice recognition software was out of order so to speak for the past three weeks. A technician from Easter Seals, a tremendous organization supporting the visually impaired, was able to pay me a visit and correct the problem this afternoon. God bless that dude, lol, but seriously if one depends on adaptive equipment to engage with co-workers, family and friends within the information freeway known as cyberspace the Easter Seals organization is a Godsend.

Anyway, I hope that you are doing well. I know that we are all over the United States, but if you are going to be in the Boston area this weekend, please join us and purchase an autographed copy of my book Life Interrupted, It's Not All About Me. They will be numerous disabled artists exhibiting their goods as well as representatives from various power and manual wheelchair companies willl be displaying their goods and answering any questions you may have.

The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation proudly presents

The Ms .Wheelchair Massachusetts 2009 Pageant and disAbility Expo

Sunday March 29th

Carson Place in the Bayside Expo Center Complex

180 Mt. Vernon Street Boston , MA 02125

disAbility Expo 10:30 am to 3:30pm

Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2009 Crowning Ceremony 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Highlights

   **Mobility Product Vendors

   ** Works of Artists with Disabilities

   ** Non-Profit Organizations

   ** General Vendors

   ** Meet Former Ms. Wheelchair America and

   ** Ms.  Wheelchair Massachusetts Titleholders

   ** Raffles and Door Prizes

Email: mswheelchairmass06@yahoo.com

Please use the North Entrance to the Bayside Expo Center Complex

At the parking attendant booth mention you are going to Carson Place and you will not be charged to park

Admission is Free!

Please visit the Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation Website at

www.mswheelchairmass.org for more information

Hello fellow MS'rs, friends and family,

Chris Tatevosian author of the book Life Interrupted, It's Not All About Me, here to share two articles I have written that have been published in MSFocus magazine. Besides being an awesome magazine, the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation's publication is produced to empower those affected by MS with the information necessary to make the most complete and educated decisions concerning their healthcare.

On occasion I have been blessed with the privilege of writing for MSFocus magazine. If you have the opportunity to read the magazine check out my article "Sometimes A Nap Is In Order" on p. 54 Of the Winter 2009 Issue. I would love to hear your thoughts on my experiences that made up my story. Have you had similar experiences? Do you have any suggestions to limit or reduced mishaps around the house? I would love to hear them, because it's all about helping one another navigate through this "journey" of MS, Chronic Pain, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, RSD, Diabetes and every other chronic illness out there.

I have also written an article entitled "The Gang's All Here" dealing with how MS affects families and relationships, which you may find interesting. "The Gang's All Here" was published in the Summer 2008 Issue of MSFfocus magazine on page 50.

MSFocus magazine is available free of charge to anyone who has MS or knows of someone who does. I have MS and you know me, therefore you can receive your free subscription of MSFocus magazine just by calling the 800-number below and requesting it.

Anne Marie Apollo-Noel
Publications Coordinator
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
(800) 225-6495
www.msfocus.org
"A Brighter Tomorrow"

I am so looking forward to your thoughts, feedback and suggestions. And, please visit my web site: www.Lifeinterrupted-nolonger.com

Thanks and God bless,
Chris