Author inspires people living with MS

Nov 19 2008 by Charlie Rowney, Wishaw Press

A CARLUKE woman who suffers from MS has persuaded a Canadian author to travel to Scotland to talk about the disease.

Francesca Coia (52), was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1994 and spent many years feeling depressed and in the dark about her condition.

But when she read about Eva Marsh – who had been diagnosed with MS when she was eight years old – and read her book, she says she felt positive for the first time since her own doctors had diagnosed the neurological condition.

Francesca explained: “I read a magazine called Pathways and about four years ago I read about Eva’s book.

“I got a copy and after reading it, I felt positive for the first time.

“No two people are the same, there are so many different symptoms of MS, so it’s difficult to get any answers.

“There’s no cure for MS and when you are diagnosed, it’s just as if you’re to accept it’s going to get worse.”

But Eva’s self-help guide Black Patent Shoes: Dancing with MS, demonstrated the Ontario woman’s determination to not let MS destroy her life.

Francesca decided to contact Eva through her website and over the past year, has built a close friendship with her.

MS affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord causing problems with muscle control, vision and balance.

It can also affect moods and emotions and because symptoms differ between individuals and can change on a daily basis.

In fact, the medical profession do not know what causes MS or how to cure it.

Eva, who arrives from Canada today, is going to be talking about her experiences and what she has done over the years to help relieve the symptoms of MS during a series of free seminars.

The first will takes place from 2pm on Sunday, November 23, at St Athanasius Church Community Hall, Carluke, while a second free session will take place on December 2 at Essential Health Clinic, Mitchell Arcade, Rutherglen, from 2pm.

Anyone who wishes to attend the seminars should contact Francesca on (01555) 771 275.