Guest Blogger: Kristie Salerno Kent, Author of Dreams: My Journey with Multiple Sclerosis

At seven years old I absolutely knew what I wanted to do with my life: become a performer and maybe head for Broadway! A basement renovation in our home provided enough open space for my first stage, and I loved performing for my family. I’d sing at the top of my lungs and dance my heart out.

When I was 18, I entered Syracuse University’s musical theatre program with my dream of Broadway still in sight. But when I took classes in ballet and modern dance my coordination was not as strong and precise as it needed to be, and I could not figure out why. At times my head felt clouded, almost like it was filled with cotton. Even though agencies in New York were giving me a chance to audition, I was physically unable to perform.

I eventually put my Broadway dreams on hold and moved to Atlanta with my high school sweetheart, Michael. Soon after he proposed, and we started to plan for our wedding and our life together as a married couple. That’s when I noticed that my legs were becoming numb and I was experiencing a pins-and-needles sensation in my feet. I had heard people talk about getting cold feet before marriage, but they didn’t mean literally, did they? I went to see the doctor and an MRI test confirmed I was living with multiple sclerosis (MS). I was overwhelmed with feelings of fear, panic and denial. How was I going to get through this?

In spite of my diagnosis, I kept trying to pretend everything was “normal.” I was such a good actress that even Michael, the person closest to me, rarely noticed my efforts to hide problems with my walking and coordination. I didn’t talk to anyone about my symptoms because they were too difficult to explain. But with this news I thought my dreams of performing were over forever.

A few years later, I had an unexpected opportunity to perform with a local band. The lyrics talked about doing what makes you happy, and following your dreams no matter how many challenges you face. I fought my fears and sang like I had nothing to lose, and the feeling was amazing. It was the push I needed to re-ignite my passion for music. I went on to record my first album, “Believe.” I also wrote and directed a short film, “The Show Must Go On,” to help others understand what it is like to live with MS.

I found that when my heart was opened once again by my love for music, it freed my mind as well. I was less afraid – and more focused on what I could do. I realized that denial was holding me back and decided to educate myself about MS. I saw how much I could still accomplish. Instead of avoiding my doctor, I started to listen to him about treatment options that could help me protect my health. I also got more involved with MS organizations. Most importantly, I found the confidence to conquer my biggest dream of all: becoming a mom. Michael and I now have a son, Kingston, and a daughter, Giabella.

I wrote “Dreams: My Journey with Multiple Sclerosis” to encourage people living with this disease to use their passion to overcome denial and help others understand the impact of MS. I hope that this story will help others on their journey with MS. Download a free copy today for you or someone you know who needs help getting started on their dreams at www.DreamsTheEbook.com.

Interview with Kristie Salerno Kent, Author of Dreams: My Journey with Multiple Sclerosis

Kristie Salerno Kent, a multiple sclerosis patient advocate, singer and songwriter, award-winning filmmaker and mother of two has just released her first book, “Dreams: My Journey with Multiple Sclerosis.” A free download is available at www.DreamsTheEbook.com. Kristie is a paid spokesperson for Acorda Therapeutics®, Inc.

Where did you grow up?

Upstate New York

What is this book about?

The book is about my experience with multiple sclerosis (MS), and specifically how my denial affected my health and my plans for the future. From the time my symptoms first started appearing, I was in denial, pretending that everything was fine. Even after my diagnosis I did not take many important steps to protect my health. Instead, I put my dream of being a performer on hold. I was also not sure I could handle the responsibilities of being a mom since I had trouble walking. By reconnecting with my passion for music, I was able to overcome my fear and go on to get the help and support I needed. I found a way to keep my dreams alive. I wrote the book to encourage more people with MS to continue to follow their passions – whatever they may be. You might have to modify your dreams with MS, but you don’t have to give them up!

What inspired you to write it?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable condition. As a result, many people believe they need to stop doing the things they love to accommodate MS. In my case, symptoms including fatigue and walking problems stopped me from performing – a dream I had since I was a young girl. It also made me feel like I might not be able to handle the challenges of being a mother, including keeping up with my children. I wrote this book to show people that you can continue to dream even with MS, and that following your dreams can give you the inspiration you need to fight back against MS.

If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?

At the beginning I let MS change my entire way of living. For instance, I had trouble walking so I started to avoid going to certain social events. My symptoms also caused me to stop auditioning and performing. I didn’t want to see the doctor or take medication, because that would mean admitting my MS was real. I had to overcome fear and denial and talk about my MS symptoms. Once I started talking, I learned about how to manage my MS better. I found a way to continue to perform. I went on to record an album with songs to motivate others who may be facing health challenges. I also have been blessed with two wonderful children. And I became a stronger advocate for my own treatment. MS still challenges me, but I’ve learned to control my health and fight back so that I can continue to pursue many of the dreams that are important to me.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

www.dreamstheebook.com

What is up next for you?

I’m very happy to be spending a lot of time with my family and also singing and working as a patient advocate in MS. Of course I am aware of my MS and make sure that I don’t overdo it. But I have found a way to pursue my passions and do what I love to do, and I am also enjoying the opportunity to motivate others. I’ll be spending the next few months travelling to different MS-focused events to sign copies of my book and share my story.