His Personal Success Managing Multiple Sclerosis (NAPSA)—Multi-platinum don’t have any physical effects or recording artist Clay Walkeris a visual effects from multiple sclero- share publicly his nine-year journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) more confident because since I’ve started my daily injection, I busy man! For the third straight year, Walker is hitting the road to sis, I’m still worried something may have happened. However, every year I go in I get more and and provide his unique message of hope and inspiration with thousands of others across the country living with the disease. His Sharing Solutions for MS patient program series begins in the spring. He will make numerous stops around the nation, where he will speak at MS patient programs, participate in fund-raisers for MS research, and appear at other MS- related functions. Walker was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in 1996. In 2003, when he learned that only half of those living with MS are taking advantage of treatment, he decided to step off the sidelines and reveal his journey with MS and help people take a pro-active stance against this disease. Since going public, Walker’s two goals have been to raise money for research to find a cure for MS and to raise awareness of the importanceof therapy in managing the disease. Although people respond differently to thera- pies, since beginning a daily injection almost five years ago, Walker has been in remission. “When I was first diagnosed with MS and looking for therapy options, I read a story in the newspaper about a man who was taking a daily injection and wasin remission,” Walker said. “That story was so inspiring I asked my neurologist about it at my next its most prestigious award— Ambassador of the Year—for his work in educating people about the importance of taking an active role in managing their MS. In addition, the NMSS again recognized Walker in 2005, naming him Honorary Ambassador for this year’s MS Cycling Series. “T kept my battle with MS pri- vate for more than seven years,” Walker said. “It was very difficult to stand up and talk to others about it. Now this is something I feel like I was chosen to do; it’s big- ger than me. I wantto inspire others with MS to take an active role in treating the disease because the worst thing they can do is nothing. My hope is other people will become empowered like I did, edu- training coursesin theircity. “T still have my physical abilities,” Walker said. “Being able to ride for the cause, being able to play golf for the cause, being able to sing for the cause—everything that I am now is aboutfinding a cure for MS, raising awareness of the benefits of treatment and, along the way, making sure people out there know that just because you have MS doesn’t mean you have to give up your dreams.” In 2003, Walker successfully given two research grants to the patient program to take ownership and take that first step, then it’s been worthit.” Walker was also recently honored by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), which cre- ated a clinical research fellow- ship in neurology in his name. That fellowship will be officially efficacy and safety. It has been allowed him to lead an active life announced at the AAN Annual The success of Walker’s treat- ment and lifestyle changes has studied for 12 years, and I just learned the study will be extended to 15 years. It is important to and continue chasing his dreams. National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), which presented him help of local cycling clubs that assist in mapping out the best convince even one person at every chose my therapy because of its was recognized in 2003 by the concert tour, often enlisting the launched his not-for-profit Band Against MS™ Foundation. able therapies, and choose the one which is right for them. If I can Meeting in Miamithis April. work with a doctor to find the help prepare, Walker and his band have been training across the country at various stops on their cate themselves about all the avail- visit. I hope my story will inspire others who are in the decisionmaking process. Ultimately, I right therapy.” Walker’s emerging status as a leader within the MS community haven’t had one attack, not one. That’s a big deal, and my MRI actually improved last year.” Cycling has become a recent passion for Walker, and he and several of his band members have committed to participate in select MS150 bike rides this year. To He gains confidence in his health with each new visit to his neurol- Since then, the Foundation has University of Texas Medical School in Houston. Walker’s Foun- dation plans to present a grant to a leading medical institution each yearto be used for research into a cure for MS. “I feel fortunate that I've been able to manage my MS and continue doing the things I love,” Walker said. “I owe this to the research which developed the drug therapy I take every day and the diet andlifestyle changes Ive made. Through the Sharing Solutions for MS program ogist, continues to live each day series, I want to not only raise awareness, but also reassure people with MS their dreamscanstill until later,” Walker said. “So when I go in and get an MRI, even if I call Shared Solutions at 1-800887-8100. This is a free service for anyoneaffected by MS. to the fullest and enjoys many hobbies. “Sometimes the damage is going on and you don’t notice it cometrue.” For more information aboutliving with MS and drug therapy,
