Update on Chrsity

If you asked Christy “How are you doing?” she would simply answer, ” Pretty good, some days are worse than others. The heat is a killer!”

And for the most part, I would agree that is what I see.

The heat is a HUGE issue here in Arizona where 110-degree days are not uncommon and the summer seems to never end. Some days are worse than others, and those are the days that you will never hear a complaint from Christy unless you can read her face – like only a mother can.

The past year has been a mixture of blessing and concern. We are indeed blessed that Christy has had no major episodes with her MS!!! But the daily grind of the disease is evident. It’s like the hurricane has not come in, but the waves are constantly pounding at and eroding the shore.

We found an AWESOME neurologist this year thanks to our dear friend Mary Ann!! For that, we are so blessed. Our PA – Sabrena, who initially diagnosed this disease, continues to be an ongoing source of answers and support. With MS, you are never quite sure if what is going on with you is the MS or something else. Having her on our “TEAM” is an invaluable gift!

The once weekly shot that Christy takes – Avonex seems to be beginning to take its toll on her. For the last 4 or 5 weeks, the shot process and the “flu like” symptoms have really seemed to escalate. We are working towards a better solution for that.

Christy’s body aches more and more all the time. Right now she is dealing with a lot of pain in one of her feet. Is that the MS? Or is it something else? The aches, the pains, the cognitive issues, the fatigue...they are all just part of MS each and every day.

OK – enough about Christy! What about ME? HA!

I WANT TO FIND A CURE FOR MS!!!! In this year, we have had the opportunity to not only meet, but also really get to know and become friends with many others that have this devastating disease. A real awakening comes every 2 months in our “No Boys Allowed” evening. (Sponsored by the MS Society...I’m telling you...this group is amazing and GREAT!) Here we are in a room with 50 or more ladies all living with MS. Some of them walk unassisted, and a great many others are in wheelchairs. What a double-edged sword this night is for me. I LOVE the women! I LOVE their courage! I LOVE their humor! The camaraderie and the friendship are priceless. I HATE MS. I hate seeing the probable future for my daughter in the hearts, eyes, souls, and wheelchairs of these women.

I am in a race! I am in a race to do everything I can to help MS be cured before it can take my daughter to that point. Research is the key – and there is lots of it going on thanks so much to so many of YOU who donate you time, prayers, and money to the MS Society.

I watched Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain come together last night as they spoke about National Service. What I heard last night was that through sharing, caring, and work, much could be accomplished.

The MS Society is all about that. Their service to us this year has educated and brightened our lives in so many ways. Many others share in this blessing.

Thanks for taking the time to read an update about Christy. Thanks for caring. Thanks to all of you for being there for us!!!

Lots of Love!!!

Bob and Deanna Baranowsky

The MS Society gifted Christy with box seat tickets to the Diamondbacks game that had been donated to them. The gift was a thank you for all of her work and dedication to her team Christy’s Mission Squad and the Walk on the Wildside.

Christy became an Aunt for the first time September 6th, 2008!
That makes Bob and Deanna Grandparents!
Welcome to Anthony Baranowsky
And Congratulations to Eric and Jennifer!