Alternatively you can select an individual speaker by clicking the corresponding buttons below.
Speakers
The Role of Patient Groups
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Peter Kauffeldt Chief Executive, Danish MS Society, Copenhagen, Denmark |
Mastering Relationships with Family and Friends
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Denise Knowles Relationship Counselor |
My Story
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Betina Olesen Scandinavian with MS |
My Story
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Karl F. Gross, M.D. Austro-American Neurologist with MS |
Mastering Impact on Careers
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Lisbeth Fruensgaard Career Coach |
The Importance of Nurse Support
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Soraya Mekelleche MS Nurse |
The Key to Mastering MS
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PD Dr. Karl Baum Chief of Staff, Neurological Clinic MS Centre, Hennigsdorf Hospital, Hennigsdorf, Germany |
Video
Biography
Betina Olesen
Current age: 38
Hometown: Esbjerg, Denmark
Diagnosed: Age 30
"Looking back I would not change anything. I have proven to others, and most of all myself, that I can have a full-time job and extra activities like the Girl Scout Troop, and still have time for family and friends."
Betina of Denmark knows that life doesn’t have to stop or be put on hold just because she has multiple sclerosis (MS). Since her diagnosis eight years ago at age 30, she continues to have a fulfilling career and active social life. “I am convinced that my stubborn personality has gotten me where I am today. It has been rough - a lot of hard work, sweat and tears - but it has been worth it.”
School was a number-one priority for Betina, who was studying to become Certified Nurses Assistant (CSA) when she suddenly began losing her sight. For more than a month, she could only make out silhouettes.
When she was diagnosed with MS, the first image that flashed through Betina’s mind was a future in a wheelchair. She didn’t know much about MS except that she had heard of people who became severely disabled. “I was sure my future would turn out just like that.”
In spite of the fact that she was able to see less and less each day, she still attended her classes daily. “Just because I couldn’t see didn’t mean I couldn’t take part in lessons. I could hear fine. I refused to give up.”
Betina started treatment immediately and continued to focus all of her energy on completing the CSA program and finding a job. “My work became my first priority; I was determined to make it work. I put everything else on hold for a long time to have the strength to fulfill my career goals.”
Telling family about her diagnosis was easy for Betina, who knew it wouldn’t affect her closest relationships. But she was initially hesitant to talk to her colleagues about her MS. When she was applying for jobs, she decided not to bring it up in the interviews. “I was afraid people would pay more attention to me having MS than to me as a person, and not hire me.”
Some of these concerns were validated. She sometimes found that her coworkers acted more distant, or accused her of being unable to handle her job even when her performance was not affected. “Some claimed I was a burden and could not do my job. My responsibilities never changed. I wasn’t asking for any special treatment, and certainly didn’t want that either.”
Since September 2007, Betina has been working at a hospital and she says it’s the best thing she’s done in a long time. “Here, I’m accepted as who I am. When I applied for the job, I told them I had MS. Fortunately for me, it was no problem for them. I proved long ago that I can easily manage a full-time job on the same terms as everyone else.”
Outside of work, Betina still has energy left over for the fun activities she did before she was diagnosed, such as participating in an adult Girl Scout Troup, going to concerts and spending time with family and friends. She is very grateful that she started treatment immediately because she knows it has probably played a role in keeping her healthy and active. Her last attack was in 2003, and since then her eyesight has recovered 100 percent. “The medication helps me feel secure. I’m just glad that there are treatments available to me.”
In addition to the support of her family, Betina has received extra help from an MS nurse who she connected with after her fist attack. “She has helped me through a lot of problems that came my way. She always has the time to talk, listen and be empathetic. She gives me comfort, and I can always call her if I have questions or concerns. All of this has given me the strength and courage to fight and reach my goals.”