Article February 20, 2006 Issue

THE WAKE-UP CALL TO HEALING

BY JANE STARRETT

IN CONNECTION WITH a promotion I was given more than 15 years ago, my employer required me to take a physical examination with their doctor. I endeavored to answer the physician's questions honestly, and some of my answers led him to perform additional tests, including an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). He subsequently diagnosed me as having multiple sclerosis, explaining that little was known as to the cause of this disease and that the medical community knew of no cure or effective treatment.

After discussions with my employer, additional consultations were scheduled with neurologists and a psychologist, with the goal of helping me learn to cope with what the doctors expected to be a lifelong difficulty, culminating in reduced energy, impaired movement, and eventually complete immobility. My employer was especially concerned that the stress of working long hours in a very demanding position would exacerbate the condition, and he was considering whether I should be put on long-term disability.

All of this was overwhelming to me, and I became very fearful about my future and that of my son, who was in preschool at the time. I was a single parent, and I was especially concerned about being able to provide for his needs in light of this diagnosis. I had been raised in a household that relied on God and the practice of Christian Science to resolve challenges to health, but fear seemed to paralyze my ability to trust God for help. I felt the most responsible course of action was to put myself in the care of the neurologists and psychologist so that I could hope to provide a good home for my child for the years to come.