Grilled Cilantro Lime Garlic Shrimp.JPG
Grilled Cilantro Lime Garlic Shrimp.JPG 2008-02-03

Seasoned Skillet Baked French Fries.JPG
Seasoned Skillet Baked French Fries.JPG 2008-01-30

Chipotle Chicken Salad.JPG
Chipotle Chicken Salad.JPG 2007-07-28

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli.JPG
Grilled Chicken & Broccoli.JPG 2007-03-23

300 dpi _ Thai Chicken Pasta and Green Beans.jpg
300 dpi _ Thai Chicken Pasta and Green Beans.jpg 2007-04-28

300 dpi _ Rosemary Garlic Sauteed Asparagus with Pine Nuts.jpg
300 dpi _ Rosemary Garlic Sauteed Asparagus with Pine Nuts.jpg 2006-05-30

300 dpi _ Mint Garlic Veal Patties w Strawberry.jpg
300 dpi _ Mint Garlic Veal Patties w Strawberry.jpg 2007-04-15

300 dpi _ Grilled Rosemary Green Beans with Pine Nuts.jpg
300 dpi _ Grilled Rosemary Green Beans with Pine Nuts.jpg 2006-04-24

300 dpi _ Grilled Lemon Pepper Tuna.jpg
300 dpi _ Grilled Lemon Pepper Tuna.jpg 2006-04-28

300 dpi _ Dill Garlic Butter and Parmesean Cheese Filled Artisian Tomato Loaf.jpg
300 dpi _ Dill Garlic Butter and Parmesean Cheese Filled Artisian Tomato Loaf.jpg 2006-04-24

300 dpi _ Fish, Asparagus, Potatoes.jpg
300 dpi _ Fish, Asparagus, Potatoes.jpg 2007-05-22

300 dpi _ Broiled Balsamic Infused Creole Tomatoes Topped w Mozarella and Fresh Basil.jpg
300 dpi _ Broiled Balsamic Infused Creole Tomatoes Topped w Mozarella and Fresh Basil.jpg 2006-04-24

300 dpi _ Asparagus and Tomatoes Sauteed in Halenut Oil.jpg
300 dpi _ Asparagus and Tomatoes Sauteed in Halenut Oil.jpg 2007-04-03

300 dpi _ Broccoli Shrimp.jpg
300 dpi _ Broccoli Shrimp.jpg 2007-03-27

You too have MS?  A decade ago I thought this to be ‘impossible’. Today I fully understand the seriousness of this situation for one afflicted by the chronic illness Multiple Sclerosis [MS]. 

 

Impaired speech, mobility, vision, hearing, and sensory perception are ALL potential manifestations of an illness for which a cause has yet to be defined and a more important cure still does NOT exist [at least known to the general population].

 

To avoid an imposition of medical jargon, I suffer from a condition I liken to a short-circuited electrical system.  Outward appearance, I look “normal” [whatever this is considered].  Yes, I’ve graced over 15 Figure competition stages…including the national level stage en route to IFBB Pro Status.  Yes, ‘Dawn Melanie’ is the unlikely competitor.  She has been suffering with a chronic illness for 10 years and counting.   She’s been deaf… even blind, but continued to train for the next show.

 

The humility often delivered in the month of September has arrived again.  10 years ago, Sept, 10, 1998, I could not participate in my 3^rd MS-150 Bike Tour, a benefit bicycle ride to raise funds for a seeming deserving organization.  6 months later, after misdiagnoses, multiple MRIs and spinal taps, I was diagnosed with the same illness that I had worked to abolish. 

 

Sept. 2003, I was without hearing with my right ear.  SINCE Sept. 2005, I have not felt “SOFT” – my sensory signals register even the supplest of materials as rough, sandpaper like.  I CAN definitely report a room’s temperature when it drops below 71-degrees F. How? When contacted by cool air, my hands Hurt!!!  Sept. 2008 I am still dealing with a poor balance and walking issue.  I can NOT detect which plane I am on.  Walking is difficult and standing still is even more cumbersome.

 

So, today, September 10, 2008, I count my blessings.  I may never compete in a Figure Competition – especially as long as WALKING & quarter turns are mandatory.  But, I know that I have been and continue to be the best “Dawn Melanie”/ ‘DM’ that I could and can be. Why?

 

I’ve fallen off a NON-operating treadmill.   “Funnier” (subjective point of view) – I’ve fallen off a treadmill because I’ve fallen asleep whilst walking.  Go on – you can laugh. I certainly did.  *smile*   ~DM

Attachments:

Dawn Melanie COLLLLLAGE_CAPTIONED.jpg
Dawn Melanie COLLLLLAGE_CAPTIONED.jpg 2007-10-17

May 5, 2007_leg in brace.jpg
May 5, 2007_leg in brace.jpg 2007-05-05