I spent 20 minutes of my weekend doing something new. I participated in my first MS research study as a new way to get involved, and encourage others to do the same. My MS Resources page offers a link for anyone who wants to raise their voice and support meaningful change by participating in research studies. I used that link and am proud of myself for taking action when the right opportunity came along.
Learning About the Study
The online study comes from Dr. Malachy Bishop at the University of Wisconsin Madison. His team studies how people with MS make career decisions. They want to understand what resources are valuable for people with MS to make informed choices. They also want to learn how different work situations shape the information people need. Finally, they want to explore the factors people consider when they make career decisions.
Why I Chose to Participate
I joined the study because my diagnosis raised many questions about my future career and ability to work. At the time, I did not know what work would look like for me in the days, weeks and months ahead. I kept moving forward, but I wish I had more guidance during that time. Now, I want to help others who face similar uncertainty. I figure my experience could help someone else feel less lost. I also liked the idea of contributing to research without needing a lab coat!
What Participation Means
My participation will not help me directly. It may help others in the future. The study focuses on career resource and informational needs of people living with MS and the factors considered when making career decisions. I know how confusing that stage can feel, and want to support research that brings clarity to that process. I also want to show that people with MS can shape the future we live in.
Why This Matters
Research moves forward when people participate. I am proud to be part of something that supports the MS community. I hope more people with MS consider joining studies that match their interests. Every voice adds value. Every story helps researchers understand our needs.
My MS Journey Series
- Homepage: My MS Journey
- Post #1: How My Grandma’s Legendary Fall Shaped My MS Mindset
- Post #2: Choosing MS Treatment with Humor and Panic
- Post #3: How My MS Symptoms Finally Forced Me to Listen
- Post #5: Why I Spoke Up About NIH Funding
- Post #6: Feeling Like an Inflatable Tube Man at the Grocery Store
- Post #7: My First MRI Update Since Diagnosis: A Surprising Step Forward
- Post #8: Beat Autoimmune: The Six Lifestyle Keys That Changed My MS Journey
- Post #9: My First Ocrevus Infusion and the Three-Year Price Roller Coaster
- Post #10: Sixth Ocrevus Infusion, New Routines, and an Unexpected Family Emergency
- Post #11: The Mono Chapter I Never Expected to Matter
- Post #12: Mean Baby by Selma Blair
- Post #13: The Night I Went Searching for Answers at an MS Patient Event
- Post #14: Discovering the MeSsy Podcast and the Stories That Shape Us
- Post #15: You With The Sad Eyes A Memoir by Christina Applegate
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