Amanda Donnell

A curated collection of tools, organizations, and supports that have shaped my MS journey. These resources help you learn, connect, advocate, and navigate life with MS at any stage of your journey.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Reliable, science‑based information about MS symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

1. National MS Society (NMSS)
   • https://www.nationalmssociety.org/
     • I turn to NMSS for precise, practical MS information on symptoms, diagnosis, and the latest research.
2. Rocky Mountain MS Center
   • https://mscenter.org/
     • I rely on their MS Education Summits and InforMS magazine for practical, research‑driven guidance on navigating life with MS.
3. Atrium Health Multiple Sclerosis & Autoimmune Neurology Center
   • Atrium Health MS & ANC
     • This is where I get the majority of my MS care and treatment, and my care team has been exceptional. Over the years, they’ve also hosted a variety of patient wellness and education events that have been incredibly valuable.

Support, Community & Connection

Places to find people who understand the journey.

1. MS Walk
   • https://events.nationalmssociety.org/pages/1989
     • Find a walk near you to participate or volunteer. I joined my first walk in 2024 in Charlotte, NC. This year I plan to participate in a different city. If walking isn’t your best choice, choose an event that supports how you move through the world. Events include Bike MS, MS Climb to the Top, Stream to End MS, Finish MS, Challenge Walk MS, and DIY Fundraising MS. Scroll to the bottom of the MS Walk page for these options.
2. Patient Wellness Education Series
   • https://atriumhealth.org/events/patient-wellness-education-series
     • Three months after my diagnosis I attended a free in‑person MS event at Atrium Hospital in Charlotte, NC. My best friend joined me for support. We heard stories from other MS patients. We also connected with other MS patients and members of my care team. I encourage attending at least one in‑person event to feel supported and see how different every journey can be.
     • This wellness series supports those local to Charlotte, NC, so find a similar event or resource near you.
3. Can Do Multiple Sclerosis
   • https://cando-ms.org/
     • I learned about this organization at my neurologist appointment in February 2026. I asked my neurologist about MS‑focused companies or organizations with employment opportunities. I discovered their programs let you learn from MS experts, join workshops, and get personalized guidance. For those who can’t attend in person, virtual programs offer the same support.

Advocacy, Research & Support Group

Tools to help you raise your voice and support meaningful change.

1. National MS Society Advocacy Center
   • https://www.nationalmssociety.org/how-you-can-help/get-involved/advocate
     • Join the MS Activist Network with me and raise your voice for change.
     • Sign up for research studies and help move MS science ahead.
2. Virtual MS Support Group
   • Hosted by Brenda Solís | yogabybrendasolis@gmail.com
     • Monthly Gatherings
     • Last Friday of the month at 4pm ET

Books & Podcasts

Education, inspiration, and stories from others living with MS.

1. Beat Autoimmune The 6 Keys to Reverse Your Condition and Reclaim Your Health by Pamela Kippola
   • [My MS Journey Spotlight] I credit this book for helping me understand gut health and how food choices influence overall wellness. I noticed real changes within six months. This book sparked real momentum in November 2023 and pushed me to actively shape my MS journey through its habits.
2. Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up by Selma Blair
   • [My MS Journey Spotlight] I wanted a raw, honest account from someone whose career I recognized. I wanted to know her MS journey. She delivered just that and has remained a visible advocate in the community. I’m also looking forward to watching her documentary.
3. And So It Is by Jamie Lynn Sigler
   • [My MS Journey Spotlight] – Coming Soon
4. You With the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate
   • [My MS Journey Spotlight] – Christina’s story adds another voice to a community that needs every voice it can get.
5. The MeSsy Podcast with Christina Applegate & Jamie Lynn Sigler
   • https://www.messythepodcast.com/
   • [My MS Journey Spotlight] With over 100 hour plus long episodes if you are not already listening there is a lot of consumable content to unpack. This great pairing will keep you entertained during each episode while also delivering their unfiltered real life struggles with MS.

Recommended Reading That Supported My MS Journey

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
   • [Book Spotlight] How small habits supported my healing after my MS diagnosis.
     • This book helped me recognize several habits that worked against my health. Removing Candy Crush and Solitaire from my phone is the single greatest change I made. Clearing those apps freed hours each day and gave me space to build healthier routines.
2. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
   • This book and its series shaped my financial mindset more than anything else. With my MS diagnosis creating uncertainty, I used its lessons to rethink how I lived. These ideas helped me afford organic food, supplements, toxin‑free products, and safer cookware. They also guided my move from a three‑story townhouse to a one‑level condo to support my long‑term health.
3. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
   • Before my diagnosis, I wasn’t a hoarder, but I definitely accumulated more than I needed. This book helped me understand what truly matters. If something wasn’t an immediate yes, I learned to treat it as a no. That mindset proved invaluable when I downsized to a home half the size of my previous one.
4. The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lecioni
   • A former colleague recommended this book during a workshop, and I quickly realized it would shape my future work habits. It helped me understand how I operate and how my colleagues work. Patrick Lencioni’s other books also influenced my leadership style because his fables make the lessons easy to understand and apply.
5. Twelve And A Half: Leveraging the Emotional Ingredients Necessary for Business Success by Gary Vaynerchuk
   • [Book Spotlight] Gary’s videos continued showing up in my social media feeds, and his messages resonated with me. When I found his book in a local bookstore, buying it was a no-brainer. I later discovered he wrote several other books, and one of them inspired the first blog post on this website.

Emergency or Immediate Support

If you’re in crisis or need immediate support, reach out to someone you trust or contact local emergency services.