2008 Woodie Awards
The Sacred Hearts for Hope
Courtney Kolhoff
Issue date: 3/2/06 Section: News
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Imagine living your life each day not knowing if, at any given moment, it is going to take a turn for the worst. People dealing with Multiple Sclerosis do not have to imagine, this is their reality.
Multiple Sclerosis, more commonly known as MS, is a disease that affects people anytime between the ages of 20 and 50, when it attacks the central nervous system, ultimately affecting the brain and spinal cord.
It is a disease with a range of side effects that include fatigue, problems with vision, depression, and the ability to walk. In spite of all this, many people who battle MS may still look like they have no disease at all, making it difficult in telling who is dealing with the disease and who is not.
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, one person every hour is diagnosed with MS. One of these victims is our own Assistant Head Athletic Trainer, Leo Katsetos, who has been battling the disease since he was 27 years old.
"I was told by doctors that they aren't sure exactly why or how MS is caused and that it affects everyone differently," said Katsetos, Chincoteague Island, VA.
"Symptoms come without warning or pattern. Whether its loss of vision, difficulty walking, depression, fatigue, just to name a few common symptoms, no one can predict how it will affect me."
While some people battling MS tend to go into depression and feel sorry for themselves, Katsetos has decided to do the exact opposite. As the national spokesperson for the MS Society this year, he is very passionate about finding a cure for the disease and getting people involved in raising money and supporting the cause.
"I have decided not to sit around and feel sorry for myself. Instead I want to make a difference!" exclaimed Katsetos. "It is amazing how getting diagnosed with something like this puts life in perspective."
Each year the National Multiple Sclerosis Society puts together a walk where anyone who is affected by MS, or who just wants to help out, can volunteer or walk a two or five mile course to support the victims of MS. At the walk you have the choice of walking individually or as a team, and donations are accepted, but are not necessary.
Multiple Sclerosis, more commonly known as MS, is a disease that affects people anytime between the ages of 20 and 50, when it attacks the central nervous system, ultimately affecting the brain and spinal cord.
It is a disease with a range of side effects that include fatigue, problems with vision, depression, and the ability to walk. In spite of all this, many people who battle MS may still look like they have no disease at all, making it difficult in telling who is dealing with the disease and who is not.
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, one person every hour is diagnosed with MS. One of these victims is our own Assistant Head Athletic Trainer, Leo Katsetos, who has been battling the disease since he was 27 years old.
"I was told by doctors that they aren't sure exactly why or how MS is caused and that it affects everyone differently," said Katsetos, Chincoteague Island, VA.
"Symptoms come without warning or pattern. Whether its loss of vision, difficulty walking, depression, fatigue, just to name a few common symptoms, no one can predict how it will affect me."
While some people battling MS tend to go into depression and feel sorry for themselves, Katsetos has decided to do the exact opposite. As the national spokesperson for the MS Society this year, he is very passionate about finding a cure for the disease and getting people involved in raising money and supporting the cause.
"I have decided not to sit around and feel sorry for myself. Instead I want to make a difference!" exclaimed Katsetos. "It is amazing how getting diagnosed with something like this puts life in perspective."
Each year the National Multiple Sclerosis Society puts together a walk where anyone who is affected by MS, or who just wants to help out, can volunteer or walk a two or five mile course to support the victims of MS. At the walk you have the choice of walking individually or as a team, and donations are accepted, but are not necessary.