Stephanie Buxhoeveden MSCN, MSN, FNP-BC is a nurse practitioner at Neurology Associates of Fredricksburg and is exactly the type of individual needed to usher in a new generation of representation for people living with multiple sclerosis.
In the past 10 years so much has been learned about MS that it is literally staggering. New treatments continue to come forth with more in the research pipeline. Diet, exercise, assistive devices, cognitive and symptoms management tools are coming forward like never before.
As a progressive relapsing MS patient myself, I realize that many of us in middle age and upper age have experienced significant disability but MS has not relented. People in their 20’s and 30’s also live with MS and there is a serious lacking of representation as leaders in the patient community.
Why is this important?
You have probably heard clinical professionals say, “MS is not the disease it was 20 years ago.”
MS is the same disease it was 20 years ago but due to medications, research and knowledge outcomes for patients have changed significantly and that matters for all of us. Those of us with children fear the day we may here our children are diagnosed with MS.
The world of MS has changed and real gains have been made and continue to be made. The global patient community has to consider who should represent the patients and families living with MS.
Which would you rather have representing your interests or those of your children?
Would you prefer me, a 40 something with no clinical training or would you prefer a trained clinical professionals that live with the disease each and every day?
The synergy between the patient community, clinical and research professionals for years has been systematically destroyed by empty media promises of cures, poorly designed research, tools unable to accurately reach conclusions and more. That’s all changed and you can see this not only in research but the medications and MS management now available to so many people.
Now is the time for change, clinical professionals who live with MS are that synergy that is needed to represent the patient community as they possess the academic knowledge to truly do so!
If you know clinical professionals living with multiple sclerosis I encourage you to encourage them to become activated for the sake of all of us and our families.
Stephanie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the age of 25. She was in graduate school and working as a neurosurgical ICU nurse at the time, and shortly after her diagnosis she realized she could use her experiences as a patient to have a positive impact on the MS community. She now works as a nurse practitioner and specializes in the care of people living with MS and other complex neurological conditions.
Buxhoeveden also writes for several publications and is involved with organizations including iConquerMS, the National MS Society, and Can Do MS. As an MS activist and District Activist Leader, she works tirelessly to increase MS awareness, lobby for research funding, and advocate for important legislation at the State and national levels. She earned her certification as an MS Certified Nurse and graduated summa cum laude with her master’s degree in the science of nursing from Rutgers University.
Stop by and say “Hi” to Stephanie, she is very deserving of your support.
You can find her on Facebook, just click here.
