nani
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| Tue Aug 21, 2007 6:43 pm About Terri Garr struggle with MS |
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Teri Garr: Role model
Teri Garr has a new mission as an MS LifeLines™ Ambassador: “I will change the way people think about MS.”
Many of us probably have a favourite Teri Garr movie or scene — one that always makes us laugh or smile. This Academy Award®-nominated actress has touched us for years through her many memorable roles, lighting up the screen with her warmth, charm, and quirky humor. Whether she was playing the skeptical and neurotic wife of Richard Dreyfus in Close Encounters of the Third Kind or delivering her scene-stealing performance in Young Frankenstein, Teri has been making us laugh for a long time. And most recently, she has made millions laugh as Phoebe’s mom on Friends.
Now Teri has taken on a new role and it may just be the most important and challenging role of her life. As always, Teri’s warmth, charm, and humour are making an impact. Teri is on the road in the United States as an MS LifeLines™ Ambassador, speaking to people living with MS. She speaks to them from experience. Teri has MS. The MS LifeLines™ Ambassador Program, a U.S. educational support service for people living with MS and their families, is sponsored by Serono Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
Coming out
The world first learned of her diagnosis during an interview with Larry King on CNN two years ago. Teri’s good spirits and humour in the face of this disease were remarkable yet surprising. Many expected Teri to handle herself differently.
“Some people were very critical of my attitude on Larry King. It feels like they want me to throw my head against the wall and cry for help. Wouldn’t that be a bit of a bloody mess?” It is that same attitude which has motivated many people with MS to keep fighting.
Teri never plays the victim unless the role calls for it. Being an MS LifeLines™ Ambassador definitely does not. “A victim is not who I am. It’s almost like if you don’t cry and complain, then people think that you aren’t sick. With MS, I am just dealing with the cards I am dealt, and just like Kenny Rogers said, ‘you gotta know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em.’”
How does she stay so positive? Keeping active has a lot to do with it. “So I have a diagnosis of MS. Okay. So now what? Well, I’ve got a lot of stuff to do!” she says. That “stuff to do” seems to be what keeps her going — and going and going.
To know or not to know
For years, Teri’s MS went undiagnosed. Her symptoms would come and go for long periods of time. Various health care professionals had different diagnoses. Finally, a diagnosis of MS was confirmed. Teri says she then went into her first method of treatment: Denial! For her, and many other newly diagnosed, the term “MS” was actually scarier than the condition. But knowing that it is MS has been a good thing.
“Now I’m so aware of every little twinge and every little thing. But on the other hand, it’s better that I know. Because now I can treat it. I don’t have to just freak out about my body going cuckoo.”
Use it or lose it
“If you don’t use it, you lose it.” This is Teri’s philosophy for herself and others living with MS. Her usual workout routine is Pilates®.
“I think for people with MS, it’s got to be slow and strong. So for me, Pilates® is great. You use the muscles you don’t think about using.”
Aside from staying physically active, Teri has other tips to share:
Find out more about your treatment options
“The more you know, the better decisions you can make for yourself.”
Start treatment as soon as you are diagnosed
“The best thing is to see a health care professional and get treated rightaway. Being treated early is key.”
Stay positive
“Keep a good attitude!” For Teri, it was the hardest thing to do, but the most important.
In her new role as an MS LifeLines™ Ambassador, helping people with MS stay positive has become her mission.
Laughter: the second best medicine
People in the MS community are turning out in record numbers to hear her story. While she definitely makes the crowd laugh, she also makes a special connection with them. She is not just a celebrity anymore. She is a person living with MS. Just like them. She is facing the same daily challenges and hoping that a cure is discovered soon. Ready to battle against MS.
Recently, at a gathering of MS medical professionals, she said, “I’m so glad to be talking to people where being on a drug is a good thing!” Teri continues, “People just want to hear your perspective as a patient, and a little humour never hurts.”
Teri never glamourizes her life to inspire others. When she tells her story, you can tell she is letting the audience in on her own personal struggle with MS. And she always takes time to speak with everyone. She does not just fly out the door after her speech. She talks and listens. She has inspired many people living with MS to take a look at their own lives and makes changes for the better.
One door closes, another one opens
It might sound like a cliché, but not for Teri. What is next for her? Teri has played many roles. Dancer. Actress. Mother. Now an MS LifeLines™ Ambassador. What is ahead? Author.
“I want to write novels. I want to write my story, too.”
She and a friend are writing a two-character play about MS. A whole new world of writing has opened up for her. But Teri thinks she would have pursued this endeavour “whether I had MS or not.” Of course she would have. It would be the role of a lifetime.
Couresty of MSProgram.ca.com |
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