Meet Barbara

Barbara has been living with multiple sclerosis for the past 14 years. Previously living in Roanoke, Va., she moved back to New Jersey about eight years ago to be close to her family, after experiencing an acute attack that required extensive rehabilitation. Barbara now lives at the Bergen Regional Medical Center in Paramus, N.J., and she relishes her close-knit family, as well as the new friends she’s made there.

“I like to tell other residents that I’m ‘moving with motivation’ or I’m ‘exhilaratingly energetic’ to brighten their days,” Barbara said.

Barbara also stays active with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s New Jersey Metro Chapter by putting together and sending out their mailings at the chapter’s local office. The chapter makes a strong effort to employ medical center residents in volunteer positions, transporting them to and from functions. Recently, Barbara participated in a chapter fashion show, part of an annual fundraiser called the Women on the Move Luncheon. She was the only model to display her fashions from a wheelchair.

Barbara reveals her sources of motivation for keeping active and enthusiastic: “I have a wonderful family and a group of friends I can rely upon.”

Charity GROW is a proud sponsor of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.