The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers a variety of online support resources for those with MS. Visit MSConnection.org for information.

Photo by Nellie Doneva

Vicki Kerr is surrounded by some of her artwork in her home studio. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2002.

Photo by Nellie Doneva

photos by Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News Chris Frazier and his daughter Christal Martin have both been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. They like to stay active by going fishing together, and Martin goes hunting with her husband.

The first time she experienced symptoms that ultimately led her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, Christal Martin wasn't sure what was happening.

"I was playing basketball and all of a sudden, there were two basketball goals instead of one," recalled Martin, who grew up in Clyde and was diagnosed with the illness when she was 16.

Mundane explanations, such as an inner ear infection, were examined.

But it was her family's particular history Martin's father, Chris Frazier, has MS that led her to the truth.

"If he hadn't (had MS), we never would have even considered that," she said, especially since Martin has the remitting-relapsing form of the disease, which means her symptoms come and go.

More here:
Multiple sclerosis: A painful journey of hope