Tracie Jensen Jacquemin's life changed dramatically in 1989 when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. At the time, Tracie and her husband, John were living in the Washington, DC area. An alumna of Duke University where she received a BA degree and graduate of Vanderbilt University where she earned an MBA, Tracie had been working in banking and commercial real estate for ten years.

Looking at ways to slow disease progression by reducing stress, Tracie changed her career and became a certified Montessori teacher. She and John proceeded to raise three daughters in Northern Virginia while hoping her MS would be a mild form. Unfortunately, that was not to be. Tracie's MS turned out to be progressive.

When asked what advice she has for others with progressive MS, Tracie offers two tips. 

Don’t fight getting the help you need. Life is much easier and safer when you have the right assistive devices. For instance, three years ago I was using a rollator. When I started wondering if I could walk safely from point A to B, I knew it was time to use a wheelchair. Initially, it took a bit to adjust psychologically but I quickly got over that because by using the wheelchair I could do so much more than without it. 

The second tip is to let people help you! Sometimes we value independence so much that we put our own safety at risk. Try saying, "Yes" when help that is offered and learn how to ask for help, too.

Both recommendations are great advice for anyone, with or without MS.

Over the years, Tracie has used a cane, a rollator, a scooter, and now, an electric wheelchair.

Tracie Jacquemin is a founding member of Buffalo Neuroimaging Center's Advisory Council,  serving as its first chair. In addition to being on the Council, Tracie is a member of the Strategic Planning Committee. She and her family have supported MS research at BNAC since 2010. Thank you, Tracie, for all you do for Buffalo Neuroimaging!