Story about montel williams/Ms

I'd heard of multiple sclerosis, but I didn't really know what it was. I knew it meant excruciating pain and that eventually I could lose control of my body. I also knew there was no cure. That was enough to plunge me into the depths of despair.During the next two months, I experienced the lowest moments of my life. I couldn't believe this was happening to me. I became so despondent that I considered ending it all. But I knew my children and my family loved me and depended on me, and I couldn't let them down.It became clear that I had a choice to make. I could spend the rest of my life feeling sorry for myself as the victim of a tragic fate. Or I could view my illness as a call to action -- an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of millions who suffer from MS and their loved ones. As the host of my own nationally syndicated television talk show, I realized I had unique resources at my disposal to meet the MS challenge head on. I had both the means and the method to get the most up-to-date information available on MS from the planet's foremost authorities and spread the word. I sought out the experts at Harvard Medical School. I traveled to Sweden for evaluation and treatment at the renowned Karolinska Institute. I read every book and article I could get my hands on, and I talked to countless people like myself who live every day with MS. I learned that I had been having MS episodes off and on for more than 20 years, but like so many, I was in denial about my illness.Then in 1999, I went public with my battle against MS. Although I was warned that this disclosure could harm my career, I couldn't remain silent. I have one of the biggest mouths on this planet, and I decided to keep using it until everyone everywhere knows about MS, what can be done to fight it, and a cure is found.To make this happen, I started The Montel Williams MS Foundation. Every dollar raised goes to research dedicated toward a cure for MS. I've also allied myself with Spotlight Health to promote widespread awareness of this dreadful disease because early diagnosis and treatment can help arrest suffering and loss of function. Research shows that early diagnosis and treatment prevents the progression of MS.The world needs to know the warning signs of MS and the treatment options available. The world needs to understand that many more people have MS than current data indicates. The world needs to mobilize against MS and knock it out for good. I believe to the depth of my soul that all of these goals can be achieved. It will take courage and commitment, but these are qualities we can help each other find in ourselves. I know we can build a future of hope and health, and together we're going to win.


Daytime Emmy award-winner Montel Williams has established himself as a top player in the competitive daytime talk show arena since his debut in 1991. He is also a decorated former naval intelligence officer and a renowned motivational speaker, author, actor and philanthropist.
In 1999, Montel faced his most challenging year to date with the announcement of his diagnosis with multiple sclerosis (MS), a potentially debilitating autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. In an effort to raise funds for MS research, Montel created The Montel Williams MS Foundation. Montel is committed to raising awareness, raising funds for research and providing inspiration to those who have MS.
In 2000, Montel created Mountain Movers Press, to publish the thoughts and views of today's forward thinkers. Montel's author royalties from the company's first release, Life Lessons and Reflections, an inspirational quote book, went toward finding a cure for MS. Montel is also the author of the New York Times best seller, Mountain, Get Out Of My Way, an autobiographical and motivational book. He co-authored the books Practical Parenting and Body Change, a New York Times best selling fitness book.
In June 2000, Montel and The Montel Williams Show were recognized with the "Beacon Award" from the New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA) for his leadership role in promoting the advancement of psychology as a socially responsible profession. NYSPA granted Montel the award for his "commitment to bringing psychological information to a large audience of real people."
In 1999, Montel was presented with a PRISM Award, receiving the Larry Stewart Leadership and Inspiration Award from the Entertainment Industries Council for serving as a role model for the entertainment industry. His concern and dedication to the The Montel Williams Show and its guests are evidenced by his creation of the show's After-Care Program started in 1992. The program has arranged for many guests to attend psychological counseling sessions, weight-loss programs, drug rehabilitation centers, motivational camps and treatment for eating disorders.
In 2003 Montel was presented with the AFTRA Disability Awareness Award, News & Broadcasting. Montel enjoys acting and has appeared on several television programs, including JAG, All My Children, American Dreams, and Touched by an Angel. He recently had a small role in Noon Blue Apples, a low-budget independent film that was in the Sundance Film Festival and he made his directorial debut with Little Pieces, a full-length independent film for which he is currently seeking distribution. He has appeared off-Broadway in The Exonerated, a play about men and women who have been exonerated from death row. He remains committed to his roots as a motivational speaker and continues to reach out to groups across the country with messages of hope and inspiration on how to move life's mountains. He also advocates for animal rights, speaks out for teen empowerment, has supported veterans' causes and anti-drug initiatives. Montel is very passionate about the many causes he embraces. He tries to live by one of his favorite quotes from Winston Churchill, "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."

Please visit his website: http://www.montelms.org to learn more.

He has inspired many.