The last few years of my life have changed me forever. Not too many people know this but I spent a lot of time in a wheel chair due to being paralyzed, numb, and compressed from the chest down. My eyesight was diminishing, I couldn't move my hands very well and a list of other complications followed. This was not due to any accident or injury. No broken neck or pinched nerve. Of all things, this whole issue started with a mosquito bite. I was diagnosed with the WEST NILE VIRUS.
But that wasn't exactly what put me into a wheel chair. It took us a while to figure it out, but my doctors believe that the Virus was a "trigger" to an Auto-Immune Disorder. I was diagnosed with a Demyelinating Disorder of the Central Nervous System. In short, I was diagnosed with MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS. This causes scarring and lesions on my brain and spine. I no longer have active West Nile Virus in my system, but I AM still fighting this "MS" today. The battle has been going on for nearly two and a half years. Ironically, my dad Alan has lived with MS for over 20 years. He is a fighter and a positive influence for countless numbers of people... including me!
Today, I am no longer in the wheel chair, my eyesight is back, my hands move again, I am walking just fine and I am picking up my music with a whole new perspective and passion. I'm not out of the woods by any means, but I am definitely planning on RUNNING out of the woods. I don't know by what means or time frame, but I DO believe wholeheartedly that I will! I know it sounds crazy but this whole experience is one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. To experience your toes moving again for the first time... INCREDIBLE! I will never, EVER again, take another step in my life for granted. And that goes for a lot of other things as well.
I believe in the Power of ONE! One person CAN make a difference. And I believe where much is given, much is required. I've been given so much in my life and I hope to give back in even the smallest and simplest ways possible. That is why I decided to join uPlej. A little bit CAN go a long way!
There are several Organizations, Foundations and Charities that I am passionate about. One of them that I support, and comes as no surprise, is the National MS Society. I am hopeful for the future, and I believe that someday soon, we WILL find a cure for this terrible disease!To learn more about David and uPlej, visit his site at: http://uplej.com/davidosmond
2 comments:
David has not only got an Amazing Vocal Talent, but like his Dear Father Alan a Tremendous Spirit.
FAITH & BELIEF is so important and I know David and his Dear Wife Valerie Together are Blessed! - Now for the next level they both have so much Talent to Share.
John
When i heard your story at the fireside you just did in Franklin Tn, i was amazed. not only by your strength but because of your love for your faith and for you family. Family is most definitely the most important thing in this life and your testimony was filled with so much of this love and faith. it truly touched me. thank you for doing that fireside. and the song you did with Dan Truman is amazing.
-mariah
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