Making Connections:
Stories of Living with Multiple Sclerosis for 20 Years and More.

This new project represents a unique research and collaboration model. It will encompass a survey of 100 people who have lived with MS for over 20 years, and a three part documentary film series which will incorporate the collaboration from an academic institution, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, a Boston medical center, Brigham and Women's Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, and Board of Advisors, representing national prominence in holistic medicine, neurology, teaching, documentary film production, international broadcast journalism, psychology and spirituality. Among the ten members on the Board of Advisors are Bernie Siegel MD, Joan Borysenko PhD, Howard Weiner MD, and journalist, Gail Harris.

The "Making Connections" film series will profile five individuals who have lived with MS for twenty years or more. They are men and women ranging in age from 40 to 65, each with a unique journey of MS. Their experiences will be explored from a psychosocial perspective and will include the patient, family and physician.

The "Making Connections" research survey will look at 100 people whom have lived with MS for twenty or more years and neurologists who have seen these patients over this time span. The data from this survey will be compiled and analyzed by neuro-psychologists who specialize in the treatment of MS.

Over a third of all the people in the United States diagnosed with MS have been living with it for over 20 years. Their experiences, knowledge and wisdom will help to heal and find answers to this very demanding and confusing disease.

There is no roadmap for MS. Visible and hidden symptoms, living with the daily challenges, the fears that hit – all play a major role in this disease that can change a person's life. Because of the complexity of the disease, physical symptoms may impact the simple acts of daily living, far too often at a very young age.

"MS is a disease about loss and gain. At its best - it is about a gift – a gift to once again do something that seemed impossible" says Leslie Kussmann, Executive Director of Solstice Films, Inc., and who has lived with MS since 1984.

This film series will embrace all of these issues as we hear from the individuals (their families and medical professionals) as they share their stories, insights and wisdom.

This film series will be aired on National Public Television and distributed through Aquarius Health Care Media to colleges, universities, and medical and nursing schools, public libraries, ms clinics, and hospitals rehab hospitals and support groups both nationally and internationally.