Blog

(Special to The Independent News)

Not many people would say that multiple sclerosis has saved their life…but for Renee Montileone Harms of Florissant, it has. It has encouraged her to take control of her life, enjoy her family, and give back to her community. Renee Montileone Harms, age 43 and mother of four, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1996. In the beginning, there was the unknown, then the many doctor appointments, therapists, psychiatrists, and the loss of control and power in her life.

Then one day, Renee decided it was time to take the power and control back, and take charge of her life.

“The local chapter (of the National MS Society) gave me incredible information,” said Harms concerning her treatment. “At first I didn’t know where to go,” she said. After the experience, she knows she had to “give back” and “get involved.”

MS is a chronic, progressive disease of the central nervous system that affects an estimated 400,000 Americans, according to the National MS Society. For Renee, MS saved her life…her quality of life.

After receiving a diagnosis of MS, Renee was forced to slow down and let her body have some recovery time. It was during this time that her mind went to work, helping her develop a new plan for her life. She joined a support group, began exercise classes, and worked with her doctor to develop a treatment regimen right for her.

She volunteered to help raise money for the local MS Center. She also became involved with helping drug-addicted babies and cancer survivors. Additionally, Renee and a friend started the IronMom Foundation, in which they mentor a single mother. They take her under their wings for one year, totally supporting her financially, emotionally and spiritually. They helped build a park in the middle of the City of St.
Louis at 22nd and Cass Avenue.

She has discovered that living involves more than earning money, and that the greatest gift she can give is her time. She continues her work with the IronMom Foundation and as a massage therapist. She is also speaking on a regular basis for the Coalition for Stem Cell Research, advocating for the Stem Cell proposal on the November ballot be passed.

She was honored as a St. Louis Woman of Achievement for Health Concerns in 2005, mostly from her work with IronMom.

Renee loves to travel to the beach in the winter and the mountains in the summer. She loves her dogs, gardening, fires on the patio, and most importantly, Renee loves life. Additionally, Renee has found new inspiration by taking on the role as an MS LifeLines Ambassador to help educate and motivate others like her. MS LifeLinesâ„¢ is a free resource sponsored by Serono and Pfizer, developed with the guidance of people with MS. She has become a “patient ambassador for MS Lifelifes” offering other MS patients support and information on how the drug she takes has helped he. (Information is available at
Renee lives with her husband in Florissant.

.

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us