Digmanns Provide Inspiration as They Take on MS
Jennifer and Dan Digmann know firsthand the challenges, frustrations and fears of living with multiple sclerosis. The married couple has taken on this chronic illness for more than a combined 20 years. Yet, they maintain a positive attitude and a commitment to increasing MS awareness.
The Digmanns, authors of an award-winning blog and the 2011 book Despite MS, to Spite MS, will share their stories at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25 in the Remick Heritage Center at Alma College. Admission is free and open to the public; no ticket is required.
Jennifer and Dan Digmann
“Through their writing, speaking and living life to the fullest, Jennifer and Dan Digmann have inspired many people with their amazing courage and passion for life,” says Mike Silverthorn, who is coordinating the event at Alma College.
“They demonstrate the extremes of how MS impacts people so differently,” says Silverthorn. “They are an inspiration to anyone who has faced adversity due to a chronic illness.”
Residents of Mount Pleasant, Jennifer was diagnosed in 1997, Dan in 2000. She has secondary-progressive MS and no longer walks. Dan is relapsing-remitting and runs 5Ks.
In their blog and book, the Digmanns share personal stories of how they cope with and rise above the disease, including how Jennifer dealt with losing her ability to walk and how a bizarre encounter with a bat led to Dan’s diagnosis. A portion of the proceeds from their book benefits the National MS Society and Camp Courageous.
Their storytelling efforts have won several awards. Their blog— www.danandjenniferdigmann.com — was selected among the top 50 MS blogs on the Internet in 2010 by Medical Assistant Schools. In 2009, the Digmanns were featured winners of the Acorda Therapeutics “I Walk Because” podcast contest.
The National MS Society Michigan Chapter honored the couple with its 2009 MS Achievement Award, recognizing their continued efforts to increase MS awareness and to advocate improving their lives and the lives of others.
They also are active in Lansing, where they have testified before a Michigan Senate Subcommittee about the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program, which provides Jennifer the in-home care she needs while Dan works at Central Michigan University.
Posted: Thu, October 13th, 2011 at 9:26AM
