Just had a nice chat with my mother in law.  She lives in northern California, and was enjoying some time at her local dog park earlier today.

There's a married couple that comes regularly to the park with their dog.  The husband has MS and uses walking sticks to keep his balance.  My mother in law, a very private and kind woman, decided to be brave and ask the wife if she had heard about CCSVI.  

Oh, yes, I know all about Dr. Zamboni and we've read about the research online, said the wife.  We even talked to my husband's neurologist.  He said we shouldn't even consider it.  Dr. Dake is a quack, and there's no such thing as venous stenosis.

My mother in law took her time.  She's much more polite than I am :)  Actually, Dr. Dake is not a quack, he is a well-respected and talented doctor, and he has helped my son.  He is beginning a clinical trial,  she said matter-of-factly. 

Oh, I know he's a good doctor, replied the woman.  We fired that neurologist....

My mother in law stepped outside her comfort zone today, and offered encouragement.  Meanwhile,  3,000 miles away, my Mom spoke to a friend whose sister has just been diagnosed with MS.  Have you heard about CCSVI?, she asked.  She hadn't, and my Mom gave her the CCSVI Alliance website, www.ccsvi.org     I wonder how many times, in how many parks, gatherings in church basements, events in homes, schools, and appointments in doctors' offices around the world-- a similar conversation is being played out.  Have you heard about CCSVI?

This has always been a grass-roots movement.  From the beginning, it has been about patients and caretakers seeking to learn if venous malformations are part of their MS.  It's been about all of us reaching out to doctors, bringing them research, and simply asking them- have you heard about CCSVI?  

Talking to my mother in law and Mom today reaffirmed my desire to continue and reach outside my own comfort zone. To stay involved, active, and verbal.  To encourage doctors and researchers to continue this important work, even in the face of slander from colleagues.   Let's continue to reach out, in our own little corners of the world.  Because there are many people who do not know about CCSVI.

Joan