My Story: Crafting Your MS Narrative

Join the Rocky Mountain MS Center for this unique opportunity to develop and share your MS story through guided creative writing.

Important Note: This is a progressive three-part series where each session builds upon the previous one. Those registering for the first sessions are expected to attend all three sessions to gain the full benefit of the workshop and maintain continuity within the group. Sessions must be attended live and will not be recorded.

Dates and times

• Session 1: March 12 at 5:30 - 7 p.m. MT
• Session 2: March 26 at 5:30 - 7 p.m. MT
• Session 3: April 9 at 5:30 - 7 p.m. MT

Location

Online, access link will be provided 1-2 days before each session

About the Workshop

Everyone living with MS has a unique story to tell. Through this three-part creative workshop series, you'll discover the power of your own narrative and develop the skills to share it effectively with family, friends, healthcare providers, and the broader MS community. Led by writer and MS advocate Lindsay Rice, along with Kelsey Morrow from the Rocky Mountain MS Center, this series creates a supportive environment for exploring and crafting your personal MS story.

Workshop Series Overview: This workshop is designed as a progressive journey, with each session building upon the skills and work developed in the previous sessions. To ensure the best experience for all participants, please commit to attending all three sessions.

• Session 1 - Discovering Your Diagnosis: Story In our first meeting, we'll explore the significance of diagnosis stories and begin the journey of capturing your unique experience. Through guided writing prompts in a supportive environment, you'll start developing your narrative while connecting with others who understand your experiences.
• Session 2 - Refining Your Narrative: Building on our initial work, we'll delve deeper into crafting your story. You'll learn techniques for shaping your narrative into a form that authentically represents your experience and feels comfortable to share - whether as a conversation with family, a letter to friends, or a message to your healthcare team.
• Session 3 - Sharing Your Voice: In our final session, we'll polish your story and celebrate your work. You'll have the opportunity to share your narrative - whether it takes the form of a paragraph, an extended piece, or even a poem. We'll discuss how your story can serve as a bridge to greater understanding and support within both your personal circle and the broader MS community.

About Lindsay Rice

Lindsay Rice is a writer, tutor, and creative spirit living with relapsing-remitting MS. With a background in English and creative writing from The University of Iowa, Lindsay has honed her craft through prestigious programs including The Iowa Summer Writing Festival, Big Sur Writing Conference, and summer writing programs at Harvard University and The University of Virginia. Drawing from 20 years of experience as a private tutor and her role as a program director for adult education, Lindsay brings both professional expertise and personal experience to guide participants through their writing process.

Why Join This Workshop?

Finding words for our MS experience can open doors to better understanding, care, and support. This workshop series offers more than writing instruction - it provides a pathway to express your unique journey with MS, connect with others who share similar experiences, and develop a powerful tool for advocacy and self-expression. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have lived with MS for years, your story matters and deserves to be told.

Please register to join us via Zoom!

Space is limited to ensure personal attention and group interaction.

This workshop series is part of the Rocky Mountain MS Center's commitment to empowering people living with MS through education, support, and community connection.

About the MS Center's Rural Engagement Program

The Rocky Mountain MS Center’s Rural Engagement Program aims to build strong connections and lasting relationships with people and families living with MS in rural communities throughout Colorado. Currently, the Rural Engagement Program conducts educational community events and offers free direct support services to people, and families impacted by MS living in Pueblo, Otero, Chaffee, Mesa, and La Plata Counties in Colorado and Laramie County in Wyoming. For more about our Rural Engagement Program, including free support services that may be available to you, please visit http://mscenter.org/rural. If you have questions about this event or other Rural Engagement Program services, please contact Sophie, community outreach manager via email at sophie@mscenter.org.