Inspiration through art

My MS journey led me to my passion.

by Sarah Judson

When I was 22 years old, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, although doctors believe I have had MS since I was in high school.

I ran track and field in high school. When I ran, I would get overheated, my left side would get weak, and I would fall to the ground. I would experience this from time to time, but I kept going and ignored it.

It was not until years later when I had my daughter that the symptoms began to worsen. I woke up one morning, and the whole room was spinning.

I had double vision and nausea. I knew something wasn’t right. An MRI showed that I had lesions on my brain, and I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS.

Luckily, I had a strong support system. I decided I was not going to let this disease take over my life. I had two children who needed their mom. So, I kept going, pushing through the aches and pains, the fatigue, the mood swings, the depression, the vertigo, the left-side weakness — all of it. I couldn’t hold down a job or finish my college degree, but I was determined to keep going.

After years of going to doctor after doctor, I finally found an MS specialist who was very upfront with me and took my concerns seriously. She prescribed a new disease-modifying therapy (DMT) that seems to be helping.

I met my husband, Fred, in 2019. It was love at first sight. He is my rock, my best friend and a wonderful stepfather to my two children. Fred is my soulmate.

I couldn’t decide what career I would pursue. But I found my inspiration through art. I’ve always loved art. It was a creative outlet for me, but it wasn’t until later in my life that it became my passion. My focus is resin art because resin is an innovative, creative medium. I can use different techniques that set me apart from other artists. I use my artwork to inspire other people who live with MS.

I love what I do so much that I decided to start my own company, F&S Infinity Designs. I can work in the comfort of my own home doing what I love. I can rest when I need to. I can set the temperature, so I won’t get overheated.

My advice to those who live with MS is to keep going, keep your head up, find what inspires you. Remember, we all are in this together. Keep fighting.

Sarah Judson lives in Dayton, Ohio, with her husband, Fred, and her two children, Caden and Brooklyn.