Living with a disease takes plenty of willpower and determination. Having a chronic illness doesn’t mean we should give up on continuing to live our lives. Last year, former first lady Michelle Obama talked about her father’s undefeatable willpower during his battle with MS.
While multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare occurrence in the Black community, it’s still a prominent issue amongst African-Americans. According to a recent South California study funded by the National MS Society, “an estimated 226 Black people and 238 white people of every 100,000 have MS.” However, in general, MS cases occur in women more than men. With studies like these, it’s becoming more and more known that the chronic disease doesn’t just affect white people but also the Black community.
Unfortunately, there is a lack of awareness about how MS affects the Black community. Many former Black MS patients have fought for their voices to be heard in the healthcare system. Michelle Obama’s father’s struggle with the disease acts as big help in drawing awareness for the disease. Not only that, but her father’s story can help other black patients struggling with MS know how to better manage it.
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Last year, Obama revealed where her unyielding strength and courage comes from, her father, Fraser Robinson III. In the fall of 2022, the Harvard graduate sat down with REVOLT TV for her special “Michelle Obama: The Cross Generational Conversation” about her father’s battle with MS. After 30 years, her father’s strength during the difficult time still impacts her to this very day.
During the interview, Obama noted that despite her father’s MS, he never stopped living his life. Robinson III worked as both a pump worker at the Chicago water plant and also served as a precinct captain for the Democratic Party.
Additionally, he never stopped taking care of his family. Most endearing, Robinson III never once gave in to the disease.
“He never felt sorry for himself, he never expected others to do for him, and just the sheer act of him getting up every day and going to work was a statement–that stays with me every day of my life,” the Harvard graduate says to REVOLT Tv on her special.
The first lady became emotional, discussing her dad’s condition. Her father’s determination to not let the disease consume his everyday life played an important role in Obama’s upbringing and even her adulthood.
Like father, like daughter, Robinson III’s disease wasn’t a chronic illness at all, it was simply a state of mind. He didn’t let MS control him.
Michelle Obama’s father remained a hard worker until his death at 55 years old. The former first lady told REVOLT TV that she was just 27 at the time he passed. Now in her late fifties, the Harvard graduate still thanks her father for her work ethic and success.
“That is the power of what a working-class Black man can do in the world, which is why I don’t want any Black man out here to think that they don’t have something to offer their kids,” Obama said.
Her father led a great life, up until his untimely passing. He died a hero and a great man in the end.
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Michelle Obama’s story of her father’s strength and willingness to live comes as a triumphant tale that others living with MS can learn from. Her father was a hardworking man that refused to let his chronic illness rule his life. Robinson III started advocating for himself by taking control of his life. The story of his strength proves that others from the Black community living with MS can continue to live their lives. There are a number of ways people can manage their MS.
For instance, sufferers can maintain their activeness. While the autoimmune disease can affect our nervous system and eventually all bodily functions, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to remain mobile. Many people living with MS often say the mantra “Move it or lose it.”
According to HealthCentral, those with the disease who remain active tend to have less severe symptoms. Even better, exercising strengthens their muscles, cardiovascular and central nervous system. Exercising for an hour or even 20 minutes two to three times a week can help strengthen your body.
In addition to achieving a workout plan, sufferers also need a diet plan. In particular, the Mediterranean and Keto diet do limit symptoms. Specifically, diets like these consist mostly of plant-based foods and oily fish that prevent inflammation.
Similarly, doing other simple tasks like taking vitamin D, scheduling rest times, memorizing grocery lists, and even asking others for help can make life easier for those living with MS. All in all, managing the autoimmune disease just means being patient with yourself and taking it one day at a time. Michelle Obama and her late father proved that it’s possible to live a full life. Others can do the same.
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