Digmanns share 20 year experience with multiple sclerosis
Dan and Jennifer Digmann took Central Michigan University students and community members on a journey through their experience with multiple sclerosis Tuesday in the Bovee University Center, by asking the audience to imagine their life in 20 years.
Twenty years ago they did not see themselves lecturing at a university about MS, but as they said, "life happens."
Jennifer was diagnosed in 1997, three years before Digmann. They met a few years later and quickly bonded over everything besides their condition. September will mark their 10th wedding anniversary.
The Digmann's focused their presentation how to overcome adversity, however it manifests.
"Adversity is something everyone experiences," Digmann said. "It is any difficult situation or condition."
Speaking from experience, they asked everyone to think about their own personal adversity, and to turn something negative into something positive.
What started as a simple powerpoint presentation became an interactive experience. The generic mantra of turning a negative into a positive could have easily fallen on deaf ears, but the Digmann's commitment to the idea made it feel like a tangible, attainable reality to everyone in the room.
"We live by the principle of STEAM," Digmann said. "Search, Talk, Embrace, Act and Move forward."
Jennifer said the goals outlined by STEAM are one way she continues to overcome her adversity every day.
"I make the best of every situation," Jennifer said. "Despite my MS, I still live my life the way I want."
According to the Digmanns, talking is one of the most important steps in moving full STEAM ahead.
"You have to be able to talk about it," Digmann said. "It will help you, and it well help others in your situation. You have to connect with other people for their support."
A room full of people, almost all of whom raised there hands when asked if they knew someone with MS, listened avidly to the Digmanns' story.
When Dan announced he would be finishing his graduate program at CMU in May, and that Jennifer got her Master of Arts in Humanities in 2013, the room erupted with the applause of people who were touched by the Digmanns' commitment to overcoming tremendous adversity.
Digmann then challenged the audience to show their support for finding a cure for MS.
"Every time you post a photo on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter the hashtag, "HugsforMS," Healthline will donate $10 to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for MS awareness and research," he said.
Manton sophomore Holly Sucharski said their achievements impressed her.
"I have MS," Sucharski said. "Their story is an inspiration to me, nothing gets in their way."
Digmann said his goal is to help people realize facing adversity, such as living with a chronic disease, does not have to be a negative experience.
"When I was first diagnosed, it was terrifying," Digmann said. "Now, looking back, I can see we've come so far and achieved so much, and that's positive.
Digmann concluded the presentation by reading a highly personal essay about adapting to life with MS, after which many in the audience were visibly moved.
"They are so brave for sharing their struggle," said Manton junior Katie Raymer. "They are really helping people."
