Moving Through Grief With Loss From Multiple Sclerosis – Insights from Author Paulette Ren

Learn what Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is and how it impacts lives through insights from author Paulette Ren on the Sibling Soapbox Podcast. Discover her caregiving journey and MS awareness tips.

When it comes to chronic illnesses, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most misunderstood conditions. That’s why, on the Sibling Soapbox Podcast, we were honored to welcome author Paulette Ren, who wrote the book titled, "Stolen Moments: Coping With Loss from Multiple Sclerosis". She educated us about MS while sharing her deeply personal caregiving journey. Paulette’s late husband battled MS, and through love, faith, and resilience, she became both caregiver and advocate.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what MS is, how it affects individuals and families, and the powerful insights Paulette shared with us.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information between the brain and body. The body’s immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves (called myelin), leading to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.

Common symptoms include:

* Fatigue and weakness
* Numbness or tingling in limbs
* Difficulty with balance and coordination
* Vision problems
* Cognitive changes

No two people experience MS in exactly the same way, which makes it unpredictable and challenging to diagnose and treat.

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Paulette Ren’s Story: Love, Loss, and Caregiving

Paulette Ren is the author of "Stolen Moments: Coping with Loss from Multiple Sclerosis". In her book and podcast conversation, she shared how MS reshaped her life and marriage. Caring for her husband through the ups and downs of this disease required patience, strength, and faith.

She described the challenges of watching a loved one lose independence, the emotional toll of caregiving, and the importance of hospice support during her husband’s final days. Yet, her story is not just about loss—it’s about resilience, second chances, and finding purpose after grief.

Why MS Awareness Matters

Millions of people around the world live with MS, yet many still don’t understand the disease. Paulette emphasized that **awareness and education are key**—not only for patients and caregivers, but for communities, employers, and healthcare providers.

Orange is the color of the MS awareness ribbon, a reminder of the fight against this invisible illness. By learning more, we can help reduce stigma and offer better support to those affected.

Key Takeaways from Paulette Ren

• Education matters: Understanding what MS is can build empathy and support.

• Caregiving is powerful: Caregivers play a crucial role in quality of life for MS patients.

• Faith and resilience: Paulette’s journey highlights the importance of strength, hope, and community.

• Sharing stories helps: By telling her story, Paulette encourages others facing MS to know they are not alone.

Final Thoughts

Our conversation with Paulette Ren was inspiring, emotional, and educational. MS is a complex disease, but through voices like hers, we can better understand its impact and the resilience it takes to face it.

If you want to learn more about her story, check out her book, Stolen Moments: Coping with Loss from Multiple Sclerosis, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more.

👉 Listen to the full episode of the Sibling Soapbox Podcast featuring Paulette Ren to hear her story in her own words.