by Mary Beth Mckenzie
July 15, 2026
Twenty years ago I was diagnosed with MS and I was terrified to put it mildly. My first symptom was double vision. I wanted to show someone, anyone, maybe my doctor, what I was actually seeing. Being an artist, I painted a self-portrait.
The second self-portrait, I believe, shows my state of mind and the terror I was experiencing. I think the fear is palpable in this painting. I understand that this disease follows its own course and is different with every individual. I have been very lucky with MS, with treatment (Avonex) for all these years. Initially I didn’t know that would be the case, and I of course I feared the worst.