Page created by: Stephen Polich

Sheena was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) in 2016. MSA is a progressive neurological illness that mimics the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is caused by an overproduction of a protein in the brain called alpha synuclein which causes degeneration of nerve cells in several areas of the brain. The cell loss can result in a number of symptoms, particularly related to movement, balance, and autonomic body functions (such as bladder function and blood pressure control).

When this diagnosis was revealed, mom only struggled with a small tremor in her right hand (hidden well) and a hoarse voice typically after a long day at work. As stress increased due to the loss of her mother, her symptoms seemed to progress rapidly over the following year forcing her to retire early. The small tremor continued along with a stiff and weak right arm, a limp developed causing imbalance at times, dizziness came with standing, and the hoarse voice transitioned to difficulty speaking and swallowing. Then the medication started along with intense physical, occupational, and speech therapy. However, the side effects of her new medications became debilitating and prevented her from excelling through her therapies. She began to fall frequently and suffer from severe orthostatic hypotension. A simple task such as cutting an apple now took 30 minutes instead of 5 and she lost the ability to drive. Our father was by her side for every moment taking care of the love of his life. Their faith in Christ became their hope and strength during this time of overwhelming weakness.

On July 21st 2019 at 3:30pm, the disease finally took her life. All she wanted was for her symptoms to subside or the medication to work. She was desperate for a medication that could return her broken life to what it once was. As her loved ones, we feel that more extensive research needs to be continued so that hopefully, one day, this disease could be better understood and treated.

Her legacy is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, 3 children, 11 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. All we ask from those who loved her and whose lives she touched so deeply is to simply donate towards this personal cause.

We love you mom.