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\n\tJamie Lynn Sigler knows it takes a village to raise a family. And when you have relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), like Sigler does, \u201cit takes a really strong village.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tThat perspective comes from experience. Sigler, who\u2019s been in the spotlight since starring in a top-rated TV show in the early 2000s, knows firsthand what managing a chronic condition is like \u2013 especially when balancing it with parenthood. When she was diagnosed with RMS at age 20, she kept her diagnosis a secret for many years, navigating her condition privately. It wasn\u2019t until 15 years later, when she became a mom, that Sigler decided to share her diagnosis publicly. (Learn more about Sigler\u2019s story and her journey with MS here.<\/a>)<\/p>\n \n\tWhen asked how she\u2019s navigated parenting alongside a chronic health condition, Sigler recalls how important it\u2019s been to realize a condition such as RMS \u201cdoes not take away any of your value as a mother.\u201d She explains, \u201cOnce I fully accepted and understood that, I was able to make the adjustments I needed, show up for my kids, figure out ways to stay present, play with them, whatever it may be, making me feel good about who I am as a mother.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tSigler also speaks candidly about the importance of accepting her own limitations. \u201cI\u2019ve had some moments of harsh judgment on myself as a mother because of things I physically couldn\u2019t do with my two active young boys,\u201d she shares. \u201cBut through those moments I have learned some valuable lessons.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tOne of those lessons has been to practice self-reflection \u2013 a key pillar to the three-step guide, Reframing MS<\/a>, that Sigler partnered with Novartis to develop for anyone living with chronic conditions. <\/p>\n \n\t\u201cThe three-step guide is this process that I use when I come up against any challenge in my life,\u201d Sigler explains. \u201cStep one, reflection<\/em>, is about feeling the emotions and your reactions to a moment or challenge. Reframing<\/em> is about accepting whatever your situation may be, whatever this challenge may be. Reframing what this means for your life, how to pivot, how to adjust to move forward.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tThe last step is about reaching out<\/em> for help. \u201cEspecially as mothers, this is really hard for us to do,\u201d Sigler acknowledges. \u201cWe want to be everything, do everything, but we can\u2019t. We have to take care of ourselves, and sometimes to be able to do that, we need to reach out for help.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tOne positive side effect of reaching out? It\u2019s \u201creally deepened a lot of my relationships and my friendships,\u201d she says. \u201cPeople like to be of service. My friends have taught me how to make pivots and adjustments so that I can fully show up as the wife, mother, and friend that I want to be.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tSigler hopes to carry these lessons over to her children, making sure they grow up knowing there\u2019s \u201cno shame in asking for help, in being vulnerable.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tSpeaking up for herself has also been essential for Sigler when navigating treatment options. \u201cFinding my voice and advocating for myself has set me up for success in more ways than I can say. One of them, in a very important way, is finding the treatment that was right for me,\u201d she shares.<\/p>\n \n\tChoosing a treatment option is a personal choice, and it can be hard and overwhelming. She co-created a decision guide with Novartis to provide people with detailed questions to ask an MS specialist to reach an informed treatment decision. This resource<\/a> offers a checklist of questions, ranging from asking about study results to the different types of treatment options.<\/p>\n \n\tBy speaking openly and honestly with her MS specialist, Sigler was able to find the right treatment plan for her, ultimately choosing KESIMPTA\u00ae (ofatumumab)<\/a>, indicated for the treatment of RMS in adults. Following the three weekly starter doses, KESIMPTA can be taken at home, or on the go, just once a month.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tAt the end of the day, Sigler acknowledges that while her RMS presents its own challenges, every parent is navigating something. She shares, \u201cWe\u2019re all doing the best we can, we\u2019re all fighting the same good fight. We all want to be good parents. We all want to raise good kids.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tCurious to see more? Watch the video above to see how Sigler navigates parenthood with RMS.<\/p>\n \n\tIndication<\/strong> \n\t \n\tKESIMPTA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) including clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease.<\/p>\n \n\tIt is not known if KESIMPTA is safe or effective in children.<\/p>\n \n\tImportant Safety Information<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\t \n\tDo NOT take KESIMPTA if you:<\/p>\n \n\tWhat is the most important information I should know about KESIMPTA?<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tKESIMPTA can cause serious side effects such as:<\/p>\n \n\tBefore you take KESIMPTA, tell your HCP about all your medical conditions, including if you:<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tTell your HCP about all the medicines you take<\/strong>, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.<\/p>\n \n\tHow should I use KESIMPTA?<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tSee the detailed Instructions for Use that comes with KESIMPTA for information about how to prepare and inject a dose of KESIMPTA and how to properly throw away (dispose of) used KESIMPTA Sensoready\u00ae pens or prefilled syringes.<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tKESIMPTA may cause serious side effects including:<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tThe most common side effects of KESIMPTA include<\/strong>:<\/p>\n \n\tYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov\/medwatch,<\/a> or call 1-800-FDA-1088.<\/p>\n \n\tPlease see full Prescribing Information<\/a><\/span> including Medication Guide<\/a><\/span>.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n \n\t5\/26 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0FA-11666730<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
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