Ann Romney has MS.

[Raven]

I'm not sure how well known that is but I have heard nothing about it. Given that I have a beloved daughter in law with MS, I have been watchful during the Romney campaign. Apparently, Ann Romney has successfully been treating her MS and I suspect she and my DIL visit the same wonderful MS clinic at the Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston. As I said, I have been watchful of this and I have 3 questions: Did the Romney tax returns show any contributions to MS reasearch? If Mitt was not so wealthy and he lived somewhere outside of Massachusetts, how would Ann's treatment have gone? Why hasn't Ann spoken up? Maybe she has and I have missed it, but she would be an inspiration to other women struggling with MS.

[niyad]

1. unlike many people with this condition, she certainly has enough money for all the very best

treatment and care.

I am glad to hear that your dil is getting wonderful care. I have several friends with MS and have some some idea how difficult it is watching our loved ones go through this.

[Raven]

5. I know and I don't begrudge her that but

why wouldn't she want to be the spokeperson for it? I admire the fact that she seems to keep up with this campaign and always looks wonderful. She's had 5 kids and seems to have managed that pretty well. She would be an inspiration to many people.

[lumberjack_jeff]

7. My brother in law has MS.

If she's getting "the very best" simply because she can afford it, then I would begrudge her it.

We should each get the best medical care that our system can deliver. No less and no more.

[onenote]

13. Do you begrudge Gabby the care she gets

which is better than most people would get?

Medical care should be available to all at an affordable price. But not all medical providers are equally capable and not everyone is ever going to get the "best" care as a result.

[lumberjack_jeff]

14. Because I'm rich and you're not, I think I should be first in line.

Don't you agree?


Everyone should have access to professional and effective care. How much more effective and professional should the care to Ms Romney be because she has $200 million in the bank?

The system is diseased, it has fucked up our moral compasses. You're not going to make me feel guilty for demanding the same care for my brother in law John as for Ms Romney. I would begrudge it of her in the same way that her husband and the rest of his party has begrudged it of John.

[onenote]

16. do you believe that some medical providers are more skilled than others?

or do you think that everyone who gets a medical degree has exactly the same abilities? Also do you believe that any new medical advance will be available to everyone before its available to anyone?

Because if you do, some folks will be along shortly to sell you a bridge.

[gateley]

2. I saw a special on the Romneys a while ago, and it was mentioned.

I have to say this about Mitt -- you can tell he adores his wife and just has a loving look in his eyes every time he looks at her. It was noticeable. He delighted in what she would say. Amazing.

The special also said she does most of her own housework, has a housekeeper come in once or twice a week, and they actually came across as pretty normal.

I was saddened to hear of her MS and wondered why we haven't heard about it. Hopefully, it's because, like you suggest, she's getting wonderful treatment and it's been successful. Glad your DIL is getting the same stellar care!

[Marnie]

8. But why would she not speak out for affordable treatment for other sufferers?

She has the platform. She presumably claims to be a Christian. As such, she has a duty.

As a well to do Christian with access to a podium and to folks in the 1%, contribution wise, she has a gift and a responsibility given by God to give to and to speak for those who suffer but do not have the means to access full medical help.

Remember the story of the Good Samaritan. He helped because there was a need for help and he had the opportunity and the means. Those are the only requirements.
And they are requirements, if you are a Christian.

If there is a need and you have the means you must help.

[gateley]

12. You raise a good point. I'm not sure how advanced her condition is. Or maybe she doesn't

want to call attention to herself? Don't know, but you're really right, she should help others who have this horrid affliction.

[lumberjack_jeff]

15. Her treatment is affordable. To her. n/t

[SoapBox]

3. I thought that all she was concerned about was that it was "unfortunate" that Mittens returns...

had to be released.

"Ann Romney Says It’s Unfortunate That They Had To Release Tax Returns"

http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2012/01/25/411831/ann-romney-unfortunate-returns/

[NMDemDist2]

4. since that's the case

while i don't care for Mittens at all, at least he didn't dump her in the hospital like some other Republican candidates who's name I won't mention

and he's actually showing a bit of class not to throw it in newtie's face every chance he gets.

[blondie58]

11. that is true

I'be had MS since 1999 and I will never forget what my first Neuro said to me.
She had seen many husbands leave their wives after hearing the dx. Made me thankful that I had been divorced the year before.
I wonder about the stress level that Ann must have. Stress is not good for ms.
There is no cure though, although there are drugs that may alter the course of the disease. They don't work for everyone and you have to be on them for a while. I have tried four different ones and am trying to get on a trial drug myself.

[riverwalker]

6. she spoke of it in interviews

I can try to find which one...but she said the most theraputic thing she does is to ride her horses daily. Not a new diagnosis, she has had it for years.

[Scuba]

9. She's lucky she's not married to Newt (but then aren't we all?).

[TheCowsCameHome]

10. ..and she's had it for quite a while.

She had it when he was gov. of Massachusetts, IIRC.

[DesertRat]

17. I saw her in a recent interview. She said she's currently in remission. n/t

[davidpdx]

18. I had no idea about this

If my spouse had MS, I sure as heck wouldn't want to go through a presidential campaign.