Catching up with Q as she lives with Multiple sclerosis

A rather shocking diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2013 eventually led to the early retirement of FOX 2's Anqunette Jamison. 

First lesson learned from that, she says, is listen to your body. 

"You have a little ache or pain and you sort of just push it aside? I now know that those aches and pains tend to mean something," she says.

MS is nerve damage that disrupts communication between the brain and the body. There are a wide range of symptoms and treatments, but Q has discovered a benefit in basic nutrition. 

"Food changes everything. So much so, that I've decided to change my diet because I noticed that when I changed my diet, things changed for the better," she says. 

She follows a paleo plan, which includes lots of vegetables, brightly colored fruits, fish and meats. 

"I've ordered a quarter cow from a farm in Monroe. I want to know where my food comes from; I study nutrition online," she says. "I don't think people realize the power that food can provide. Not just for energy; not just to help the body repair itself -- but just to make you feel better."

When you see Q, you don't think she looks sick. 

"You can look at someone and you never know what they're going through," she says. 

But with her candor, she's teaching empathy. 

"Maybe I overshare sometimes," she says, laughing. "But I'd rather overshare so people have a better understanding of what I'm going through, or what  other people who may be dealing with this condition are going through. It helps foster an atmosphere of understanding and awareness."

Her biggest lesson for us -- live with gratitude, which takes real focus and effort. 

"You'll find yourself in a really challenging situation and you'll say, 'Okay, what can I find to be grateful about in this situation?' It's been a great way to carry out my life."

If you want to learn more about what Q's learned about healthy living following her diagnosis, you can follow her Facebook page here. 

MS Society of Michigan has events coming up. You can find a list of them on the FOX 2 Community page here.