Heike Führ - That's how she rolls

When did you last laugh heartily and what about?

Heike Führ: I laugh a lot every day. The last time was about a caper of my dog and also about myself.

What have you always been wanting to do and why have you never done this so far?

Heike Führ: A trip around the world - but I won't be able to that because of financial reasons as well as because of my fatigue...

Which person has influenced you most?

Heike Führ: My parents, but also my children influenced me a lot – I have learned a lot of of and with them.

You have the chance to become the German Federal Commissioner for the Disabled. What would you do first?

Heike Führ: I would make it happen that there are as many encounters between people with and without disabilities as possible - in order to reduce fears of contact. Inclusion would also be a big issue. And I would also try to inform more about MS in order to get more lobby. I would especially focus on its invisible symptoms. People who are affected need to have the feeling that they are not alone. And those not affected need to know more about the problems which occur with the visible and invisible symptoms. And I would also raise the financial support for disability organizations.

Your life is made into a film: Who would represent you?

Heike Führ: Despite the fact that I would not like to see my life being made into a film... But if then: I love Meg Ryan as an actress, because she mirrors my vitality - at least in the older movies I know from her). Meryl Streep would also be a desired candidate. I think both women would be good at showing the change of emotions and the different phases I had to go through because of MS. They would be authentic and not theatrical. Brave and strong women - that's what I picture them to be when they accept the challenge of such a chronic disease and manage it, sometimes brave and sometimes even suffering.

I would like to be ...

Heike Führ: completely healthy again ... and so agile like I used to be before my diagnosis.

Which questions would you like answered the most?

Heike Führ: When will there be peace??? (But unfortunately the world answers this question on its own at the moment.) :(

What I finally want to say...

Heike Führ: It is important to me - also with my blog - to help other people who are affected and also to support relatives. They need more information and someone who stills their fears.
Because everything is possible and it's worth it to be optimistic.

Concerning MS it is verry important to me to point out that there are invisible symptoms and how hard they can make our lives. We do not simulate - even if we sometimes look like we are healthy.

Disabled people have the same rights to live and participate in live - also in professional life! And if - like in my case because of the fatigue - a normal working day should no longer be possible, I wish for reviewers who recognize this!

I also wish for accessible thinking and acting and inclusion.

My motto: MS is not the end. It's only a new beginning!