Julia Bierenfeld – That's how she rolls

Whether it's affected person, partners, family or friends of those affected - Julia Bierenfeld started her blog to help others deal with the diagnosis of MS better. She is above all grateful to her family and her boyfriend, who gave her strength in the difficult time after her diagnosis. Why she would like to travel for a whole year and how important a positive attitude is, she tells us on REHACARE.com.

What makes you laugh?

Julia Bierenfeld: King of Queens! I enjoy watching the old episodes with my boyfriend over breakfast at the weekend. Even if you've seen the episodes a hundred times, you can still laugh about them.

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

Julia Bierenfeld: I always wanted to travel around for a longer period of time. I would love to see countries that have been unavailable to me so far and that I only know from reports and photos. Unfortunately, it fails because of time and financial resources.

Which person has influenced you most? And why?

Julia Bierenfeld: It is difficult to relate this to only one person. My parents have made me the person I am today through their upbringing and loving education. My grandparents also influenced me in my childhood. But in the last few years it has been my boyfriend who has always encouraged me to take things into my hands and pull them through. So I started to study at university again at the age of 28 and graduated three years later. Plus, he held me high when I received my diagnosis. I told him then that I could understand if he left me now. But he just looked at me and said, "There's no way. We're gonna make it - together!"  He supports me very much and gives me strength when I need it.

You have the chance to become the Commissioner for the Disabled in your country. What would you do first?

Julia Bierenfeld: I would fight for more tolerance in working life with chronic diseases and disabilities. No one should have to hide or make a secret about their disease/disability.

Julia Bierenfeld: I am particularly passionate about removing the fear of the disease from people with multiple sclerosis and their families with my blog www.fitnessfoodundms.de. I would like to show them that you can lead a beautiful and happy life with MS. I would like to help my readers to accept the disease and show them how they can have a positive influence on their disease progression through exercise and healthy nutrition.

I would like to be ...

Julia Bierenfeld: ...traveling for a whole year.

Which question would you like to get answered?

Julia Bierenfeld: I read once in an article about the Way of St. James: "Love is the answer!" I believe that in many situations this applies to questions in life to which one wishes for an answer.

What else I wanted to say about me...

Julia Bierenfeld: A positive attitude can help you to better accept and live with your disease. It's not the worst thing that could have happened to you in your life. But always remember that you are not alone and that you have dear people around you who support you. You can have a positive influence on your life and you should start as early as possible!