MEXICO – News Channel 9 Storm Team Chief Meteorologist Dave Longley recently spoke to the Center for Career and Community Education Health Occupations classes at the Center for Instruction, Technology and Innovation about his battle with multiple sclerosis.
LPN Class President Penny Loomis reached out to Longley and was shocked to have an immediate response indicating that he would be happy to talk with the class.
“I thought it would be great to hear what he has to say as a patient,” said Loomis.
Longley shared his story about the progression of MS in his body and the difficult symptoms it brought, such as tremors and slurred speech.
He continued on to discuss the whirlwind of treatments, therapies, doctor visits and medications he continues to endure as time goes on.
“My situation has been unique,” said Longley. “I have to deal with it publically every day.”
Longley encouraged the budding health professionals to see the patient behind the diagnosis and to not let them become just another number. He emphasized how important it is for a patient to feel like their healthcare providers care and are listening to what they have to say.
The CCCE LPN class recently participated in a Mission Steps Walk through Multiple Sclerosis Resources of Central New York, Inc., which is a local non-for-profit agency that is “dedicated to creating awareness and providing resources to improve the lives of individuals with multiple sclerosis and their families” (www.msrofcny.org).
The class raised more thanr $1,500 in support of this organization.
They presented the check to Annette Simiele, associate director, after Longley’s presentation.
Many of the CCCE students commented how moving Longley’s story was and how grateful they were to him for opening their eyes to seeing things on a personal, patient level.
Longley concluded with saying, “I have MS, it doesn’t have me.”
CiTi Adult Education classes are offered in collaboration with Cayuga Community College.
The two entities have united as the Center for Career and Community Education, which offers extensive programs to a variety of learners.
The offerings are designed to provide adults with noncredit programming in career and professional development, adult literacy, corporate training and leisure learning.
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