The Gray Gamers

Mike Augustine lives with MS.
According to the MS Society of Canada:
 
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system — the brain and spinal cord. The disease attacks the protective myelin covering of the central nervous system, causing inflammation and often destroying the myelin in patches.
 
The MS Society of Canada uses our donations to help fund research, and fund services for patients, caregivers, family members and health professionals.
The Society provides information and referral, education, support, individual advocacy and funding.
3 Canadians are diagnosed with MS every day.
Mike is one of them and we talked by email.
 
Hi, you’re a blogger!
What do you like most about being online?
 

I relish the thought that, somewhere, half-a-world away, someone I’ll never meet might be reading these exact words right now, and personally connecting with what it is I am trying to say. It’s like having a billion pen pals, but in cyberspace terms. I have the rare and unique opportunity to share my perspective about my on-going journey, but in a way that isn’t merely about voicing an opinion or venting about my  problems.

 
So Mike, you represent The MS Society of Canada as an ambassador, I’m told that keeps you rather busy. Do you get time to play games?
 

Well, you know what they say about “all work and no play…”. While my days as a hardcore gamer are behind me, I still find time to occasionally obsess about whatever latest trend I can find online, and maybe squeeze off a round or twelve.
So I guess that’s a “yes.”

It is!/;^) What’s your favorite?

Ah. Good question! Currently, I’ve just found a highly addictive trivia website for the hardcore know-it-all fanatic (in fact, I played it for over 3 hrs, this past Sunday, without a break). Although I have yet to open it, I’ve also JUST received the Iron Man™® movie sim for my Playstation™ (a little late, I know…), and I am looking forward to trashing the Iron Monger myself.
 
My heart, however, lies with my VERY old and beat-up, 80s-era, Intellivision™ II, which has seen better days, but is still good for squeezing out a classic game of  “D&D®: Treasure of Tarnim™” whenever I get nostalgic. If newbie gamers think that’s too “old school”, check out the joypads on that baby – WAY ahead of their time, dudes!

 
Does MS limit your ability to play on a console or the PC?
 

I can’t speak for other people who live with multiple sclerosis, but for me, numbness in my hands and a lack of coordination mean that I can’t play keyboard games with much reliability. I am fine with, say, a mouse, but even joystick and hand controls can sometimes be a chore. I suppose that is why I like point-and-click games so much. They allow me the freedom to enjoy myself without as much frustration.
 
Still, the great thing about gaming is that it encourages people to keep their minds active and sharp. More, gaming specifically benefits people with disabilities like mine, because it also acts as a sort-of rehabilitation tool, enabling people to maintain their reflexes, sense of balance, and even their hand-eye coordination.

 
If you could chose blogging or games, which would you chose?
 

Hmmm. Well, with blogging, I’m not as likely to throw a fit and toss my Mac out the window (yes, I AM one of those). Conversely, I’ve never come away from a boring, ten-page essay excitedly screaming “did you see the awesome way that guy’s vehicle exploded?!? Righteous!!”
 
I guess I’ll default to blogging, mostly ’cause I can always just instantly switch to game mode, and blow off work for an hour-or-so without having to actually move a single millimeter

 
You write and speak to others about ending this disease.  
What do you most want us to know about living with and ending MS?
 

Exactly that. You CAN live with MS, and we WILL end MS! Your current life can still be every bit as fulfilling as the one you believe you’ve lost.
 
Think of it in game terms:
 
You are being sent on a quest – it will be difficult, and perilous, but every step you take, every foe you vanquish, will result in your gaining more experience, allowing you to level-up in your standings. Dealing with any kind of adversity means facing your fears, AND your foes, and learning how to cope until you are strong enough to overcome your obstacles.
 
Multiple Sclerosis is just another “Boss” in the game of life. And in any game, you may be defeated by him at times, but all you have to do is go back a level, and use your experience to make it that much easier to defeat him next time!
 
In the meantime, the only advice I have is…
 
Play Again Y/N…?

lol. ty.Y…?