Oceans of Hope - A Sailing Sclerosis Project

by Meaghan Van Liew on 27 Oct 2014 A Global Voyage to Change Perceptions of Multiple Sclerosis - Oceans of Hope is a Sailing Sclerosis Foundation project that aims to change perceptions of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), inspiring people with the disease to overcome their own personal challenges by telling the stories of those taking part in the first ever circumnavigation by a yacht crewed by people with MS.

How It happens... sometimes

She's relatively young, say 32 or so. Building a beautiful life, with a husband and life partner she always dreamed of having forever. She is educated and ambitious, with big dreams ahead. Building a family and a life full of unique experiences. International travel, professional accomplishments, and raising a new generation of children to love and appreciate all that one is blessed to enjoy. But surprisingly, her vision starts to falter and limbs start to go numb.

This may be your story, or it may be very different. Either way, we all have dreams and aspirations, and expectations. And sometimes, these are dashed by the reality of health issues like MS. A diagnosis of such magnitude can send one into a tailspin, almost paralyzing the spirit that was once there.

Oceans of Hope was created as a project to make sure that those diagnosed with MS do not resign themselves to a state of hopelessness and despair... but rather see and seek out the life that remains ahead. Unquestionably, one that includes the same dreams, aspirations and vision that were built over time, well before MS was even a word in their vocabulary.

Please join me in welcoming the new crew of MS patients of Oceans of Hope, who are taking the brave step forward to challenge themselves. They are accepting MS and also challenging the diagnosis, by aiming to keep living a life full of exploration, discovery, and accomplishment.

The new crew - Headed out of Newport

'MS is a lifelong companion who will follow you the rest of your life - so you must look at the opportunities instead of the limits. Catch the moment when you can! Tomorrow might be too late.'
- Kaj Bjerre Westphal

'I spoke to my fellow crewmate Helle, and we realized that there is no turning back now, because we are wondering - Can we really do this??? My mind says no, but my heart says yes!!!!' - Eva Gerwing

'Yay to be able to have an adventure again- one just as great as when I was a young woman! Who would have thought that?' - Helle Kirstine Rosenmeier

'I have experienced on my own body how my mental and psychological conditions, outside of medicine, are so vital to the symptoms of my disease. I knew I had to be part of this project!'
- Martin Borre

'Every day is an adventure. We are waiting for the next!' - Patricia Lufkin and Joan Haahr Hvas

New York state of mind

Oceans of Hope will make a grand arrival in New York City on November 11 at 11:00 a.m. local time at the North Cove Marina in Manhattan. We welcome all those interested to come onsite and welcome the MS crew to New York. North Cove is located adjacent to the corner of South End Avenue and Liberty Street in lower Manhattan. Thanks to the North Cove Marina for their support!

Do you have MS or have a friend living with MS?

Crew Opportunities

We have crew space available aboard Oceans of Hope for MS patients to experience a two hour long taster-sail in New York and Ft. Lauderdale. No sailing experience is necessary for these trips. The sailing days in New York are set for November 14 and November 15, with options to sail in the morning or afternoon. Please send an email of interest to sailingdays@sailingsclerosis.com for these opportunities.

We also still have crew spaces available for MS patients who do have some sailing experience on the many upcoming offshore legs of the voyage across the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean. Please apply here for these 2-3 week long adventures of a lifetime.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

• More than 2,000,000 people worldwide have multiple sclerosis

• The disease affects almost twice as many women as men

Multiple sclerosis (MS} is a disease of the central nervous system, the brain and the spinal cord. It is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system gets confused and instead of attacking an infection or virus it turns on itself and attacks nerve cells.

There is no cure for MS, but specialists and treatments can help manage the condition and its effects.

Thank you for choosing to learn more about MS and the Oceans of Hope project. Please visit our website for more information. We hope to see you in Boston, New York or one of the many other ports as Oceans of Hope circles the globe and raises awareness of an active lifestyle for those living with MS.

Oceans of Hope website