Monday, Aug 21, 2006
Thanks again for the informative and exciting [workshop] day last Saturday.  I had a few major paradigm shifts and am processing all that is new and hopeful in my personal situation healthwise, from what I took away from your talk.
You bridged my spiritual/medical quest for the 'key' to healing, whether you knew it or not!  I have been searching for about 10 years.......
My quarks are quite happy these days!  The chiro and masseuse both commented on how much energy they felt around me today..........fascinating." CA Calgary CANADA

Wednesday, April 05, 2006
I write you to thank you for publishing your encouraging book. I read the German translation, and I found so many common elements in your biography with the one of my wife Justine, that I was very astonished. To begin with the title: my wife was a dancing teacher working in her own studio. She is born in San Francisco, she moved to Switzerland when she was 20 years old, and has 3 sons.
Her first clear ms-episode was in winter 2003, she was 50 years old then, but retrospectively fatigue was present since 2001 at least. Diagnosis was made in 2004, but her approach to deal with  the problems evolved already before diagnosis. She was in her 4 years of Feldenkrais training then and she used these methods and techniques very successfully to recover and get the security of movements back. It seems, that you discovered similar patterns, specially learning from babies (crawling etc.) is one of the most important things in Feldenkrais method. And of course "sensory awareness" is important. There is a German ms patient: Sonja Wierk, who recovered from a very bad state by working with Feldenkrais techniques and developing them into a specific form of ms "treatment". As she was unable to move her extremities at beginning, she just imagined movements so intensely, that they came back. She is an old lady now, but she still offers courses. It is interesting, that people with completely different backgrounds came to similar ideas and results!
I am a doctor of family medicine in the Swiss mountains. It was never my goal to be an ms specialist ... but of course I had to read a lot of articles about ms in the medical literature and in the internet. The ongoing campaign of the pharmaceutical industry (interferon for all ms patients!) together with prostituted doctors is scandalous in my eyes.
I don't know if this e-mail is interesting for you, but after [reading] your book, it seems to me, that you know quite a bit (which is another compliment for the book).  Lorenz Brassel, Switzerland

January 18, 2006
How could I let one more day pass without wishing you the best for 2006....
calm, peace, strength and wonder for the New Year.
You made a great impact on my life in 2005. [workshop]
I often think of you... your words of wisdom, your model of determination,
your persistence and positive energy... and smile.
Hope all is well in your world.
With love and thanks
Marlene Kouri, Ontario, Canada

March 31, 2004
I was diagnosed with MS in 1995. I am now 40 years old and living a normal life.
When I was first diagnosed my health started deteriorating, but when I got on with my life
and understood more about MS my health started improving.
I found your book interesting because it made me want to read on further each time.
Your book gives me more will power to carry on with my normal life.
Rose Hamilton, RR 1 Fergus, ON, CANADA, N1M 2W3

September 24, 2003
I was nervous about going to your presentation, but I knew after being recently diagnosed with MS that I needed to do something different. Well I can say that I'm more than glad that I did.
The first thing I must thank you for is your inspiration to live, and I mean really live.
Number two is that MS is not the end of you as the person you were or are.
Three is follow that little voice inside that says "You Can," not "You can't."
Four is take charge and know what your talking about, as you progress through this setback and don't just accept other peoples interpretations ( Neurologists, Doctors, Family, Friends) of what they think you have or what you should do about it.
Five would be do the best you can with what you have, at the time you have it.
Six would be "Follow Your Gut".
This list would continue for days based on the hour and a half you shared with all of us. Listening to you and now having read your web pages, I am going to do the simplest of things to get really started, drop a check in the mail for a very special book. Personally I think it's gonna be a great place to start.
Thank you again, as meeting you was my pleasure.
Looking forward to learning and hearing more from you.
Faithfully Yours Mike McArthur, 110 Cedars Lane, RR # 4, Box 67, Flesherton, ON, CANADA, N0C 1E0

July 19, 2003
The day I received your book is the day I read it from cover to cover and I cannot think of anything to say except WOW!!!!  You certainly are an amazing lady, definitely an inspiration to many and not just MS sufferers. I am so glad you wrote your story in this book, it will help many people who are suffering from MS attacks.
I have been one of the fortunate ones, I suffered an attack 30 years ago just after I had my 2 little girls and when I left the hospital the specialist told me that I have either MS or a tumour in my brain that will gradually deteriorate my brain. The MS did not scare me as much as the tumour theory.
Thank God nothing major happened to me after the initial attack which did take me months to get over and I actually had forgotten all about ever even having had MS until it showed up in an MRI I had a month and a half ago.
So you can see that I have definitely been one of the few that have an attack and then no more. Reading your book has truly inspired me and I could relate to you in many of the things you wrote about your attacks, I really admire you in the way you have dealt with your illness, you have had to go through much, may God continue to bless you and keep you in His care.
After about 3 years after my attack and making sure in that time not to have more children (because the doctor said I would have more and worse attacks), my husband and I went to get a second opinion from a doctor my  cousin worked for at the time. You would like this man, wow, what an optimistic, encouraging, inspiring doctor who told us not to worry about an attack that might never happen. He asked me if I was worried about the possibility of leaving his office and getting run over at the intersection which of course I was not. He also informed us that out of all his MS patients there were only two elderly that were in a wheelchair. He also mentioned that getting pregnant, the baby would in no way suffer from me having MS. You can imagine that we felt much better and more relaxed with this MS thing and in the next couple of years were blessed with two sons.
I have thought about you many times since I read your book. I am sure I told you already that I was very much impressed with the way you handled your MS attacks and worked so hard each time both physically and mentally to get well.
I do think that the doctors are a lot wiser about this subject now then back in the early 70s, my doctor at that time said that I would have further attacks and get worse and worse until I was in a wheelchair eventually, quite the encouragement eh?
Funny thing though, when I was 6 weeks old and had the croup, the doctor told my mom that I would die and if I did make it I would have a weak chest for the rest of my life, neither happened.
I really think that your book will have helped many people realize that they should not panic and give up when MS strikes but to fight back because recovery is possible, you have definitely proven that. Thanks again for sharing your story and I will definitely read your second book also as soon as it is published.
I wish you all the best and may God continue to bless you as you continue to be a blessing to the many who read your books and hear you speak. Blessings,
Hilda van Drongelen St George Ontario CANADA

February 15, 2003
I had a very busy autumn starting with hiking down a local mountain during a
Huckleberry festival, 3 years after the MRI indicated MS. You had inspired me to be
able to try that. The next 3 months were filled with much work and activity. Long story
short, my husband and all three of my sons had the flu during December and then two
of them got it again right after Christmas, but I kept plugging away during the holidays.
On January 2, 2003, I was assisted into the doctor's office for a script to help rid me of
what I perceived to be vertigo, which was actually the first unsteady step into a deep
bout of the flu. Within a week, I was having a great deal of difficulty walking upright and
climbing the stairs was very scary. On Jan. 13th, I was barely able to get out of bed
and stumble to the bathroom. We have a 2 storey house and I ended up spending a
week upstairs, using a borrowed wheelchair to get into my one sons room just to watch
TV. When I wasn't laying in bed or sitting in front of the tube for an hour or so, I sat
reading.
The book I re-read was your Black Patent Shoes: Dancing with MS. This time I took
much of what you wrote as an instruction manual. When I couldn't bend my legs or walk
without my toes pointing and bending under, two things kept jumping out from the
pages. The first was "No negative thoughts allowed" and the second was exercise,
exercise, exercise. I ended up with rug burn on one elbow as I kept losing balance
while trying to crawl, but crawl I did. I also kept telling my worried and willing husband
to let me try to do whatever I thought I could. Helping me, wouldn't necessarily be
helping me. By January 23rd, I felt stronger & borrowed a walker and started walking
about downstairs and then practised climbing the stairs whenever anyone could stand
by to assist if needed. Each day I improved a little physically and a lot mentally.
I am very happy to say that by February 2nd, I went back to work. Walking is still a little
jerky at times, but I believe that your words of incredible wisdom and perseverance
throughout your own struggles, inspired me to work for recovery. I thank you for sharing
your experiences so thoroughly and I now know first hand that this disease may cause
the odd bump in the road but it only slows us down, it doesn't have to stop us from
living.
Thanks to the first reading, I ended up going back to work part time and after reading
your book the second time, I missed less than a month of work. When first diagnosed,
the neurologist didn't care about my med sensitivities, just pushed the indictable of
"his" choice. That medical pessimism encouraged me to learn how I wanted to manage
the disease without drugs. I believe strongly in the Body, Mind, Spirit connection so I
am still managing my MS with diet, some vitamins and as much exercise as I can
handle. I have an appointment at the MS Clinic in May (to satisfy my GP because I haven't
seen a neurologist in over 3 years.) Thank you again. Peace and love always, Tally in Alberta

Thank you Eva.
    Tears flowed with amazement and my jaw rarely closed. You are the first to justify my
experience of the last seven years. Thankfully I've had good neurologists who chose to
say positive things to me. Dire predictions for my future were kept to themselves.
My full recoveries, due to normal living and exercise when I was able, were self
diagnosed as "I'm just lucky I guess!!?”
    I had an exacerbation this past October but went to work during it, which, in time,
caused my first depression. I had finished an eight month computer program course
two years prior, obtained the job, and was NOT going to quit now.
    I did not get any better, as I normally did after a few months, and continued to work and
wore myself down. For the first time I was losing hope. I began expecting less of myself
physically. I finally quit work and regrouped. What I feared the most was quitting but
once I did and began taking care of myself all was well.
    Then I got Black Patent Shoes from Laura. A signed copy.
    My husband read the book in two sittings, as I had, and it touched him greatly.
I'm very interested in everything you have been involved in and Dave, my husband, told
me he immediately looked for a web site. I will continue to be inspired and encouraged
when I look up this information.
    I'm now, thanks to you, starting the process it takes to be accepted into UBC.
It is very important to me to train my mind so I am able to organize my thoughts,
slow down, think.
    Alter 16 years of wonderful motherhood it's time to concentrate seriously on my
challenges. I believe again in my future.
    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Sandra Godkin BC CANADA July 25, 2002

Email Tuesday August 20, 2002
hope this finds U doing well.
over the heat wave and humidity too!
just wanted to share some good news with U.
after all, it was U that made me think
about controlling my own life!
I went to see my specialists that treat me for
Crohns and Dystonia.
both doctors said they couldn't understand
what was going on with me, but ...
both illnesses are in remission!
They cant understand what i am doing,
but they want me to keep it up.
And ... the best news!
I never have to see either one of them again.
just keep in touch with my family doctor!
thanks again for the kick Eva.
keep on Dancin' my friend! love
Trish Ontario Canada

I have just finished reading your book (about 3-4 weeks ago). I have MS, not as severe as you do, but severe enough. As I’m writing this I’m smiling with the irony of my comparison. My relapses never paralysed me, but the disability of my MS has been worse than yours - until I read your book!
Over the past few years, I have learned the secret of acceptance over things I cannot change. The peace this has given me has been wonderful. When I was diagnosed I with MS in 1998 (although I had known it was MS for years before), I applied the same acceptance to my MS. I have been “handling” it remarkably well, from an emotional perspective.
But the “relapse” in 1998 was frightening. My relapse in 2000 was even more disabling, and again, I “accepted” my MS. Then, a cousin sent me your book.
Now you must understand, as I’m sure you do, that I was a little tired of yet another anecdotal “cure” being offered to me. Everybody seems to have one - or knows someone who has one. Bee venom, mushrooms, herbs that purge the system (read exlax), herbs that strengthen the system: the list seems endless. My attitude has been one of patience but scepticism. To my mind, your book was no different.
One evening I sat down to look it over. I had to force myself to put it down! I started exercising immediately (at the first sitting). I was so excited! Your message has hit home with me.
MS is not something I have to accept! I can fight it with exercise!
This makes an incredible amount of sense to me. That our bodies can rebuild the myelin sheath in the same way that they do in the first place makes sense! So I’ve started exercising.
With me, my left side is affected. As I am left handed, this has been a real problem. I’m handwriting this letter to exercise my hand. I’m sure you can see it needs it (smiling). Last night (Saturday), and the night before, my wife and I went dancing! And just a few short months ago, I was forced to use a walker during my last relapse!!
I am gaining strength everyday, and with it, my energy level is soaring!
So I’m writing you to let you know you’ve made a difference for me. As I read your book, I recognized the emotions you described. With each relapse, the fear of your not knowing what was going to happen was familiar to me.
Can I make it through this? Will I be ever be able to work again?
Will I have to use this walker for the rest of my life?
Will I end up in bed for life? Unlike you, I treated each relapse with acceptance.
Putting faith in the Cosmos (my word for God), Emotionally it worked and worked well.
But now I’m refusing to accept it! I caught your infectious will and desire to live a full and physically healthy life.
My friends all seem to be nodding and smiling as I describe my exercise with just a little sadness - just a little “we’ll be there for you when it fails”. I tell them about you, about your paralysis, about your victory over it. I think most of them are afraid to believe it works.
Maybe I’m reading too much into their lack of excitement.
But you know, last Friday night, when Kate and I were dancing jive and cha-cha, one of our friends told her between dances that to see me up there dancing, to know and remember me using that walker, is for him an incredible sight. He said I have just the attitude required to beat MS!
When Kate told me that on the drive home, I knew my friend understood! Part of my attitude comes from you. Thank you! Dan from Calgary, CANADA November 2000

I just want to say how invaluable your book has been to me in dealing with the health care system recently and now.
I have had the worst MS exacerbation of my life to date - couldn't even wiggle my toes or feet --and ended up in emergency via ambulance with severe back spasms.
The doctor on call as he stood by my bed wringing his hands said he didn't know what was wrong, didn't know what to do, didn't know much about MS!
I had to tell him what needed doing! and the tale of horror goes on!
Thanks to having read your book recently I was able to "hang onto my will to get better" and tell them I was the one in charge of my health care and that I needed a team with doctors, physio, nurses, and alternative therapists etc on my team but that I would be the one making the decisions!
I was labelled as "uncooperative and stubborn' Only my doctor believed that I could walk again and I shall. Can stand now and pull myself up to the counter!
It WILL come! He told me to "do whatever it takes to get better.
The long term care and physio and nurses just told me to "be realistic. This is where you are going to be forever. MS is a downward spiral."
I told them I was being realistic and that I WOULD walk again!
Been such a horrendous experience dealing with the "system". Have written letters to the powers that be (the heads of all three) locally and regionally voicing the shortfalls/pitfalls in the system, the negativeness, and offering suggestions to improve.!
(I am trying to make a long story short here!!)
Anyhow, without having read your book I am not sure I would have been able to stand up to what I knew to be right for me and would have become "squished" by the system and persuaded that I would never walk again. "Let us do what is best for you."
So thank you thank you thank you, Eva, for the excellent book!
We are recommending to the health care people here that it be compulsory reading!
Aileen, CANADA 1999

Turmoil of emotion your book brings ... have just retired as Sports Physiologist, but have never crawled through the literature to focus on my own illness.
You have precipitated some real heart searching ... diagnosed in '78 ... by '94 in a wheelchair.
But now with your inspiration, I pray that I have the courage, determination and perseverance to go beyond the maintenance physio program. I intend to read and inform myself. From now on it's up to me.
Brian, UK 1998

Several years ago my husband was told he had MS. That day he went out for a jog. He still jogs, rides his bike and goes for long walks. The pain in his legs was unbelievable but he would not stop jogging. I believe, like Eva, his inner strength has helped to keep his MS in remission. He has very little patience with those who get a case of "poor me".  Nicky, CANADA 1997

I was diagnosed in 1965 and the doctor told me that nothing could be done, not to have children and that I would be bedridden in 15 years and dead in 20. I am somewhat stubborn and my daughters were born in 1968 and 1970. They both married in 1995 and I danced at their wedding. I, too, have black patent leather shoes. I am a fellow non-victim of MS. Jennifer, CANADA 1997

I have been doing your ankle exercises for just 3 days and have stopped using my walking stick. I am a pianist by training and until I heard your tape I thought I'd never play the piano again because of my useless left hand (like spaghetti fingers). Now I know I must simply start practising again. Bryan, UK 1997

I'm fascinated and overawed by the possibility that it is in my hands to get better I’m going to buy a book on yoga, which I have done long ago and follow the crawling instructions. I've re-read your book, it was all fascinating to read again as the first time - a real who-dun-it.
I have also lent it to my physiotherapist daughter and she was equally fascinated and amazed as me at myelin regeneration and she's just finished an update course on MS. Nobody has recognized remyelination in the CNS that I have read about, including my own neuro-based doctor ... 1st letter Patrice, UK 1997

In the three weeks since beginning the crawling and resumption of yoga there have been a couple of occasions where I felt something improve. I did my housework in 1 day instead of 2 and walked a couple of yards unaided. My husband keeps a diary and helps with exercises too. I will write again, and thank you for everything. Its lovely to have something to work at that's positive.  2nd letter Patrice, UK 1997

In the 6 or 7 weeks since I read your book, I’ve had no major improvements BUT my stamina has definitely gone up and my foot raising (lying) is really quite good and when my physio daughter checked my ankle reflex in the front (sitting) she said she could feel the muscle trying, though I can't lift the toes yet (sitting). I think she was impressed although she was in 'physio mode'.  3rd letter Patrice, UK 1997

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