How God can give a purpose, even to MND

Dianne Pretty has Motor Neurone Disease. She dreads the future and wants the right to die. Pamela
Vack also has MND. Nina Skinner found her facing the future with confidence and serenity Pamela Vack is a tall, elegant and very attractive woman in her 60s. Her clear blue eyes, sense of humour and courage belie the fact that three years ago she was diagnosed as having atypical motor neurone disease (MND), a terminal and incurable illness with no known cause.
Pam's story starts in 1986 after returning from a holiday to the Gambia with her husband, Hector. One morning Pam awoke to find numbness in her hands accompanied by extreme fatigue. Being an incredibly active, fit and sporty person prior to this time it was obviously very distressing to find herself crippled in this way.
A visit to her doctor informed her that she had some kind of neurological problem and so her journey to endless specialists began. Clouding the picture somewhat are two other illnesses, one of which is Meniere's Disease — causing her to feel incredibly sick and dizzy — and the other being asthma.
She was thought to have multiple sclerosis, although her symptoms did not fit neatly into this diagnosis. So from a neurologist to a neuropsychologist who diagnosed Pam as having deep psychological problems and masked depression because she was far too happy in her illness. Surely, someone suffering as much as Pam must be depressed and if she doesn't show it outwardly, then it's obviously deep within her, being masked by her forward and positive outlook and incredibly strong faith in the Lord.
Pam and Hector did not accept the diagnosis, nevertheless Pam searched her heart and continued to ask God if there was something in her past causing all these physical problems. Time and time again Pam acknowledged God's supremacy in her life and through all the misunderstanding, suffering and injustice caused by her situation she still did not blame God for the unexplainable illness, but continued to witness to all those she met that God's love and care was keeping her emotionally secure she was not depressed, she did not have psychological problems, and still no-one knew what her diagnosis should be Then, three years ago when her symptoms had become more acute she was finally given the diagnosis of atypical motor neurone disease. Although she was relieved to know what she has, she was also in shock for the prognosis was not a good one, it can only get worse.
And as I sit across the garden table from Pam and Hector, I cannot detect any bitterness or anger towards God. In fact it is because she speaks of her relationship with God as being so close and loving that she emanates such peace and calmness.
Pam is propped up on cushions as her bones push through her flaccid flesh and cause soreness, she has no tone in her muscles and her head now rests on a weak neck that also needs support. She has a lot of apparatus to help her cope with her disability including a wheelchair. But as I see her today, she is managing with just two walking sticks.
The degeneration caused by MND can he swift, with the patient losing the capacity to speak, the use of facial muscles and the ability to eat. Many patients fear death through choking or suffocation, and the gradual shutting down of the body means that if the person wants to bring about her own death, she needs help, as in the case of Dianne Pretty, who wants the law changed so that her husband, Brian, can help her commit suicide without his being prosecuted. Dianne's bid at the High Court pleads her right to privacy and personal autonomy and to avoid inhumane and degrading treatment under the new Human Rights Act.
But do we have the right to choose how we die? I would say not, and certainly Pam Vack would agree even though there have been days when she would have loved to have given up the fight, but then ... come tomorrow, there is another opportunity for God to work in her he and for her to encourage others and witness her faith.
Motor neurone disease is the name given to a group of related diseases affecting the motor neurones of the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurones are those nerve cells that control muscles, hence degeneration causing weakness and wasting of muscles. Such wasting generally occurs in the arms or legs initially with some groups of muscles being affected more than others. Patients develop weakness and wasting in the muscles supplying the face and throat, respiratory and digestive systems. MND does not affect touch, taste, sight, smell or hear ing. Neither does it directly affect the bladder, bowel or sexual function. And in the vast majority of cases the intellect will remain completely unchanged. As yet, no-one knows the cause of MND, although research is being undertaken both in this country and abroad. Many theories have been proposed as to its onset, such as viral infection, environmental poisons, metabolic disturbance and genetic defects. In Pam's case it is thought that the vaccinations she had prior to going on holiday to the Gambia may have been the cause, along with onset of the menopause.
Through the rejection Pam has pressed on harder. She paints both in water colour and oils and has held a number of exhibitions and sale of work, the proceeds going to the Motor Neurone Disease Association. God has given her the ability to see all round her, particularly nature, with an extra depth and dimension which she transfers to her pictures.
Pam is a great communicator too, not only in person but also in word and deed writing,telephoning or emailing friends and relations needing encouragement for their problems. Earlier this year she brought out her autobiography Facing the Lion How to Cope with Misunderstanding, Injustice and Suffering a Rue Life Story which is an account of
how she has got through the last fifteen years with God's help. She now receives letters from people who have read her book, not just Christians, and she prays over each letter she receives. Pam donates a proportion of the fee she receives from the sale of her books to the Motor Neurone Disease Association Her day begins in prayer and Bible study with Hector.
As Pam becomes more and more disabled, she is very conscious of her blessings and God's goodness to her in her salvation. She has no worries about "tomorrow" for she says, "He will not forsake me". Her biggest test will be when she loses the ability to communicate, "Please God, be there" is her prayer.
As I drive home the 40 or so miles to my house, I realise I had been in the presence of a true Ambassador for Christ.
Facing the Lion by Pamela Vack (WinePress Publishing) can he purchased from Christian bookshops at V. 95. Alternatively you can contact the author direct and purchase a copy of the book from her at £6.50.
Her address is: Mrs Pamela Vack, 4 Birchwood Close, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 4RB Email: [email protected]