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(Continued from page 15) “I have MS, but MS does not have me, and I’m not going to let it,” he says. “That’s the difference. I may be ill, but I am not weak, and I’m not going to let myself be weak. If my body plays tricks on me, then I’ll be as strong as I can be in whatever body I have. “I work very hard at making sure I stay on top of my medications, my diet, everything I need to stay on top of to counterbal ance the negative effects of this illness. To answer the question of how I'm doing, I’m doing incredibly well for a person with MS, but I stay at it every day.” He’s also committed to using his celebrity to find a cure. He established 3H 9s* "Before 1236 lbs.) ~ Altei|lsslbs j J “I lost over 80 lbs. and changed my life with the Nordic Track Elliptical.” Results not typical “Before I began exercising with my Nordic Track Elliptical my cholesterol was a very dangerous 540. Within months it dropped into the normal range. The Nordic Track Elliptical helped me lose weight and tone up my body—my entire body, not just my legs. I am 58 years old but look much younger because now I am fit.” - Lorraine F., Carson City, NV Ik IV \ Order the Nordic Track Space Saver J Elliptical now and get: jafb • Payments as low as 'wjfwp aHM • Free Exercise Mat mHT’ UU A 534.95 value (while supplies last) Enter code NTFMSIO4 for your FREE mat. Payments as low as • StrideSelect TV Technology. Three settings let you target specific muscles JT H while getting a cardio workout. mon'mwc • Unique Space Saver Design. Allows act now and you to fold it up and roll it away for SAVE , 7 V to convenient storage. $200! xj? Nordic Track 866-813-4406 Fitness. Life, style. www.nordictrack.com r "^n| Williams was diagnosed with MS in 1999. the Montel Williams MS Foundation, which has raised more than SI million to date, to further scientific study of the disease. “Every single penny that the public has given me has gone back out and been-put in the hands of research,” he says. He’s increased national awareness of the disease by devoting numerous episodes of his TV show to the topic, delivering public speeches and pressing drug companies to find a cure. “I’m so impressed personally with Montel because it took a lot of courage for him to go public," says Joyce Nelson, president and CEO of the National MS Society. “He has put a real face on MS and he has been willing to commit to very publicly speaking about the disease. Now, more and more, when I say I work with MS, people say, Isn’t that what Montel Williams has?’ That has made a tremendous difference. The people who have MS know that there is someone who is really fighting for them and is willing to use his platform and influence to bring more awareness to the disease.” A greater understanding Williams doesn't view his MS as a tragedy because its brought him a greater understanding of himself and oth ers, and now he’s less judgmental and more aware of the needs of those around him. '‘lt’s made me live every day to the fullest," he says. "I don’t put stoppers on it. Also, the longer I stay on this journey with this illness, the more open and honest it makes me.” He’s intent on fostering a positive attitude and instill ing that sense of honesty in his own four children, who range in age from 12 to 23, so they'll be equipped to conquer whatever roadblocks that come along, whether it’s a negative comment or a debilitating disease. “I truthfully try my best to make sure they understand that no one else can define who they are,” he says. “Not me, not their mother, not their teacher, | (Continued on page 19) “l may be ill, but I am not weak, and I’m not going to let myself be weak.” Paramount Domestic Television jjf ' 4 "' - •American Profile Page 16