Marlis has struggled with Multiple Sclerosis for years. For many of these years, numerous exacerbations of the disease left her almost normal with the only exception being permanently decreased vision in her right eye as a result of optic neuritis. Her last exacerbation was different. Marlis was stricken with complete paralysis as well as loss of sensation from the breast level down. She was unable to move her legs, unable to turn over, unable to wiggle her toes. She could no longer control her bladder and bowels and a catheter was inserted. Two days after the onset of symptoms, she was hospitalized and given an intensive treatment of high dose intravenous steroids and immunoglobulins. This did not bring any improvement. She was transferred to a Rehabilitation Department where she was prepared in all aspects for life as a paraplegic. She went into a prolonged shock. I, as her neurologist was shocked as well, and was burdened with feelings of failure.

She prayed. So did I. No long after that I met an Indian healer named Anne and told her Marlis’ story and shared my frustration as her doctor. Anne immediately reached to her neck for a purple crystal hanging from a silver chain. She handed it to me. Anne then told me I should have hold the crystal in my hand while Marlis was to hold her right hand, palm down over her sternum and her left hand over her stomach. I was then to show her a certain way to breathe. She was to carry her breath from the top of her head down to her toes, breathing in an energy of healing and exhaling all that was not healthy for her. I was to teach her to associate each breath  with a vision of some kind of a healing energy passing through her body. Marlis was to visualize her body returning to an awareness of feeling, having an ability to move again, and then - an ability to walk again. I knew Marlis had been

motivated by her hope of being able to snowshoe again, and this could be included in the visualization as well.

This potential form of therapy was all new and unknown to me. Although my medical training in Europe included some appreciation of the value of rehabilitation through herbs and natural medicines I had, through my further training, become a mainstream American Board Certified Neurologist. I knew nothing about other methods of healing beyond this training.

I walked to the hospital with the crystal hidden under my dress. I recommended she took ginko biloba among other herbs. She was open to this and, in fact, owned a book on healing herbs. Then, while explaining what I knew on this, I only briefly brought out the crystal to show Marlis. She was open to everything I offered. Her husband Don was also open to our experimenting with the crystal. They had both been terrified with this destructive monster of a disease and its effect on her, while maintaining strength from their spiritually-directed paths and their faith in God and in each other.

Marlis was discharged from the hospital. She was sent home with many pieces of equipment to assist her in her new life as a paraplegic. Her husband Don put much effort and thoughtful attention into making their house wheelchair accessible. Marlis continued physical as well as mind/body exercises on her own. She also continued physical rehabilitation twice a week for 18 months with an excellent and trusted therapist. She and her husband continued to pray, trust and dream. Over time, Marlis steadily progressed in a reversal of what had been determined as a permanent condition – first changing her wheelchair for a quadcane, then the quadcane for a simple cane. Marlis and Don’s basement now has a corner stacked with what were once necessary tools for Marlis; she no longer needs them.

Next Christmas Marlis was given a pair of snowshoes. She was able to use them for a small walk on the following Palm Sunday. She has gone snowshoeing repeatedly since then.

In her written testimony (published in POSITIVITY, Vol. 3, Fall 1997) she states:
"I realized it was God’s way of getting my attention, to take time and ask for answers to my questions... ‘Amazing Grace’ took on quite a new meaning for me – ‘I was blind but now I see’... I have realized that God wants me to do something with my experience and what I’ve learned. Maybe it can help or inspire someone else to be the best they can be, whatever the situation".

Marlis is certain her experiences have all been for a reason. She is now a leader of a local Multiple Sclerosis support group. She lectures at meetings focusing on "God’s healing miracles" and shares her certainty of being the recipient of one.

Marlis and Don have donated funds to the Miller Dwan Foundation for the Interfaith Spiritual Center in Duluth, Minnesota. They continue as an exceptionally loving and kind couple, extending their care to parents, grandparents and friends. Marlis now works part-time in the Light House, a museum on the banks of Lake Superior in Minnesota.