I have had a few assignments on MS lately. I have to confess I was as clueless as some of the people I often rant about when it came to this subject. Unlike some of the people I rant about, however, I read, research and learn things. I was not aware of all the people who have MS.

I am hoping y'all aren't totally aware of it either. With that in mind, read my piece below on the well-known people who have MS. (I know it's a departure from my usual rants, raves and stupid questions but --again--humor me, okay? Maybe if y'all read this I could make everyone happy by doing a piece on lesbian sports fans with multiple sclerosis. . .but, I digress. . .)

Today, in 2009, there are still millions of people all over the world that have multiple sclerosis (MS). In fact, even the rich and famous are not immune. Here are a few examples of celebrities with MS:

David L. Lander, actor, comedian, composer, musician, and baseball scout is perhaps best known for his role of Squiggy on the now classic TV show "Laverne And Shirley" or "Happy Days". Younger audiences might recognize him as the voice of the head weasel in the film "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" and as an animated Squiggy in an episode of "The Simpsons". Lander was diagnosed with MS in 1984. In 2002, he published his autobiography, "Fall Down Laughing: How Squiggy Caught Multiple Sclerosis and Didn't Tell Nobody" written with Lee Montgomery.

Percussionist Jackie Bertone, drummer for such acts as The Beach Boys, Kenny G, Steven Stills and Third World, was diagnosed with MS in 1998. He has been playing with various musicians for almost twenty years and is presently using his fame to serve as an "Ambassador for the Mini-Gastric Bypass".

Former Major League Baseball player, Peter Belinda, was a right-handed "sidearmed" relief pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Kansas City Royals, and the Cincinnati Reds among others. He was diagnosed with MS in 1998. He retired from the Atlanta Braves in 2000.

Rich Warden, former driver of the #59 stock car at the Lancaster Speedway,

was diagnosed with MS in 1995. He remains a race fan to this day and speaks publicly about his condition.

Talk show host, Montel Williams, author Judy Graham, magician Wayne Dobson, gold-medalist, Betty Cuthbert and the list goes on. These celebrities are fine examples of people who have MS and continue to live productive lives. They are proof that life does indeed go on.

(This is just a small sample of the

celebrities who have multiple sclerosis. Now be honest, other than "Squiggy", did any of you know about any of these other well-known people with MS? I didn't. Maybe sometimes I am so busy indoctrinating the uninformed and educating the ignorant that I neglect myself. You learn something new everyday.)

My name is Phoenix and . . . that's the bottom line.