The special thing about the calendar is that it can give hope to those who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. That’s because it depicts patients who refuse to let themselves be ruled by their disease. And even if it presents people in different phases of the illness and with reduced mobility, the images show how passionately they pursue the activities they love.

Like Diane for example: Her photo is on the February page and is one of Heather’s favorites. In her portrait, she sits smiling at the piano, and her fingers seem to be flying over the keys. You almost can hear the music — upbeat music. “Diane is 69 and so full of life, more than most of the people I have ever met. And that despite the fact that she is not only suffering from MS but also survived a fight with breast cancer. We never stopped laughing during the photo shoot,” says Heather. “Positive” is the word under Diane’s portrait.

Producing the calendar also was a challenge for Heather. The Canadian wanted the photographs to convey the one word that the people used to describe themselves. She didn’t have a lot of time to capture the right mood with the camera and take a photograph that would be truly representative of each person. Her trick was to let them do what they enjoy doing, so that they would forget the camera. “Inspiring” was the word chosen by Sabrina, a teacher. Surrounded by her 14 and 15 year old pupils, she stands laughing at the blackboard, on which the words “unique”, “fun” and “special” are written in chalk, as if the kids couldn’t decide what they love most about their teacher.

All of Heather’s colleagues have the calendar hanging on their walls. “My colleagues supported me so much. I received so many compliments. They said my work is so inspiring. What they don’t realize is: It’s not my work that is inspiring, it’s the people whose pictures are in the calendar.“ Bill, whose smile gives hope to people with MS — in Canada they now number between 55,000 and 75,000 — is feeling good, more than ten years after being diagnosed. “I remember how hard it was with MS in the beginning — but that’s in the past. Now I have good days and bad days, but mostly good. I can’t ask for more than that. I am very grateful.” And Heather, by the way, would describe herself as “happy”. Happy to have been able to meet so many people who showed her that life has a lot to offer. That life is what you make of it.