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SALT LAKE CITY — Ann Romney is crisscrossing the country, this time on a book tour. She has written about her battle with multiple sclerosis and how she finds strength.
Romney is doing well, in remission, and hoping her new book sends a message to people who are struggling with her disease or in some other way.
"It's not just suffering from multiple sclerosis. It's someone who is suffering from loss, someone who is grieving, someone that is broken-hearted, someone that is poor in spirit."
Romney spoke passionately about her desire to reach out in her new book, "In This Together."
The title refers to Mitt and Ann Romney's relationship, her relationship with her children and grandchildren and friends and also community support. She was diagnosed in 1998. She, very openly, writes of how ill she was then.
"After the initial diagnosis, I progressed rapidly in just two months time. And it was a really, really frightening place. Mitt and I didn't know where this disease was going to spit me out and when it was going to stop."
Romney had to learn how to find the right medical care and medication. Early on, a friend of a friend with MS advised her.
"She said, 'This is your first year in a new body, and you're going to have to adjust and completely change your focus. Now, it's your responsibility and your job, your first job, is to take care of your physical body.'"
Support from Americans on the campaign trail in 2012 inspired her to share her story, Romney said.
"People knew. They knew I understood them. And they were there for a hug, really. That was it. They were there to put my arms around them and say, 'I know what you're going through.'"
Romney calls MS her greatest teacher, unwelcome as it is. She said she has gained strength, courage and an increase of faith. She believes she is standing for people who do not have a voice.
"We need to share each other's burdens," Romney said. "And I'm sharing mine. I hope I can help you."
The Afterward in the book contains helpful information for anyone going through difficulties. Romney's book proceeds go to her Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.
Romney will have book signings at BYU's Wilkinson Center Thursday at 6 p.m., Friday at 1 p.m. at Costco in Murray and at 7 p.m. at Barnes and Noble in Sugar House. She will also be at Deseret Book in City Creek Saturday night at 7.
