Claude M. Sing Around : Fighting Against Multiple Sclerosis

MS patient John Mythen, creator of the worldfamous cartoon "Claude," and five medical experts provide helpful information for people with multiple sclerosis and their families and friends.

John Mythen is a professional cartoonist, writer, lecturer and teacher. Twenty five years ago, John was the picture of good health,teaching fashion illustration and coaching soccer to a feisty bunch of school kids in his spare time.

Then suddenly, he developed symptoms that brought him to a shuddering halt. He began to stumble, lose control of his muscles, and found himself exhausted after performing even simple tasks. A trip to the doctor turned up Multiple Sclerosis.

The news came like a punch in the gut. John,than forty, had never even contemplated what it would be like to have a disability, let alone face an uncertain future, and perhaps the end of a successful career as a cartoonist. But there was Claude, the lovable cartoon pooch who always gets the better of his superiors;John's constant companion and friend. During the 60's many readers enjoyed Claude in numerous British publications. Don't friends always share? So John gave MS to Claude, put the pooch in a wheelchair, and sublimated his own frustrations by depicting his canine "patient" in all kinds of hilarious situations created by MS handicaps.

Claude now rides in a scooter, as does John. Side-by-side, Claude fights John's battles and in doing so, reminds us all that disabled people are not invisible, that their frustrations are real, and that warm laughter and a little understanding can work wonders.

John and Claude have for many years now been active as a contributor to the MS Society worldwide. His "Claude" cartoons and articles have appeared in many publications, including the International Federation's twice yearly magazine, Update. John has attended a number of international MS conferences as a motivational and educational speaker. He has also conducted workshops, and helped in numerous MS campaigns and events.

One of his remarkable achievements was the writing of his book "Claude: MSing around,Meeting the Challenge of Multiple Sclerosis", a very warm, human and often humorous story of his own battle with MS and how he has learned to cope.

John, originally from Liverpool, England, now resides in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and continues to keep busy as a cartoonist and a writer. He remains active enjoying his grandchildren, swimming, water/snow skiing, sailing and scootering around with his companion "Claude", and continues to turn to his artistic talent for comedic relief.