Music is created by combining notes, both the high and low ones…sometimes life has a way of playing out the same way. Local singer and songwriter Kristie Salerno Kent, 32, always dreamed of being on stage and performing the music she loved -- and began performing at age seven; she just never dreamed of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Now, Kristie is creating music and inspiration in more ways than she could have imagined.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, progressive disease of the central nervous system that affects an estimated 400,000 Americans, according to the National MS Society. For Kristie Salerno Kent, it was a life changing diagnosis. The once graceful and coordinated singer and dancer barely could walk a straight line or read her music. This was unacceptable to Kristie who decided to put all her energy into finding a way to manage her disease, and she found great doctors and medicine to help her along the way.