Kathy Northup:  

Life After passing the California High School Proficiency exam in 1976, I joined the U. S. Navy. I met my husband, Larry, while stationed at the Personnel Support Detachment at Lemoore Naval Air Station. We were married in November 1979. Our first son, Jason, was born in August 1980. In March 1982 our second son, Justin was born. Upon leaving the Navy in 1982, I spent most of the next 8 years as a WestPac widow as Larry served tours on the USS Coral Sea and the USS Carl Vinson. During this time, I attended the college of Alameda and earned an AA degree in business. I decided to pursue a career in accounting. I was the Senior Accountant at the parent office of Home Express from March 1989 through September 1997 (when they went out of business). I was the Senior Accountant then Accounting Manager at company called East Bay Medical Network/Sutter Connect from October 1997 until June 2005. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in October 1992. Fortunately, I have not had it too bad. I use a cane if I am going to be on my feet for any length of time. I tire out quickly and cannot tolerate extreme temperatures especially heat. I see a neurologist every four month...Expand for more