Mother knows best: Advocating for young people living with MS

Karly Isaacson’s mother, Donna Ball, laces up Karly’s dress for her wedding last summer. (Photos courtesy of Karly Isaacson)

Day 24 of 31

This is Karly Isaacson’s story:

When I think of empowerment and multiple sclerosis (MS), I think of my mom. I had my first MS relapse at the age of 16, but it took six more years to receive a diagnosis. My doctor dismissed my initial symptoms, suggesting my shooting arm pain had to do with stress. I was sent to counseling. But my mom knew that something didn’t add up.

With my history of type 1 diabetes and the way my symptoms were presenting, she started reading about the connections between the two diseases and became convinced I had MS. Even when I started doubting myself throughout college, thinking it was all in my head after the relapse had passed, my mom never wavered. She believed me when no one else did. She took me to countless doctors, relentlessly pushing for answers, and never stopped asking questions until I got my diagnosis.

Since my diagnosis, I’ve made it my mission to be the advocate for other young people that my mom was for me. I’ve realized that my story mirrors that of so many young women who aren’t believed by healthcare professionals about their MS symptoms, and I’m determined to change that culture of disbelief.

From left, Donna Ball and her daughter, Karly Isaacson, are always laughing when they’re together. Karly says she’s grateful to her mom for always advocating for her health needs.

I recently earned a doctorate in education and inequality and now focus on studying chronic illness in higher education. My work is dedicated to improving the college experiences of chronically ill students by fostering a campus culture built on belief and understanding. Like many, I’m hopeful for medical advancements that will make MS more manageable and, one day, may eliminate the disease entirely.

But I also believe it’s crucial to live fully in the present, which for people like me, means living with MS.

College can be a pivotal time in life, when people begin to understand who they are and who they want to become. For me, college was shadowed by the uncertainty of a looming disease that could shape my trajectory for the rest of my life. But thanks to people like my mom, who never stopped advocating for me, I received the care and treatment I needed to be able to pursue my dreams. Now, I’m determined to ensure other young people with MS have that same chance.

In recognition of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in March, the MS Community Spotlight campaign features a series of stories highlighting the real-life experiences of people affected by MS, written in their own words. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Pinterest for more stories like this, using the hashtag #MSSpotlight, or read the full series.