A special night with Lady Gaga changed everything for us

From left, Michael Lee Martinez and Feliciano Velazquez celebrate the holiday with their cats, Korra and Cleo, on Dec. 23, 2024. (Photos courtesy of Michael Lee Martinez)

Day 2 of 31

This is Michael Lee Martinez’s story:

Picture this: After stanning one of the biggest pop stars of our generation for the last 13 years, I’m less than 20 feet from Lady Gaga. Not only is she several people away, but I also get to be here, hands clasped tightly, with the love of my life. Looking over at my partner, Feliciano Velazquez, I see his gorgeous face reflecting the stage lights as Lady Gaga belts the lyrics to “Born This Way” while playing the piano. I quickly realize this is one of the best moments of my life.

Everything is perfect. I look over at Feliciano while Lady Gaga struts down the runway as the closing curtain begins to drop, and my eyes tear up. I lean over to Feliciano and notice a shift. Just five minutes ago, we were both screaming at the top of our lungs and now he looks like he’s just seen a ghost.

From left, Feliciano Velazquez and Michael Lee Martinez enjoy a Lady Gaga concert in Houston on Sept. 13, 2022.

Before I can ask, he utters the words, “I don’t feel so well.” I watch his eyes flutter as he begins to sway. Immediately, I reach out to catch him before he hits the ground. Then I watch helplessly as he begins to seize. I place our pile of merchandise under his head and frantically call his name.

Minutes pass, which seems like an eternity. The seizing has stopped and I see the medics approaching. Feliciano slowly begins to open his eyes. We help him over to a chair as he starts to come out of it. Instantly, he feels burdened and begins to frantically apologize. I reassure him that everything is OK and there’s no need to apologize.

My thoughts are racing. Is this something related to his multiple sclerosis (MS)? Did I almost lose the love of my life? I refocus my attention on Feliciano. I need to make sure he’ll be OK.

That night changed everything. Before meeting Feliciano, I hardly knew what MS was. I immediately went into research mode. I wanted to know everything there was to know about MS. I watched and read hours of videos, testimonials, and stories of people living with MS and their loved ones. I knew I wanted to be there for him as much as I could as a partner.

Fast-forward three years later, to 2025, and we have a stunning apartment together, with two beautiful cats and several gorgeous aquariums. We didn’t lose our dream life together that night at the Lady Gaga concert. Instead, it sparked something more beautiful than I could’ve ever imagined.

Every day, I do my best to be as loving and supportive as I can to Feliciano, as he’s always been to me. I remind him to take his medication. I offer to join him at his medical appointments. We set goals to stay active and healthy. Thankfully, Feliciano hasn’t had any new health complications in the past three years. We tackle life one day at a time, and we’re ready for many more days together.

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.