With MS, it’s imperative to be your staunchest advocate

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by Bionews Staff |

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Five photos showing individuals with multiple sclerosis, who are sharing their real-life stories during MS Awareness Month, are hung with clips on a string above the words 'MS Community Spotlight.'
A woman stands next to an IV pole while receiving an infusion in her arm. She's smiling and making a peace sign with her right hand.

Tori Henderson receives her monthly infusion at an appointment. (Photos courtesy of Tori Henderson)

Day 9 of 31

This is Tori Henderson’s story:

A mother and daughter pose for a photo at Disney World, wearing matching red shirts and Mickey Mouse ears. The daughter is wearing a birthday sash.

Henderson, left, poses with her daughter, Kerriyah, for her birthday at Disney World.

Thanksgiving 2017 will forever hold a special place in my memories. I hosted my daughter’s 8th birthday slumber party, but amid the festivities, I sensed something was seriously amiss with my health. After rushing to the emergency room and undergoing a series of tests over the next few days, I received the life-altering diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).

While this revelation marked one of the most frightening moments in my life, there was a strange relief in finally understanding what was happening to me. It’s surreal to reflect on the nearly seven years since that day.

At one juncture, I grappled with significant vision loss, doubting the possibility of a normal life. Remaining transparent about my journey with the disease, I’ve faced numerous challenges, chief among them being attuned to my body and recognizing when rest was imperative.

A woman stands in the middle of an expansive field, with mountains towering in the background. She's looking off to the side and making peace signs with both hands.

A random island photo of Henderson enjoying the view.

Yet, amid these trials, there have been remarkable triumphs. This spring, I will finish graduate school, while juggling a full-time job and spearheading the opening of my own store. My love for dance also persists, with TikTok capturing moments of me dancing during MS infusions. My energetic 15-year-old daughter has become my greatest motivation to persevere.

From this MS journey, I’ve imbibed invaluable life lessons: Take each day as it comes, be your staunchest advocate, and enlighten others about the realities of this condition. I have MS, but MS doesn’t have me!

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, and Pinterest for more stories like this, using the hashtag #MSSpotlight, or read the full series.

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Bionews Staff Bionews, the owner and publisher of this site, employs science writers and editors, most of whom have PhDs in the life sciences, as well as veteran journalists, who ensure stories are well-written and easy to understand. Our stories undergo a comprehensive fact-checking and editing process to confirm accuracy, objectiveness, and thoroughness in order to best serve our audience of patients and caregivers.

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