Sharing my truth as one of many stars in the MS universe

Tom Anderson, 67, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at about 30 years old. (Photos courtesy of Tom Anderson)

Day 16 of 31

This is Tom Anderson’s story:

I may be the dimmest star, but don’t get all hokey on me. There are lots of us. The following are the basics of my story; pull out what you will. The truth will win. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the truth for many of us. But what does that mean? Here’s my truth:

A photo of Anderson’s fraternity from his college newspaper.

I went to school with my mom, a teacher. Her parents were immigrants from Italy. Dad was a farmer turned IBM computer tech. He fought in the war and worked with the North American Aerospace Defense Command in the 1950s. My older brother played in a band with saxophonist Clarence Clemons. He is a rock ‘n’ roll entertainment attorney now.

My hernia was fixed in a hospital at age 4. I was athletic with a small football and baseball field in the backyard, a la Dad. I graduated about last in my class from high school.

In college, I joined a fraternity and lived in a frat house — the whole deal. I partied, smoked, never went to class, and worked as a waiter, bartender, cook, and restaurant manager. I fell in love with my best friend’s sister and wrote great poems, which got me nowhere. I worked at the bar/club next to the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey. I met many of the E Street Band members, but never Bruce Springsteen. He did take the stage one night, though. People went crazy!

Anderson is one of many stars in the MS universe.

I eventually got a PhD, graduated with honors, and was a licensed psychologist for a while. Then I got my MS diagnosis at about 30 years old. I had my dental amalgam fillings removed and started my first disease-modifying therapy. For 23 years, I took shots every two days like clockwork. I’ve done a basic Swank diet since.

I eventually met a lady from overseas and got married. She is wonderful. We moved to Philadelphia, where we bought a two-unit home that provides us rental income and invested in dividend stocks. Later I retired and went on Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare.

I’ve been asymptomatic for 25 years. Now, at 67, I use a cane due to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. I’ve also undergone transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia, and occasionally require Depend underwear. One issue you can see, the other you can’t. Make of that what you will.

No advice today, other than “Life happens; deal with it.” Or, perhaps better said, don’t not deal with it. I’ve lived 35 years on the MS train. See you in the universe. Good luck!

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.