This MS advocate has turned her weakness into strength

In recognition of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in March, the MS Awareness Month 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 #MSAwarenessMonth, or read the full series.

Looking back to where I was a year ago in my journey with multiple sclerosis (MS), my now 11-year-old tattoo still resonates, even more so today: “Somewhere weakness is our strength,” heard in the Paramore song “Let the Flames Begin.”

I’ve gone from diagnosis to four years of not being able to work as a police officer, four years of more disease progression, four years of wondering what my life will be like in the future, to finally seeing a light at the end of my tunnel.

Boudreau is seen sporting a medal after finishing a DEKA competition at her local gym. (Courtesy of Brittany Boudreau)

A little more than a year ago, I started a new MS therapy, and it changed my life for the better. After a year of being on the medication, I finally heard the words I’ve been waiting for: “Your MS is stable.” Not only was it stable, but I also started to feel more like myself.

I’ve been able to get back into the gym with CrossFit-style workouts and even compete in a few DEKA competitions. I became a patient ambassador for the drug I’m on and have been able to share my MS story with other multiple sclerosis warriors throughout the U.S. to spread hope within this disease.

I became involved with legislation and traveled to Washington, D.C., with a nonprofit for “Hill Day” to fight for certain bills and legislation that affect all of us with chronic illnesses.

At the end of the year, I was finally medically retired from the police department where I’d worked. When that door closed, others opened. I started substitute teaching, initially at an elementary school, but anyone with young kids and MS knows how tiring that can be. So, I switched to a high school, which is less tiring and very appreciative of you being there for a few days a week.

In the new year, I started a new part-time position as a firearms instructor at a private range with its own academy-based classes. If you had told me four years ago, or even a year ago, that this would be my life now, I would have laughed in disbelief.

Yes, I still have days when my MS reminds me it is there. I still get fatigued, and I have certain symptoms that are permanent that I must live with. But what I’ve learned with this disease is to take advantage of your good days and always schedule time for rest. Things that were important to me before my diagnosis aren’t anymore, and simple things like being able to move my body or work out are a privilege and should not be taken for granted.

Always keeping a positive, open mindset has helped me get to where I am today. I have also changed my mindset about worrying about what the future may look like. Instead of predicting worst-case scenarios, I choose to live for each day without fear of what is to come. I have faith that whatever happens, I will do my best to push through because “Somewhere weakness is our strength.”