31 Days of MS 2023

31 Days of MS: Live in hope, focus on healing

Photo courtesy of Kellie Alderton Day 30 of 31 This is Kellie Alderton‘s story: I was 17 years old in 1988Ā when my body just stopped working. I had played softball for over a decade, but at my first practice that season I missed an easy fly…

31 Days of MS: I do my best to remain positive

Photo courtesy of Lucinda Howard Day 28 of 31 This is Lucinda Howard’s story: I was in the first few months of my first ā€œadultā€ job when I suddenly felt numbness and tingling on my skin from my ribs down to my feet and in my hands. I went…

31 Days of MS: I have taken, and learned, a lot

After trying countless medications, Lacie Granstrom found some relief through diet, exercise, and letting go of “toxic relationships.” (Courtesy of Lacie Granstrom) Day 27 of 31 This is Lacie Granstrom‘s story: In January 2016, I was sitting on the floor playing with my…

31 Days of MS: I have MS but MS does not have me

Photo courtesy of Mohammed Al-enbaree Day 26 of 31 This is Mohammed Al-enbaree’s story: I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the age of 20 while I was in medical school. During the early phases, I was very busy and so lucky to have managed…

31 Days of MS: My mama was a superwoman

Dr. April Bee’s mother taught her, through words and actions, to embrace people for who they are. (Courtesy of Dr. April Bee) Day 25 of 31 This is Dr. April Bee’s story: Mama was bold and audacious. She cried with me when I cried. She laughed at things I…

31 Days of MS: MS is the least interesting thing about me

Photo courtesy of Lindsey Holcomb Day 24 of 31 This is Lindsey Holcomb’s story: My daughters were both preschoolers when I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). It took well over a decade to find an answer to the myriad symptoms that had come and…

31 Days of MS: My strength, my spirit, my story

Jessica Dubey, right, is with her partner, Tom. (Courtesy of Jessica Dubey) Day 22 of 31 This is Jessica Dubey‘s story: Multiple sclerosis is unpredictable, You never quite know what to expect or how you will feel. Planning a weekend, a holiday, or even just…

31 Days of MS: Crushing my MS, one mile at a time

Photo courtesy of Shane Nicolich Day 21 of 31 This is Shane Nicolich’s story: I was on my first multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment for six years but experienced bad side effects. That sucked, since I’m a dishwasher at a busy restaurant and am on my feet all day.

31 Days of MS: Exercise helps me keep MS on its toes

Photo courtesy of Ashley Ratcliff Day 19 of 31 This is Ashley Ratcliff’s story: Fatigued, sore, and tingling, yet determined. Every Friday I fight the urge to surrender to my ever-long list of to-dos and the voice in my head telling me to sit this one out. Instead,…

31 Days of MS: You are deserving of everything good

Photo courtesy of Jarika Winfield Day 18 of 31 This is Jarika Winfield’s story: My name is Jarika and Iā€™m a 35-year-old queer, two-spirit person. My ethnic backgrounds are Metis and Ukrainian. I live in the unceded territory of the the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh people (aka…

31 Days of MS: The journey of a queer MS warrior

Photo courtesy of Scarlett Ward Day 16 of 31 This is Scarlett Ward‘s story: My name is Scarlett Ward, and I’m 29 years old. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) when I was 27, after a particularly nasty relapse left me in the hospital,…

31 Days of MS: Only you know how you truly feel

Chloe Murphy fought for years to understand the cause of her physical and mental struggles. (Courtesy of Chloe Murphy) Day 15 of 31 This is Chloe Murphy‘s story: I am 27, from Cork, Ireland. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in April 2021, but truly…

31 Days of MS: Facing my worst with my best

Photo courtesy of Julie Wigley Day 11 of 31 This is Julie Wigley‘s story: In 2010, I started having numbness in my legs, specifically when I’d look down. I didnā€™t think much of it, but mentioned it to my primary care doctor during a…

31 Days of MS: Finding joy while living with MS

Photo courtesy of Mia Suite Day 8 of 31 This is Mia Suite’s story: On the morning of March 10, 2020, I received one of the most gut-wrenching diagnoses of my life. The day started off normal. I had a 9 a.m. appointment with a neurologist to go…

31 Days of MS: With small changes come big outcomes

Photo courtesy of Susan Payrovi Day 6 of 31 This is Susan Payrovi’s story: As a young person, physician, and new mom, I never expected to get sick. In fact, I considered myself to be the picture of health. What I failed to see were all of the factors…

31 Days of MS: Exercise has made me strong despite my MS

Photo courtesy of Natalina Larsson Day 5 of 31 This is Natalina Larsson’s story: My name is Natalina. I’m 35 years old and live in Sweden. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in June 2021. My MS symptoms are balance difficulties, dizziness, physical fatigue, tremor, spasticity in…

31 Days of MS: How I’m fighting back

Mike Parker noticed numbness in his feet about 10 years before he was diagnosed with MS. (Photo courtesy of Mike Parker) Day 4 of 31 This is Mike Parker’s story: I recently was diagnosed with multiple sclerosisĀ (MS). The last few months have been tough, with worsening disease…

31 Days of MS: Inspiring and supporting others with MS

Jessica (left) with her daughter, Jaleece. Photo courtesy of Jessica Lovato. Day 3 of 31 This is Jessica Lovato’s story: My name is Jessica, and Iā€™m from Utah. In mid-February 2020, I was nine months into owning and operating a full-service salon and barbershop. As I was finishing a…