My niece’s diagnosis of MS brought us closer together

From left, Adela Puente and her niece, Desiree Lama, spend time together in downtown San Antonio. (Photos courtesy of Desiree Lama) Day 31 of 31 This is Adela Puente’s story: Lama and Puente share a hug at Desiree’s college graduation. Being the youngest of six, I always wished…

A mother’s perspective on MS: Accepting help is hard to do

Sheila Hofmeister and her husband Rick stand behind the wheelchair of their son Ben Hofmeister, whose three sons, Sterling, Jule, and Monte, are pictured from left to right. (Photos courtesy of Ben Hofmeister) Day 30 of 31 This is Sheila Hofmeister’s story: Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today columnist…

Learning to heal was an important part of my MS journey

Natasha Quariab relaxes in her garden in Amman, Jordan, in 2023. (Photos courtesy of Natasha Quariab) Day 29 of 31 This is Natasha Quariab’s story: I woke up and tried to move my right leg. Nothing. My heart pounded. This couldn’t be happening. Not here, alone in a snowy…

Embracing my role as an MS advocate

Denise Schneiders embraces her role as an MS advocate. (Photos courtesy of Denise Schneiders) Day 28 of 31 This is Denise Schneiders’ story: My life changed on March 12, 2024, with three words: “You have MS.” As an athlete, wife, mother, teacher, coach, and business owner, I had always…

With MS, strength has nothing to do with being OK

Michelle Lesmeister posed for this headshot in February 2025. (Photos courtesy of Michelle Lesmeister) Day 23 of 31 This is Michelle Lesmeister’s story: “You’re the strongest person I know — you will be OK.” Lesmeister takes her dog Barrett for an afternoon walk. Who wants to be just…

My day, interrupted by MS

Ena Salcinovic celebrates her birthday three years after her MS diagnosis. (Photos courtesy of Ena Salcinovic) Day 22 of 31 This is Ena Salcinovic’s story: Saturday. Finally. A good day. I still believe that even though I overslept and missed the Red Cross and our weekly international cooking. I…

Having RRMS has taught me how to live one moment at a time

Ross Libby smiles for a photo. (Photos courtesy of Ross Libby) Day 21 of 31 This is Ross Libby’s story: I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in 2007 when I was a senior in college. I had been very sick with vertigo and gastrointestinal issues…

Learning from others in the MS community empowers me

Jenn Powell wears her MS ambassador shirt with pride. (Photos courtesy of Jenn Powell) Day 20 of 31 This is Jenn Powell’s story: Hosting The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast has been eye-opening, exposing me to the diverse and inspiring voices within the multiple sclerosis (MS) community. Every guest I…

How I’ve embraced a holistic approach to living with MS

Latifa Janahi takes a five-day course of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in her body. (Photos courtesy of Latifa Janahi) Day 19 of 31 This is Latifa Janahi’s story: I am a woman from Bahrain Island who’s passionate about technology and baking. After working in the tech field for 10…

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…

My dad with MS teaches me to live wholeheartedly

Sterling Hofmeister is pictured here at 6 months, carried in a backpack by his father Ben Hofmeister. (Photos courtesy of Ben Hofmeister) Day 15 of 31 This is Sterling Hofmeister’s story: Sterling Hofmeister, far right, is pictured with his brothers and father in 2018. My name is Sterling…

With or without MS, we are all unique people — from A to Z

Christy Hoffman poses for a picture with her husband Mike, who has MS. (Photos courtesy of Christy Hoffman) Day 13 of 31 This is Christy Hoffman’s story: Anxious. Blessed. Curious. Daring. Excited. Frustrated. Gregarious. Happy. Isolated. Jovial. Kind. Loving. Moody. Numb. Opinionated. Pumped. Quiet. Restless. Strong. Trusting. Underrated. Valiant.

Finding workarounds makes it easier to navigate an MS flare

Nanette Lai locks eyes with her chihuahua Fanny. Lai says mutual gazing between humans and dogs can cause synchronization in areas of the brain. (Photos courtesy of Nanette Lai) Day 12 of 31 This is Nanette Lai’s story: My name is Nanette, and I have lived with relapsing-remitting…

Even after my MS diagnosis, camping is still the best medicine

Izzy Abbas loves to go camping, but he also enjoys traveling internationally, Here, he is shown visiting Turkey. (Photos courtesy of Izzy Abbas) Day 11 of 31 This is Izzy Abbas’ story: Camping — being out in the woods and mountains — is something I’ve always loved. Despite all…

Living with MS means adapting to a new normal

Sarah Zichterman poses for a photo one year after her MS diagnosis. (Photos courtesy of Sarah Zichterman) Day 10 of 31 This is Sarah Zichterman’s story: Getting diagnosed with MS was not something I thought would happen to me at age 24. One day in January 2024, I woke…

MS has changed my course but it hasn’t taken my dreams

Naty Caez shares about her life with MS on Instagram. (Photos courtesy of Naty Caez) Day 9 of 31 This is Naty Caez’s story: In September 2024, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Everyone’s diagnosis story is going to look a little different, but for me, it took…

My 10-year-old tattoo speaks to me and my life with MS now

Brittany Boudreau attends the MS Dream Center of Rhode Island’s An Evening to Remember gala. (Photos courtesy of Brittany Boudreau) Day 5 of 31 This is Brittany Boudreau’s story: In August 2021, my life was going according to a plan I’ve had since I was 10. However, two days…

Experiences, empowerment are focus of MS Awareness Month 2025

A neurodegenerative disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) is estimated to affect more than 1.8 million people worldwide — across all ages, races, sexes, and geographical regions. During Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month this March, patients, caregivers, and other advocates are coming together to provide opportunities to connect, educate, inspire, empower, and…

My sister’s MS journey made me a better person

A young Michael Lama Jr. poses with his sister, Desiree Lama, at Christmastime years ago. (Photos courtesy of Michael Lama Jr.) Day 3 of 31 This is Michael Lama Jr.’s story: Growing up, my sister Desiree and I used to play video games and sports in our grandma’s backyard.