community spotlight

MS taught me the importance of being kind to yourself

It took years for Gregory Sonn to receive an MS diagnosis. He first noticed symptoms while traveling in his 20s. (Photo courtesy of Gregory Sonn) Day 31 of 31 This is Gregory Sonn’s story: My name is Gregory and Iā€™m currently living in the unincorporated area of Roseville, near…

As an MS warrior, I advocate for myself and take things slowly

Lynne Denise, right, and her dad, Don Collins, attend last year’s MS walk in Edwardsville, Illinois. (Photos courtesy of Lynne Denise) Day 30 of 31 This is Lynne Denise’s story: Hello, multiple sclerosis (MS) warriors! My name is Lynne Brush, and I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting…

We love each other, but we hate multiple sclerosis

Day 29 of 31 This is Mike and Jenn Powell’s story, as a conversation: Jenn and Mike Powell stand with their dog, Skye, in Laguna Beach in November 2023. (Photo by Vicki Shequin) Jenn Powell: My husband, Mike, hates multiple sclerosis (MS). There was a…

I’m coping with MS the best way I can

Kelly Earley teaches family and consumer sciences at a middle school. (Photos courtesy of Kelly Earley) Day 28 of 31 This is Kelly Earley’s story: I have been living with multiple sclerosis (MS) since I was 17 years old but was only officially diagnosed when I was 24…

Creating a new normal in life with relapsing-remitting MS

Rochelle waits for a virtual appointment with her doctor in 2020. (Photos courtesy of Rochelle) Day 25 of 31 This is Rochelle’s story: Iā€™m writing this on the anniversary of ā€œthat day.ā€ I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, or RRMS, in March 2020. How fitting that I…

Before my optic neuritis and MS diagnoses, I faced the unknown

Desiree Lama graduates from the University of Texas at Austin. (Photos courtesy of Desiree Lama) Day 24 of 31 This is Desiree Lama’s story: My journey with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) began when I was only 14 years old. I can vividly recall the smells, sights (or lack…

Primary progressive MS was like a bad houseguest, but I adapted

Kristin Hardy considers herself happy and healthy ā€” absent 22 years with PPMS, of course. (Photos courtesy of Kristin Hardy) Day 22 of 31 This is Kristin Hardy’s story: In 2001, I started experiencing symptoms of what rapidly manifested as primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). Like a…

How a diagnosis of MS was a blessing in disguise

A smile is the best cure, says Natalia Ancora. Every time you fall, just get up, smile, and keep going! (Photos courtesy of Natalia Ancora) Day 21 of 31 This is Natalia Ancora’s story: Hello, MS Fam! My name is Natalia, and I live in beautiful Australia. I…

I am so much more than my body

Nora Cherubini poses with Stanley, her service dog, during a beach walk. (Photos courtesy of Nora Cherubini) Day 18 of 31 This is Nora Cherubini’s story: ā€œThank God itā€™s not MS ā€¦ because you would wind up in a wheelchair.ā€ This is what a neurologist told me after…

How living with MS has made me an illusionist

Ahna Crum wears glasses with orange lenses and prisms to correct for color discrepancy, contrast loss, and double vision. (Photos by Sarah Brewington) Day 16 of 31 This is Ahna Crum’s story: ā€œA great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is deep.ā€…

Living an uncertain, yet purposeful life with MS

Surjeet Kaur’s MS journey involves sacrifice, but also awareness and positivity. (Photos courtesy of Surjeet Kaur) Day 14 of 31 This is Surjeet Kaur’s story: It was an ordinary day in November 2012 when I woke up with a stiff neck. I tried to brush this off thinking I…

How I keep moving forward after a diagnosis of MS

Alex Ramirez stands outside of his home. (Photos courtesy of Alex Ramirez) Day 13 of 31 This is Alex Ramirezā€™s story: In January 2018, I started to feel terrible in a way I canā€™t put into words. I went to the hospital, and after multiple MRIs, I was prescribed…

A brilliant doctor taught me acceptance after my diagnosis of MS

Did you know that sunflowers symbolize hidden disabilities? Deanna Renee reflects on her achievements while eagerly anticipating the future. (Photos courtesy of Deanna Renee) Day 12 of 31 This is Deanna Renee’sĀ story: At 17, when a neurologist delivered my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), it felt like…

How MS helped me find and embrace my life’s purpose

Brittany Quiroz poses in a self-promotion photo for AHotMS.com. (Photos courtesy of Brittany Quiroz) Day 10 of 31 This is Brittany Quiroz’s story: Itā€™s uncommon for your brain to willingly transition utter disaster into a greater purpose or even Godā€™s calling for you. But for me, my diagnosis…

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

Tori Henderson receives her monthly infusion at an appointment. (Photos courtesy of Tori Henderson) Day 9 of 31 This is Tori Henderson’s story: 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…

How an MS friendship led to HSCT and a love of running

Amanda Olivier, left, and Sagirah Ahmed Norris pose with their medals at the Athletes with Disabilities Half Marathon in The Woodlands, Texas, in 2023. (Photos courtesy of Amanda Olivier and Sagirah Ahmed Norris) Day 8 of 31 This is Amanda Olivier and Sagirah Ahmed Norris’ story: AO: I awoke…

Adapting to change is a big part of my life with PPMS

Antonio Perez walks with his cane in the summer of 2022, saying his illness wasn’t that bad during that time. (Photos courtesy of Antonio Perez) Day 7 of 31 This is Antonio Perez’s story: Perez enjoys a glass of red wine. Hello, my name is Antonio Perez and…

Empowering others as a physician with MS

Sam Roman, MD, travels to Montana to conduct home visits for patients enrolled in the TREAT-MS clinical trial. (Photos courtesy of Sam Roman) Day 6 of 31 This is Sam Roman’s story: It was during a particularly stressful period of medical school in 2015 when I had my first…

Here I am with MS, being the best that I can be

Julie Stamm was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007. (Courtesy of Colorado Parent magazine) Day 5 of 31 This is Julie Stamm’s (@iamstamm) story: I was officially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) on Jan. 8, 2007. While I can date my symptoms back to six years before that,…

Smashing my running goals, even after a diagnosis of MS

Bethany Carman runs her first 10K at the Mornington Running Festival in Australia. (Photos courtesy of Bethany Carman) Day 4 of 31 This is Bethany Carman’s story: Hello, I’m Beth. I’m 30 years old, based in Melbourne, Australia, and I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS)…