living with MS

I knew that starting my college journey in a a different city, less than a year after receiving my relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) diagnosis, would be challenging because I didn’t fully understand what was happening in my body. Even though my college, the University of Texas at Austin,…

Recently, my work-life balance felt off, so I took the opportunity to house-sit a family farm. I needed the solitude — the peace and quiet — to recharge. While there, I watched a flock of 50 to 60 goldfinches gather at the bird feeders daily. Their communal nature fascinated me,…

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…

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…

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…

I despise theme parks, and I feel zero guilt about depriving my kids of Disneyland, Six Flags, and the general horror of standing in long lines to be terrorized. Why do I hate theme parks? It’s not the shameless commercialism, the overpriced food, or the fact that the tickets for…

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…

Just before a deployment, all the teams in my military unit received a large supply of medical gear that included two medical backpacks, or aid bags. As the team’s medic, I elected not to bring them, because I already had a bag that I liked, and the new ones looked…

  Hollie Amadio meets with Stefanie Barone, a staffer for U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-MD, to advocate for the Safe Step Act. (Photos courtesy of Hollie Amadio) Day 27 of 31 This is Hollie Amadio’s story: “Hollie, you’re having a stroke from eating all those chocolate eggs!” my dad…

Dimika V. Cavalier is shown in a photo she uses for advocacy work. (Photos courtesy of Dimika V. Cavalier) Day 26 of 31 This is Dimika V. Cavalier’s story: My journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) began in my early 30s. I was having episodes of vertigo that would…

A 3-year-old Chris Delemater smothers his aunt, Jenn Powell, on the couch, along with Toby the dog. (Photos courtesy of Jenn Powell) Day 25 of 31 This is Chris Delemater’s story: What is it like to know someone with multiple sclerosis (MS)? Have I learned anything from someone…

Karly Isaacson’s mother, Donna Ball, laces up Karly’s dress for her wedding last summer. (Photos courtesy of Karly Isaacson) Day 24 of 31 This is Karly Isaacson’s story: When I think of empowerment and multiple sclerosis (MS), I think of my mom. I had my first MS…

More Stamina, a gamified mobile app, helped a small group of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) better manage their fatigue by becoming more aware of their energy levels and planning their activities more effectively, according to a study from Finland. “Fatigue is an invisible but life-altering symptom…

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…

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…

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM), in which an implanted device delivers mild electrical pulses to the nerves that control the bladder, led to sustained improvements in urinary function in half of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who underwent surgery to have the device put into place, according to a review of…

Kevin Byrne grew up in Bronx, New York. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he was struck by multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1999 while commanding an Army Air Cavalry Troop overseas. Now medically retired, he lives with his daughter, Rogue, in Portland, Oregon. Kevin works…

Ross smiles for a photo. (Photos courtesy of Ross) Day 21 of 31 This is Ross’ 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 for a year…

You know what they say about assuming? You don’t? Well, I just assumed that you did, so I guess the joke’s on me. I was going to start this column off by saying that people make a lot of assumptions about the disabled, but now I’m not sure that “assumption”…

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…

Cognitive impairment is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have not previously received treatment, affecting about 1 in 4 patients, and rates are particularly higher in those with secondary progressive MS (SPMS), a new study found. “The current study demonstrates that a significant portion of 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…

Dee Ecklund, riding her Alinker, finishes a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving 2024. (Photos courtesy of Dee Ecklund) Day 18 of 31 This is Dee Ecklund’s story: I am a firm believer everything happens for a reason. Maybe we have some things to learn, teach, or even both. With the…

I flew to Detroit for work this month, then on to Phoenix to see my parents, and then back home to Kansas City, Missouri. But traveling by airplane has gotten more complicated for me because of my multiple sclerosis (MS). I don’t need assistive devices, so I know my…

Ronald Harris shows off his new power wheelchair. (Photos courtesy of Ronald Harris) Day 17 of 31 This is Ronald Harris’ story: Harris is seen working from home, using a desk that accommodates his power chair. My journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) began with an unexpected diagnosis…

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…

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…

Yara Essam takes a selfie in a mirror during one of her many gym sessions. (Photos courtesy of Yara Essam) Day 14 of 31 This is Yara Essam’s story: I’d always been fairly healthy as a child — barely getting sick, eating well, and constantly moving my body. That’s…

When I could still drive, I enjoyed the experience. A car or truck was not just for getting from point A to point B. It was also about the thrill of the journey itself, and I wanted to coax as much as possible from the trip. That meant driving high-performance…

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.