My MS Story

My name is Abby Stoller. I grew up 20 minutes outside of Boston in Wayland, Massachusetts. I am 23 years old and was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in December of 2021. I have been fortunate enough to have always considered myself a very active, healthy person. I played Division I Lacrosse at UMass Amherst during my undergraduate career. Now, I am currently a member of the Simmons Lacrosse team while I pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work.

I am also beyond honored and humbled to be a member of the Israel National Team and I will be competing this July in the World Championship Tournament in Baltimore. It is a dream come true to be competing for Team Israel against many of the best players in the world. In addition, I recently became a dual citizen of Israel and the United States.

Unfortunately, I have been dealing with some serious recent health challenges. Just 10 months ago, I was not sure what my future had in store for me with school, lacrosse, and everything else moving forward when my doctor informed me that, “You have Multiple Sclerosis.” That feeling in my chest, when those words came out of my neurologist’s mouth, is a feeling that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I truly thought that my dream of playing for Team Israel this summer was over.

This past November of 2021, I experienced significant numbness on the left side of my body as well as difficulties with my speech, balance, and coordination. They found a very large lesion in my brainstem which led to 4 difficult weeks in the hospital. There were definitely hard days with countless tests, MRI’s, infusions, steroids, and a plasma exchange. My worst fears were soon realized when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic illness, at the age of 23. Nurses would be surprised that a young athlete like me would be in the hospital for so long. The unknown was the worst part. This feeling of uncertainty was like nothing else I had ever experienced.

While I was in the hospital, my brain lesion continued to grow despite numerous rounds of steroids. After three long weeks of unsuccessful treatments, the doctors decided the next step would be a Plasma Exchange. This procedure essentially “cleans” your blood by separating your plasma from your blood cells through a port. This treatment finally stopped the lesion from growing, and was a success.

After six weeks of feeling lost, confused, and scared; the doctors found my diagnosis. Thankfully, the doctors at the Boston MS Center put me on the latest effective infusion drug treatment for MS early on and I will continue this treatment for the rest of my life. I admit I had a long period of time in denial and kept asking myself “why me?” I have finally come to terms with my diagnosis and am so thankful to feel more and more like myself.

Spending a month in the hospital was not exactly how I predicted my first semester of grad school starting, but this is only a small bump in the road. I’ve learned many lessons on my journey so far. To control what is controllable, to listen to my body while managing my symptoms, to stay positive, and to just take it day by day. I do still notice my symptoms on a daily basis and especially every time I step on the field. I am also still going to physical therapy consistently to regain my strength and balance.

I have had to make major adjustments to the ways in which I train and play, such as taking more breaks when my hands/feet are numb, or wearing a cooling vest/other cooling equipment to regulate my body temperature and better manage my symptoms while playing. It has been a huge challenge playing in the heat, especially while knowing that there are very few athletes competing with this disease. I know it will not be easy but I also have learned how adversity can only make a person stronger.

Through this journey, I have learned that playing lacrosse is an enormous opportunity that, frankly, I used to take for granted. I know that fighting my MS diagnosis as a competitive athlete is a challenge but I am determined to defy the odds. I have used the sport of lacrosse as my motivation to stay healthy and I truly believe that it has contributed to my fast recovery.

Whenever I step on the field, I am proud and grateful to have the opportunity to play. I wear an orange ribbon tied on one of my cleats, reminding me to be thankful for my health. I play for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness and anyone else fighting a chronic illness. I have used lacrosse as my outlet to combat stressful situations in my life and this has certainly been the case ever since I was diagnosed with this chronic illness. I am eager to continue to stay active and take care of my body.

As difficult as this past year has been, I know my fight is far from over. It is very important to me to share my story with the larger community. I want to show everyone, not only those in Massachusetts, but those throughout the world, that you can accomplish your dreams and aspirations through consistent hard work, dedication, perseverance, and an open mindset.

I am beyond appreciative of my family and friends who have helped me during this difficult time. Additionally, I know that my MS diagnosis and fighting these personal challenges will support me in my career as a clinical social worker. Once receiving my Master’s Degree in the Spring of 2023, I look forward to helping others who are facing adversity. MS messed with the wrong girl! Thank you very much for reading my story. I truly hope to connect with others facing the same daily physical and mental challenges.

Best,

Abby Stoller