I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in May of 2018. My journey began just a few months earlier, in January, with what doctors initially believed was a pinched nerve in my neck. The pain traveled down the right side of my body. I lost strength in my right leg. There was a period when I couldn’t open my right hand; typing and writing became nearly impossible. I also felt numbness in my hands, feet, and every time I looked down, I felt an electric shock shoot down my spine.

Steroids and six weeks of physical therapy helped, and eventually the symptoms subsided. I started to feel like myself again.

But not long after, I woke up one morning with complete loss of sensation across my torso. The numbness had returned. I was functioning. I was active. I was pushing through. But I knew something wasn’t right.

Many people might have put it on the back burner. I didn’t.

I went back to the doctor. After bloodwork, neurological exams, and MRIs, my diagnosis was confirmed: Multiple Sclerosis.

I will never forget that day. I was 24 years old.

Since then, I have not had another major episode. I began treatment quickly and committed to staying active because, for me, movement is medicine. I often think about what could have happened if I had not gone back to the doctor. My diagnosis could have gone unknown for years, and the outcome might have looked very different.

Nearly one million people in the United States are living with MS. Every case is different. Every journey is different. But one thing remains the same. Early detection and access to care matter.

I have spent a lot of time asking, “Why me?” But I always come back to something my dad told me. It is life changing, not life threatening.

Living with MS has taught me adaptability, resilience, and gratitude. It has strengthened my empathy and deepened my commitment to showing up for myself, for others living with MS, and for the next generation who should not have to face this disease.

That is why I am proud to be part of MS4MS, a community committed to raising awareness, funding research, and taking action to support everyone affected by Multiple Sclerosis.

If there is one thing I hope you take away from my story, it is this. Listen to your body. A typical headache or sore muscle may not warrant concern, but when something does not feel right, do not ignore it.

And if you are living with MS, know that you are not alone. There is strength in this community. There is progress in research. And there is hope in action.

I truly believe we are on the path to a cure in my lifetime.