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    • Home
    • Donate to DAMMS 411
    • MS Research resources
    • Grant application
    • About the founder
    • My medical records
    • About DAMMS 411
    • Videos
    • Meet DAMMS411 dancers
    • MS Inaugural Panel
    • My Blog
    • Sponsors and Affiliates
    • Dance Instructor Contacts
    • Autoimmune Organizations
  • Home
  • Donate to DAMMS 411
  • MS Research resources
  • Grant application
  • About the founder
  • My medical records
  • About DAMMS 411
  • Videos
  • Meet DAMMS411 dancers
  • MS Inaugural Panel
  • My Blog
  • Sponsors and Affiliates
  • Dance Instructor Contacts
  • Autoimmune Organizations
DAMMS 411
Dance A Myelin My Shoes

Welcome to DAMMS411 where dance is life-giving therapy.

Welcome to DAMMS411 where dance is life-giving therapy.Welcome to DAMMS411 where dance is life-giving therapy.Welcome to DAMMS411 where dance is life-giving therapy.Welcome to DAMMS411 where dance is life-giving therapy.

Other members of DAMMS411

Kim Monaco

Meet Kim Monaco from Florida, USA.   

Meet Kim Monaco from Florida, USA. Diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) around 1991, she believes her first attack happened in 1989. Now, living with secondary progressive MS, she has been on Ocrevus for over 10 years.

**Circumstances Leading Up to Diagnosis:**

While working for a major airline, Kim experienced visual disturbances that led her to many medical appointments, initially with the eye doctor, and ultimately to scheduling with a neurologist. Frequent sick days, due to the disease discovery period, led her employer to encourage her resignation. At that time, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) had not yet been established.

**Early Support:**

During her early diagnosis, Kim felt she lacked support from others who understood MS.

**Kim’s Experience with Physical Activity Before and After Diagnosis:**

Before her diagnosis, Kim was not very active, though she had a passion for ballroom dancing since the early 1990s and even participated in small competitions. As her MS progressed, it affected her balance and coordination, forcing her to stop dancing. 

After her diagnosis, she engaged in dance movement, horseback riding, and roller skating, despite challenges with balance. Her condition was classified as Relapsing Remitting, allowing her to have periods where she felt symptom-free. However, she recognized earlier signs of MS affecting her, like tripping on the treadmill. She started her first disease-modifying treatment when Betaseron became available through a lottery.

Inspired by an article about Phoebe in the Winter 2023-2024 edition of MS Momentum, Kim decided to give ballroom dancing another try. Believing it to be a safer option than horseback riding, she contacted her local Fred Astaire dance studio for a trial lesson.

**Kim’s Worst Experience with MS:**

When I first experienced my MS symptoms, I was alone in Virginia while my family was in New York. One test, a visual evoked potential, was performed by a technician who bluntly told me it could indicate multiple sclerosis or a brain tumor, which left me anxious on the drive home. I didn’t tell my mom to avoid worrying her, and I had not made friends yet, making it a lonely time. Another difficult moment was the inconclusive spinal tap; I received no aftercare instructions and suffered from severe headaches. I ended up driving myself to the doctor’s office in tears, begging for relief.

**How Kim Feels Her Current Activity Level Impacts Her MS Prognosis:**

Kim believes that being physically active has helped her regain control of her life. She feels that this activity has directly contributed to her increased strength and improved mental well-being, both of which are beneficial for her overall health. As she prepares for a big competition, she has increased the number of times she dances each week, and this change has not had any negative effects. It's truly amazing!

**Kim’s perspective on life after her MS diagnosis:**

"I feel stable after over ten years on Ocrevus, which has prevented significant lesions. However, I have smoldering MS, leading to invisible symptoms and cognitive issues, and I rely on a rolling walker due to fatigue. While I can live independently, driving is tougher and certain tasks are more difficult. I try to adapt and remind myself that others have it worse, but I must prioritize my well-being and avoid risky activities. Being an only child has made me self-sufficient, but I'm working on asking for help when I need it."

**Kim’s final hope-inspiring thoughts:**

When I was diagnosed with MS, there was only one disease-modifying therapy (DMT) available, and the diagnosis process was lengthy. Thankfully, things have improved, with various drugs now helping people maintain their quality of life and look forward to a positive future. 

The Internet has fostered a global community, connecting us with others who share similar experiences. Even in the face of unhelpful doctors or unsupportive family, there are many social groups for MS patients that offer support. 

With ongoing research and new drugs being developed, the outlook for MS patients is more promising than ever. Like businesses during the COVID pandemic, individuals with MS may need to pivot—changing jobs, educational paths, or hobbies—but ample resources are available to help achieve these personal goals.

MS Strong

Videos coming soon

Heather Allen

  Awesome example of putting MS in its place

MS Strong

Pictures coming soon.

MS Strong

Video coming soon

Jerusha Russell

Jerusha Russell

Jerusha Russell

 Awesome example of putting MS in its place

MS strong

Jerusha Russell

Jerusha Russell

Pictures coming soon

MS Strong

Jerusha Russell

Makaila Moline

Videos coming soon

Makaila Moline

Makaila Moline

Makaila Moline

 Awesome example of putting MS in its place

MS strong

Makaila Moline

MS strong

Pictures coming soon

MS strong

Makaila Moline

MS strong

Videos coming soon

Yolanda Hardy

Yolanda Hardy

Yolanda Hardy

 Awesome example of putting MS in its place

MS strong

Yolanda Hardy

Yolanda Hardy

Pictures coming soon

MS strong

Yolanda Hardy

MS strong

Videos coming soon

Meet Deonna Case

Deonna during practice

About Deonna

Diagnosed in:

2003 with Fibromyalgia

2023 with Hashimoto's

Deonna began receiving formal dance instruction in 2013. As with many in the beginning, she was met with a little increase in pain but the positive impact on her emotional state took her back every week for lessons. After about the 3rd month, of attending 1-2 lessons a week, she realized a  significant reduction in her pain, better emotional state, and many other benefits.  She went on to say that during Covid, life was dismal without dance, getting to where she was experiencing pain almost on the level that it was before she ever started dancing. The good news was that it did not take long to get reacclimated to dancing on a regular schedule after dance studios reopened post pandemic.

 Now Deonna dances as an amateur at ProAm ballroom competitions with her Instructor. An exciting & healing activity that started out as a dance class just for fun. 

 Competition helps her to set some realistic dancing goals that also couples as an enjoyable motivator (outside of symptom management) for continuing to dance.

Deonna at competition


Copyright © 2022 DAMMS 411 (Dance A Myelin My Shoes) - All Rights Reserved.   

***Medical Disclaimer - This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Before starting any kind of new physical workout regimen, first seek approval from a licensed medical provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, dial 911. 


 

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