Welcome to DAMMS411 where dance is life-giving therapy.
05-30-26, DAMMS 411 is excited to host an MS Panel Interview
Join us to experience the positive energy as panel members share their stories, aiming to create a movement within the MS community like a powerful tsunami wave.
Meet your Panel Members -
Cheryl Hile
Meet Cheryl Hile from Washington, USA.
She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) on October 24, 2006. Cheryl is currently taking Ocrevus, marking her fourth disease-modifying therapy (DMT) since her diagnosis. She started with Copaxone, then switched to Tysabri, followed by Tecfidera/Vumerity. She was recently diagnosed with seconda
Meet Cheryl Hile from Washington, USA.
She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) on October 24, 2006. Cheryl is currently taking Ocrevus, marking her fourth disease-modifying therapy (DMT) since her diagnosis. She started with Copaxone, then switched to Tysabri, followed by Tecfidera/Vumerity. She was recently diagnosed with secondary progressive MS and is currently working to understand what the shift from RMS to SPMS means for her while not letting it define who she is and what she is capable of doing.
**Cheryl’s Life Circumstances Leading Up to Her Diagnosis:**
On January 15, 2006, I ran my fastest marathon. It was an all-out effort that pushed my body to its limits. The next morning, I began experiencing terrible electric shocks in my right bicep. Not only was I in pain, but my arm also felt oddly numb, and my skin had a thick sensation, as though I were wearing a wetsuit. I consulted my primary care physician (PCP), who suggested that I might have pinched a nerve. He wrapped my arm in an ace bandage and prescribed Amitriptyline to help alleviate the pain. While my arm improved, the electric shocks soon returned with even greater intensity.
I spent nine months going to various doctors for appointments and tests, including electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies, until I was finally referred for an MRI. The MRI report indicated that I had "innumerable lesions" in my brain. However, the general neurologist was hesitant to diagnose me with MS since I only presented one symptom in my arm. Seeking a second opinion, I visited an MS specialist, who confirmed that I definitely have MS.
**Cheryl’s Early MS Support:**
My coworker also had multiple sclerosis (MS), but her situation did not provide me with much hope because she progressed quickly. She was a collegiate tennis player, an avid hiker, and a world traveler. She was diagnosed in the 1990s—a time when neurologists advised patients to conserve their energy. She stopped exercising and began using a scooter right away, which made me fear that I might end up with the same fate.
I fell into a funk, but my husband, Brian, encouraged me to keep running. I discovered that just 30 minutes of exercise elevated my spirits more than antidepressants did. So, I started registering for numerous races. These became goals for me, and having something to strive for was key to managing my MS.
I was also fortunate to connect with the MS Society early on. When I began tripping and falling due to foot drop, I initially thought it was due to overtraining and decided to visit my local running shoe store, hoping a new pair of shoes would help. Coincidentally, the MS Society was at the store promoting Walk MS, and a representative (who is now one of my closest friends) encouraged me to attend their educational programs. This was instrumental in helping me get started on the right foot, so to speak.
If I hadn't had Brian or the MS Society to help me navigate the disease, it would have been beneficial to have an MS friend who also thrived on being active. When I was diagnosed in 2006, many neurologists, including my own, still believed that high-intensity exercise, like running, was harmful for people with MS. I felt compelled to hide my running from my old-school neurologist.
**Cheryl’s Experience with Physical Activity Before and After Diagnosis:**
I began running marathons in 2000 and had completed 13 marathons by the time I was diagnosed in 2006. In hindsight, I believe I had multiple sclerosis (MS) for at least 3 to 4 years before my diagnosis.
Shortly after my diagnosis, I started experiencing tripping and falling while running. My neurologist informed me that I had foot drop, and her only advice was to lower my expectations. This response made me incredibly frustrated, and from that day forward, my mantra became, “I do what I can, and I never give up!”
Determined to continue running, I sought help independently and found an orthotist who fitted me with a carbon fiber ankle-foot orthosis. He advised me that while I could continue running, completing marathons might not be feasible. However, I did not want to give up! To date, I have completed 76 half marathons and 64 marathons since my diagnosis. Furthermore, in 2017, I became the first person with MS to run 7 marathons on 7 continents, and I ran them all in just 12 months - plus an 8th marathon if you count Zealandia as our "hidden" continent!
** Cheryl’s Worst Experience with MS:**
Besides foot drop described above, I had four exacerbations in 2009. Right thigh weakness, neuropathic pain, and fatigue got worse and worse with each flair. The only thing my old-school neurologist offered was IV Solumedrol. She did not see any reason to switch my DMTs.
I changed neurologists to one who aligned more with my personality of wanting to treat my disease with a more aggressive action plan. I switched from Copaxone to Tysabri and the drug did well to help temper my immune system. It took about a year for me to regain some strength, but I never recovered to baseline.
**How Cheryl Feels Her Current Activity Level Impacts Her MS Prognosis:**
I truly believe physical activity has helped my long-term prognosis. I run and lift weights all year long, and I add cycle during the summer months. Exercising lifts my mood, decreases stress, and keeps my body physically strong. Furthermore, exercising keeps me positive and helps me survive those tough days where neuropathic pain or fatigue can quickly bring me down.
**Cheryl’s Perspective on Life After Her MS Diagnosis:**
I have been living with MS for almost 20 years, and my condition has definitely progressed now struggle with severe leg drop, my electric shock pain has become more intense, and cognitive issues and MS fatigue have forced me to leave a job I love. Despite these challenges, I feel better on this side of the diagnosis.
How is that possible? It’s because I have met the most amazing people through this difficult journey. I belong to an incredible international support team called “Run A Myelin My Shoes” (RAMMS). We are MS Warriors, supported by our families, friends, and advocates. We gather at least once a year for races in the U.S. and abroad. Our goal is to support each other as athletes living with MS and to encourage others with the disease to exercise to the best of their abilities, despite the mobility challenges they face.
An important component of our team is the virtual aspect, which drives global awareness. We embrace all kinds of movement—walking, swimming, cycling, paddling, yoga, weightlifting, and even ballroom dancing (thanks to Phoebe for bringing this into the group). We've grown to more than 300 members, with cumulative representation in all 50 states and 32 countries.
Supporting my team and helping others gives deeper meaning in my life. My mission is to ensure that others, especially those who are newly diagnosed or dealing with foot drop, know they’re not alone and that they absolutely do not have to lower their expectations
**Cheryl's Final Hope-Inspiring Thoughts:**
My advice for people living with MS is to set achievable goals. Whether you aim to start a new exercise program or improve your diet, I encourage you to take things slowly and make small, deliberate efforts until you reach your objectives. However, don’t stop once you achieve your goal. It's important to maintain those achievements so they become a part of your lifestyle.
Additionally, seek out a supportive community, like RAMMS and DAMMS411, where you can find like-minded individuals who will motivate and encourage you every step of your MS journey.
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
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.
Adam Powell
Bio coming soon
Tim Salmon
Meet Tim Salmon from California, USA.
He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) on May 5, 2003, when he was 33 years old. His chosen disease-modifying therapy is Ocrevus infusion.
**Tim’s Life Circumstances Leading Up to His Diagnosis:**
Tim was training for a marathon and completed a long run on a Sunday. When he woke up the followin
Meet Tim Salmon from California, USA.
He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) on May 5, 2003, when he was 33 years old. His chosen disease-modifying therapy is Ocrevus infusion.
**Tim’s Life Circumstances Leading Up to His Diagnosis:**
Tim was training for a marathon and completed a long run on a Sunday. When he woke up the following Monday, he noticed that his right leg was tingling and numb. By the end of that week, the tingling and numbness had spread to his entire body from the neck down. He received his MS diagnosis two weeks later.
**Tim’s Early MS Support:**
After his diagnosis, Tim reached out to the National MS Society, which connected him with some wonderful individuals living with MS. The phone calls were incredibly helpful and informative, guiding him in choosing the right medication to start with — a crucial step when first diagnosed.
**Tim’s Experience with Physical Activity Before and After Diagnosis:**
Fortunately, Tim was very athletic at the time of his diagnosis. He was in the best shape of his life, participating in activities such as running marathons, surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, and working out at the gym daily. He acknowledges that being fit greatly benefited him, as in the beginning, he experienced no adverse effects from living with MS.
Determined to maintain his active lifestyle, Tim quickly committed to staying physically active. He believed that staying active and eating well would be his best strategy in his battle against MS.
**Tim’s Worst Experience with MS:**
I briefly lost my vision, and it felt as if a bomb had exploded inside my body. I was under a tremendous amount of stress while training to become a peace officer and a California State Park Ranger at a training academy, and things became really difficult. Ultimately, I decided it was best to leave this dream job to take care of myself. This incident triggered a severe MS exacerbation, which sidelined me from running and negatively impacted my love for surfing. Looking back, I refer to this period as having “MS PTSD,” and I felt broken. I had to reset my life, coming to terms with the fact that MS is a serious condition that can really affect me.
To cope, I needed to slow down and eliminate significant stress in my life. I developed a new battle plan for managing my MS, which included meditation, increased prayer, breathing exercises, healthier eating, new physical workouts, swimming, walking, and focusing on what I CAN DO.
In 2018, I faced challenges with surfing due to the progression of my multiple sclerosis (MS), and it was time to adapt by finding a sport that suited me better on the ocean. Living with secondary progressive MS, I remain determined to push forward every day.
I took up prone paddleboarding, which involves paddling a 12 to 14-foot board on the open ocean using only my arms and hands—no paddles. I have always enjoyed spending time on the water, and I realized it was time to step out of my comfort zone, confront the MS beast, and attempt a long-distance paddle. In 2019, I set an ambitious goal for myself: to complete the Rock-to-Rock paddleboard race, a grueling 22-mile channel crossing from Catalina Island to San Pedro, CA. Throughout this race, I would experience fatigue, pain, and struggle, all while pushing my mental and physical limits.
I embarked on this paddle not just to combat MS but to build confidence and achieve something no one with MS had accomplished before. I successfully completed the paddle to raise awareness and funds for MS, ultimately raising over $10,000 for the MS Society. In 2021, I took on the Rock-to-Rock paddle again, and I truly showed MS who the boss was!
Looking ahead, I may set a goal for another paddle crossing; I like to keep that dream alive. This is how I have chosen to live my life as an uncommon MS warrior. I pursue my dreams, and in doing so, I hope to leave a positive impact and inspire others living with MS. It is incredible what we can achieve when we push ourselves and truly believe in our abilities.
Completing this incredible paddle significantly boosted my confidence in my fight against MS. I believe that with hard work and commitment, those of us living with MS can overcome significant challenges. We may be knocked down, but with determination, we can always get back up and come back stronger. It is also essential to reach out within our MS community for support—together, we are always stronger!
**How Tim Feels His Current Activity Level Impacts His MS Prognosis:**
I can’t do everything I did when I was first diagnosed, but I remind myself that this is okay. I am still very physically active and can engage in many of the things I love; I just need to adapt and approach them differently. I know that staying physically fit positively influences my MS prognosis, both physically and mentally. Keeping active and moving forward is the best medicine for my MS—it truly makes me feel good mentally and physically!
**Tim’s perspective on life after his MS diagnosis:**
Although I currently face serious challenges with MS, particularly cognitive decline, which can be extremely frustrating, I genuinely feel that my life is great and I am very blessed. This positive outlook comes from my experience living with MS and being part of an incredible MS community that has truly made my life 100% better. I have met many amazing MS warriors and champions.
**Tim’s final hope-inspiring thoughts:**
Living with MS has taken me on an incredible journey and connected me with some truly remarkable individuals. I have learned that there is immense strength within our community, and we are always stronger together as MS warriors. I have been inspired by so many people living with MS, and their stories have motivated me to dig deeper and become a stronger MS champion. I believe we can all support each other by communicating and sharing our unique stories and journeys as we work towards our ultimate goal of finding a cure for MS.
Thomas Szymanski
Meet Thom Szymanski, from Maryland, USA.
He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) on May 1, 2024, with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). He has chosen to take Kesimpta and dalfampridine as his disease-modifying treatments.
**Thom’s Life Circumstances Leading Up to His Diagnosis:**
In early September 2023, I came down with a severe stoma
Meet Thom Szymanski, from Maryland, USA.
He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) on May 1, 2024, with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). He has chosen to take Kesimpta and dalfampridine as his disease-modifying treatments.
**Thom’s Life Circumstances Leading Up to His Diagnosis:**
In early September 2023, I came down with a severe stomach bug. I spent all of Labor Day weekend moving between the bedroom and the bathroom, drinking a lot of water and hardly eating anything. By the following Friday, I finally felt recovered enough to return to the gym. However, during my warm-up, my whole body felt “off.” When I tried to squat, my legs felt wobbly, as if they were asleep. When I attempted to bench press, I struggled to complete five reps of a weight I could normally lift easily for 30 reps. As the day went on, I tried to ignore the fact that simply walking felt challenging and that I was limping. It became harder to overlook that I couldn’t bend the fingers of my left hand when I tried to scratch my ear.
Later that day, after my wife and I had put our nine-month-old daughter to bed, I shared my concerns with her and asked, “Do you think I’m having a stroke?” We concluded that I had probably pushed myself at the gym harder than my body was ready for, and that I should take it easy for the next few days.
The next morning, it was difficult to get out of bed. I kissed my wife goodbye as she left for work, then made a cup of coffee for myself and a bottle of milk for our daughter. After feeding her, I decided to do some stretches for my legs while she crawled around in her playroom. It wasn’t until I tried to stand up from a half-kneeling position and couldn’t move that I realized something serious was happening. I thought to myself, “I’m going to die today,” as I pulled myself up onto the couch and used all my strength to rock forward into a standing position. I called my brother to come watch his niece while I took myself to urgent care. They advised me to go to the ER.
After parking in the lot and getting out of the car, my legs began to buckle as I approached the entrance to the ER. I had to brace myself against the building to avoid falling. They admitted me immediately, and I spent the next two weeks in the hospital. However, it wasn’t until six months later, after undergoing multiple MRIs, ultrasounds, CAT scans, blood tests, and spinal taps, that I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
**Thom’s Early MS Support:**
Between the time of my first flare-up and my diagnosis, I developed friendships with a few men and a woman around my age who were living with MS and competing at a high level in CrossFit. Having these friends gave me the courage and confidence to return to working out, even if it looked different from my routine before the diagnosis. Their wisdom and empathy also helped me feel less alone in dealing with my diagnosis.
**Thom’s Experience with Physical Activity Before and After Diagnosis:**
I have always been physically active. Three weeks before my first flare-up, my team finished in third place at a local CrossFit competition. Multiple sclerosis (MS) primarily affects my legs, and after my first flare, I had to relearn how to walk and use my hands. Although I still have a slight drop foot on my right side, my condition has greatly improved through exercise and the use of dalfampridine. I continue to challenge myself physically. Sometimes, if I push myself too hard, I experience what I call "neuro crashes," during which my legs tremble and I am unable to walk for about ten minutes. Interestingly, having MS has opened up many athletic opportunities for me, including the chance to compete at the Adaptive CrossFit Games against athletes from around the world who also have neurological impairments.
**Thom’s Worst Experience with MS:**
A few days after coming home from the hospital, I fell while holding my daughter and struggled to get myself up to put her in her crib. During that period, I also lost my balance and dropped her twice.
**How Thom Feels His Current Activity Level Impacts His MS Prognosis:**
Although running remains challenging, I feel limitless in my physical activities. I attribute this to staying fit and eating healthy.
**Thom’s perspective on life after his MS diagnosis:**
Staring a chronic disease in the face forced me to reevaluate the way I saw and treated myself and those around me. The result was becoming more compassionate towards myself and more empathetic towards others.
**Thom’s final hope-inspiring thoughts:**
Experiencing multiple falls—whether it was while playing with my daughter, opening the fridge, or walking down the stairs—made me feel as though I was caught in a downward spiral, both physically and emotionally. At the time, each fall felt devastating and undermined my confidence as a husband, father, and individual. Each incident surprised me, just as my diagnosis of MS had. However, the greatest surprise has been discovering the power of my mind to transform these seemingly devastating blows to my identity into motivation to surpass my own limits. Remember, no matter what happens in life, you always have the choice in how you respond to it.
Phoebe Walker
Meet Phoebe Walker from Florida, USA.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in November 2001, she briefly took Copaxone in 2004 but stopped due to severe side effects. Afterward, she used Rebif injections until they stopped working nine years later. She then tried Tecfidera and Aubagio, but had heart issues with those medications. Sinc
Meet Phoebe Walker from Florida, USA.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in November 2001, she briefly took Copaxone in 2004 but stopped due to severe side effects. Afterward, she used Rebif injections until they stopped working nine years later. She then tried Tecfidera and Aubagio, but had heart issues with those medications. Since 2015, Phoebe has not taken any disease-modifying therapy. She attributes her management of the disease to her faith in God, dancing, and a positive mindset.
**Phoebe’s Life Circumstances Leading Up to Her Diagnosis and Worst Experience with MS:**
Phoebe had experienced odd symptoms on rare occasions since high school. However, the first significant episode of multiple sclerosis (MS) occurred in August 2001. This flair, which manifested as left-sided hemiataxia, sent her to the emergency room, where a brain scan revealed a large lesion in her brain. During a follow-up appointment the following week, a neurologist informed her that the condition could either be MS or a tumor. If it turned out to be a tumor, it would be inoperable and terminal. In addition to her MS diagnosis, a major loss that year was having to decline her acceptance to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s premed biology program—a goal she had spent over a decade working towards.
At the end of 2006, Phoebe experienced a complete loss of sight and became physically incapacitated. She describes this as the longest year of her life as she waited over nine months to have reasonable eyesight restored. During this time, she also had to retrain herself to walk and use her arms and hands. This darkest year became synonymous with the most transformative year of her life. Phoebe recognized that she needed to redefine her identity while also finding a new life purpose.
The easier part was acknowledging that her current life story was a miracle story, one that she felt compelled to share as she continued to work on self-improvement and personal growth. As a biologist, she understood the significance of good research. Through her research, she developed several action plans aimed at improving her health, coupled with regular personal development efforts.
**Phoebe’s Early MS Support:**
When I was first diagnosed with MS in 2001, both my mother and uncle (my mother's brother) had been living with the disease for over a decade. At that time, I did not see them as good examples of how to cope with MS. They both led MS support groups, which I also attended. However, I remember the support groups feeling more like gatherings to complain about MS rather than places for sharing solutions, adaptations, or positive experiences. This environment contributed to a very grim outlook on life with MS, which negatively affected my mindset during the first three years after my diagnosis. My stubborn mentality during that time may have hurt me then, but it has become a source of strength that helps me maintain forward momentum now.
**Phoebe’s Experience with Physical Activity Before and After Diagnosis:**
Before my diagnosis, I maintained a moderate level of physical activity, engaging in only occasional strenuous exercise. After my eyesight and most of my physical abilities were restored in 2007, I dedicated a significant amount of time to research, constantly seeking new ways to improve myself physically, mentally, and overall. I completed graduate school in 2013 and wrote my award-winning memoir, which was published in 2014.
In December 2015, I stopped my MS medication, followed by a transformative change in May 2016 when I began taking ballroom dancing lessons. Dancing has changed my life in remarkable ways. As long as I can dance and move my body to music, I will! The combination of music and body movement (dancing) acts as real medicine for me. In addition to dancing, I also do resistance training twice a week, practice yin stretching yoga most days, and walk over 10,000 steps each day.
**How Phoebe Feels Her Current Activity Level Impacts Her MS Prognosis:**
I believe my current activity level is the best thing for my MS prognosis, and my neurologist agrees. I have been seeing my current neurologist for over two decades, and my latest appointment was the first time I saw such significant joy from him regarding the benefits of dancing.
From 2006 to 2021, I did not experience any exacerbations, but then I developed five new lesions, the largest I’ve ever had, including the first time I had a lesion located in my frontal lobe. Despite this setback, I attribute my ability to function almost normally during such a significant exacerbation to the fact that I had been dancing regularly for over nine years. I was not hospitalized, nor did I require IV steroids; instead, I took a round of oral steroids for five days and continued dancing throughout the exacerbation.
My doctor has witnessed the long-standing benefits of dance, which not only sustained me but helped me recover from that major exacerbation and even led to further muscle strengthening. Last year, he allowed me to wait 12 months between appointments for the first time. My clinical findings presented well at my recent exam, so I get to wait another 12 months for my next appointment. He mentioned that I am physically stronger, and there is no reason for me to have another MRI at this time. It's been two years since my last one.
Before I left his office, he said to me, “Many don’t understand that neuroplasticity is very real; it just takes time.” He couldn’t be more right, and my body is a perfect example of that. I feel blessed to share this experience. Oh, and my neurologist is the MS specialist in my county.
** Phoebe’s Perspective on Life After Her MS Diagnosis:**
I believe I am living my best life every and serving one of the best purposes on this earth, to help others, like me, living with debilitating neurological autoimmune disorders to live their best productive and joyful lives.
2001 diagnosis – 2006 darkest year ever gaining innumerable lesions between brain and spine– 2016 born into a new life – 2020, joining RAMMS community that challenged me to fully engage my physical strength – 2023, competing in ballroom dancing on a national platform while not having a need for MS medications. Best of all, creation of a nonprofit to support people like me on a global platform. I’m hoping to create massive tsunami waves of movement in the MS community.
**Phoebe’s Final Hope-Inspiring Thoughts:**
We deserve to live fulfilling, joyful, and functional lives. Regardless of how we may physically feel at any given moment, it’s important to take a step back and remember that we can accomplish things. Take it slow, allow yourself a moment to identify what adaptations are necessary, and then pace yourself forward. I remember when I was completely blind in both eyes and incapacitated; the moment I could start seeing again was a tremendous victory for me. It awarded me the added benefit of being able to pick up lint balls off the floor which felt like a significant achievement. I was once again able to contribute to my family.
Before that point, my focus was on constant prayer and sending positive thoughts into the world. It's essential to concentrate on what you CAN do and to cultivate a supportive community. We truly are better and stronger together; we won’t all be down on the same day. Be ready to lift and cheer on others during your good days, and remember to reach out to them when you’re having a rough day. The remarkable individuals I know with MS (and other health conditions) serve as major motivators for me, and I feel truly blessed to have them in my life.
Thank you so much for reading my story. I hope you find hope and inspiration through it. Cheers,
Phoebe
Meet your Moderators / time keeper - Bios/pictures are comin
coming soon
coming soon
coming soon
Bio coming soon
coming soon
coming soon
coming soon
Bio coming soon