In the back of my mind, I would say, “It’s not fair.” I was only 23 years old and had a two-year-old when I was diagnosed. I had watched my uncle become paralyzed and die from progressive MS and thought I would be the same way.
But it didn’t happen like that for me. I didn’t have any big issues for the first 9 years.
Then I reacted to my DMT. Coming off the drug, my MS progressed very rapidly. I started having seizures and had to be hospitalized. Honestly, I didn't even know that was something that MS could cause. It was a wake-up call.
Like MS saying, “Hey, I'm here, we have to deal with things. You have to acknowledge my existence.”
All those times I wouldn’t do things because I was too tired, I’m doing them now.
I went out this year, and started kayaking. I went to Alaska and saw the Northern Lights. I got engaged.
I told my fiancé, “Let’s do the half marathon for the MS walk this year. It’s virtual so it’ll be easier. Let's go!”
I’m making sure I do the things I want to do before I can’t do them.
And now, I’m living my life.