Multiple Sclerosis Foundation

"I was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) on June 11, 2004. It started with numbness on my left side, a foot that shuffled strangely, and a deep, nagging feeling that something wasn’t right. But doctors couldn’t find anything. I went from my GP to my gynecologist—was it my birth control? Stress? No answers. Finally, a friend suggested I see a neurologist. After months of tests and uncertainty, I received the words that changed everything: probable MS. I didn’t know what to do with that. Probable? I don’t live in gray areas—I either have something or I don’t. But MS doesn’t play by those rules. It exists in ambiguity. You might feel fine one day, and the next, everything shifts. I had no idea what my future would look like. My mind immediately spiraled to the worst-case scenarios—wheelchairs, complete dependence. At 36, I felt like my entire life had just been rewritten. But I refused to let MS dictate my story. If anything, my diagnosis pushed me harder. I wasn’t going to stop living—I would live more. I had always been adventurous, but after my diagnosis, I doubled down. And I was going to continue my passion for diving. I threw myself further into photography, capturing moments because, why wait? I traveled the world—every continent but Antarctica. I launched my yoga practice. Then, at 43, I walked into a Jiu-Jitsu class, the oldest in the room, and never looked back. Fourteen years later, I’m still rolling on the mats, now a brown belt. No one there knows I have MS. They just know I can hold my own. I refuse to let MS define me. That’s not to say there haven’t been struggles. Medications have been my biggest challenge—insurance changes, rising costs, endless red tape. One day, my prescription went from $50 to nearly $2,000 overnight. The stress of navigating a broken system is often worse than the disease. And then there’s the personal side—the relationships. When I divorced in 2006, I realized how MS changed things. Some people see it as a burden, an asterisk on your future. Dating became a minefield of when to disclose, how much to share, and wondering if someone would see me beyond my diagnosis. Over time, I learned—if MS is a dealbreaker for someone, they were never meant to be part of my story anyway. Through it all, I keep moving forward. I model. I volunteer. I immerse myself in the arts and community. I find joy in simple moments, like sharing my photography. Because to me, life isn’t about limitations—it’s about possibility. If I could give advice to someone newly diagnosed, it’s this: Get informed. Don’t spiral into worst-case scenarios—understand that MS is unique for everyone. Find doctors who listen and who speak your language. Take charge of your health. And above all, don’t let MS shrink your world. If anything, let it push you to expand it. MS didn’t stop me. It fueled me. And I have no plans of slowing down". ~ Viviane, Diagnosed 2004 #MYMSStory #NMSEAM2025 #TheWholePicture

Twenty-five years after hearing 'You have MS,' Dan Digmann reflects on the journey, the strength found in community, and the importance of becoming the support we once sought. Read his powerful perspective in this MS Focus exclusive 🧡 msfocus.us/becoming

A new study suggests that eating more fish may slow the progression of disability in MS. Researchers found that those who consumed the most fish had a significantly lower risk of worsening disability over time. #MSNews Read the full report 🐠 msfocus.us/fish

Living with MS comes with challenges—but your mental wellness matters. Join Dr. Werfel on March 24 at 6:30 pm EST for a powerful workshop on coping strategies, emotional resilience, and finding the balance between acceptance and action. 🔗 Register now: msfocus.us/Werfel0325 #NMSEAM2025 #TheWholePicture Made with support from Genentech, Sanofi, Novartis, EMD Serono, Inc.

Join Dr. Payrovi on March 21 at 4:30 pm EST as she breaks down the best diets for managing MS—backed by science and her years of experience with autoimmune patients. Learn how to make simple, lasting dietary changes to boost your mood, ease fatigue, and reduce pain. Plus, discover key supplements to support your MS journey. 🔗 Register now: msfocus.us/Payrovi0325 #NMSEAM2025 #TheWholePicture Made with support from Genentech, Sanofi, Novartis, EMD Serono, Inc.

Join Hannah Garrison this Monday at 8 pm EST for a creative adventure in scrape-painting! We'll stack squares for vibrant layers of color. Gather your paints, especially the neglected ones! Reserve your spot and check materials at msfocus.us/MSArt0317

Tomorrow is #WorldSleepDay. Living with MS can make restful sleep feel out of reach. Pain, fatigue, and other symptoms often disrupt sleep cycles—creating a cycle of exhaustion. But small changes can help! Swipe through to see how MS symptoms impact sleep and get tips for better rest. 🌙 💬 What’s your go-to trick for better sleep? Let’s share and support each other in the comments! #NMSEAM2025

"Twenty years ago, just before Christmas, I was diagnosed with MS. At first, I was just surviving—struggling with pain, fatigue, and uncertainty. With limited treatment options, I felt isolated and afraid as I watched my sister battle the side effects of her medications. I knew I had to take control of my health on my own terms. I turned to nutrition, cutting out processed foods and artificial sweeteners, and within weeks, I felt a significant difference. Through movement, mindfulness, and self-care, I had moments of feeling normal, but without personal accountability and discipline, I faced setbacks and relapses. In 2018, I connected with trainer David Lyons and the MS Fitness Challenge (MSfitnesschallenge.org), which gave me the tools, training, and structure to develop daily discipline. I fully committed to strength training, and though fatigue still lingered, I showed up every day. Then, at 51, I did something I never thought possible—I competed in a regional bodybuilding competition and won first place. Months later, I proudly stood on the national stage, proving that MS doesn't define what's possible. Today, fitness is more than lifting weights—it's about functionality, independence, and living fully without MS holding me back. My mission is simple: Personal Accountability. Staying active, fueling my body with whole, nutrient-dense foods, prioritizing self-care, and managing stress are all essential to feeling my best. Some days are harder than others, but I remind myself to rest when needed, listen to my body, and keep pushing forward. MS may challenge us, but it doesn't have to dictate our limits. Every small step forward brings you closer to the life you want to live". ~ Angie Gensler, Diagnosed Christmas 2004, @Angie_msstrength #MYMSStory #NMSEAM2025 #TheWholePicture

This #BrainAwarenessWeek, let’s talk about the hidden challenges of cognitive dysfunction in MS. Psychotherapist Jaitrali Jhanjharya explores 'cog fog'—memory loss, slowed thinking, and word-finding difficulties—while sharing practical strategies for those with MS and their caregivers. 💡 How can you support a loved one without overstepping? 💬 How can those with MS navigate these challenges with confidence? Read the full article here 🧠 msfocus.us/brainawareness

In honor of #InternationalWomensDay this past Saturday, we’re celebrating the incredible women leading MS support groups—creating spaces of empowerment, resilience, and connection. From laughter to advocacy, their impact is undeniable. Read their inspiring stories in MS Focus Online Magazine: msfocus.us/IWD