MS is debilitating and relentless, wreaking havoc on our bodies and minds. It is frequently a diagnosis that causes fear, confusion, and discomfort in so many ways. The first thing that I think of when I speak with a person with MS is the word resilience.

If there is one thing I have learned about people with MS, it is that they are resilient. They have learned to withstand difficulties and adapt to situations that many are unaware of. The courage those with MS show every day leaves me baffled. It takes strength to deal with the physical and “invisible” symptoms of MS, and educating ourselves and those around us about this disease is just as powerful. The MS journey is one of ups and downs, trial and error, and acceptance.

Working at MSAA, I frequently hear uplifting and encouraging stories from our clients, but I also hear all about the challenges people experience, including physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Resilience is something we must cultivate through our beliefs and attitudes, and it may look different for everyone. Whether it is finding a reason to get up in the morning or improvising to meet our needs, those living with this disease show me how resourceful they really are. While there is no magic formula to life with MS, adapting to changes and focusing on living life to the fullest is key.

Thanks to those living with MS, I have learned that there is always a reason to keep going, always a reason to try again, and always a reason to remain hopeful. Having a diagnosis of MS may be a significant part of someone’s life, but we are so much more than a diagnosis.