MS: Busting the Myths
November 20, 2024 | Life with MS, My Story, News
We love to share stories from our MS Community. In the post below, written by Marco, he shares with us how he keeps busy after being medically retired, embracing opportunities as they arise.
In 2009, I was diagnosed with RRMS. In 2012, I had a massive flare-up and was medically retired at 44 years of age.
I’ve never fully recovered from that flare-up and continue to live with significant physical and cognitive deficits.
Even after a dozen years, I still have the desire to give back to my community. I focus on helping others rather than solely on my own challenges.
To give back globally, I run a Facebook group exclusively for men with multiple sclerosis, which now has over 2,800 members. Since the majority of MS patients are women, most social media MS groups are also dominated by women. Many of the men in our group share intimate details about struggles unique to men—details they wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing in a mixed group.
In our men’s group, many members struggle with the loss of identity that comes with being forced out of the workplace. I share in that struggle, but I actively seek ways to continue contributing.
To give back locally, I loom knit newborn hats. I keep them in my vehicle or bring them with me to grocery stores or church, handing them out to expecting mothers. I’ve also donated them in bulk to a local pregnancy centre.
Many people still appreciate handmade items, and they appreciate it even more when they know a disabled person has made the hats.
The hats are a small gesture, but my life offers only small opportunities, and I embrace them.
I’m grateful for what I can still do. I hope others will look beyond their own limitations and give back when and where possible.
