Coaching Up!
I was a college soccer coach. While on vacation in Jamaica, I had my first known encounter with MS. The doctors there thought that I had suffered a stroke. After an MRI, the doctor misdiagnosed me with brain cancer. Upon returning to the states, I was told that the cancer would be fatal. A trip to the Mayo Clinic saw my diagnosis change. "You've got MS."
I needed to give it my best effort
I went on treatment with Rebif immediately. I didn't know how this would play out, but I remembered that I had always told my assistant coaches that we wanted to coach our players "up". To give our best, to be up for the next challenge. If I could ask this of my players, how could I give less than my best effort.
I made up my mind to do the things within my power and to trust in God for the other things. I ate better, tried to avoid stress, and found time to work out every day.
Thankful for how things were moving forward
Over the next year or so, I saw significant healing in my brain scan. The times of severe tiredness that only people with MS know became more and more infrequent. I knew that this didn't happen for everyone, and I am not sure why God made it happen for me, but I was thankful.
My brain scans have continued to remain stable over the eight years that I was on Rebif. This year, after reviewing new testing data, my neurologist took me off of treatment. I didn't ever expect to hear this and I hugged him, in a fierce and joyful way, just like my players hugged me after winning the national championship. I continue to pray for all those who are fighting this disease.
Keep fighting. You can do it! People love you. And, in the words of Winston Churchill, "Never, never, never give up."
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