Tony Dear - Champion Against MS
Thursday, August 3, 2006
By: Tony Dear

CHAMPS

Diagnosed in 1990 at the age of 18 with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), I really didn't have much of a clue what multiple sclerosis entailed. I 'enjoyed' twelve relatively symptom-free years. Yes I had the occasional hospital stay, steroid infusion and was able to participate in a very slowly decreasing number of every-day activities, but it didn't have the devastating effect you might expect. Then in August 2002, the RR became SP - secondary progressive, and I soon knew how destructive MS could be.

The MS Society provides wonderful support. Thanks to the team at the Greater Washington Chapter, no one with MS needs to be in the dark over what their diagnosis means, or feel like they are alone in their struggle. I am profoundly grateful, as I know is everyone else with MS. To see when people get involved in events to raise money for a society seeking to diminish the effects of a disease they may not know much about, it is seriously uplifting for me.