Tag: find a cure

We see her power through as a shining example proving that there is hope to all those suffering from M.S.. And since 2007 Koreen has been cycling and hiking her way down this path of life, with the deck sometimes stacked against her, to show that there are so many ways to crush the often overpowering effects of this debilitating disease.

Yet you may not know, that Koreen not only battles MS, but that in the Spring of 2017 Koreen was also diagnosed with breast cancer. It doesn’t seem quite fare that anyone should have to endure two such physically and emotionally crippling diagnoses as this. Yet she underwent surgery and radiation, and was back on her bike, with Dave by her side, to work toward completing their M.S. biking mission within just 2 short weeks. 2 years have passed since she was declared cancer free (!!!) and Dave will attest to that, “It will take more than MS and cancer to turn that smile upside down.” He is her biggest advocate and most stubborn supporter. From his mouth to your ears he will admit that, “She is the toughest person I know.”

Listen now to her touching story of discovering and coping with the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.

“I was just starting graduate school at The Ohio State University when David and I got engaged.  I was working on my Master of Science in Pathology and working full time for the OSU Dept of Neurology when one day I woke up with flu-like symptoms and a strange sensation on my left side.  It continued to get worse.  I mentioned the symptoms to a Neurologist that I worked with and right away he got me in for an MRI.  After a few weeks of testing and worsening symptoms the diagnosis of MS was conclusive.  I think even after the oral steroid treatment and some of the symptoms started to subside, I was quite depressed. 

I felt embarrassed about my diagnosis.  Like I was damaged goods.  I wanted to keep it a secret and not tell anyone. 

Fast forward several years and we moved to Alaska.  We were happy and I thought I was doing well managing the occasional MS symptom that would come up.  When I was diagnosed there were no FDA-approved drug therapies to treat MS.  When I had a flare up they would treat me with IV steroids.  Luckily I didn’t have many flare ups.  Today there are over 15 FDA-approved drug therapies for MS.  One day I had a bike accident.  Everything seemed to spiral out of control.  I shattered my collarbone and the trauma and subsequent surgery threw me into a nasty flare up.

 That’s when I really understood just how awful this disease could be. 

I lost my speech, fine motor skills, I walked with a limp and was experiencing cognitive issues.  As I began to recover from these symptoms I realized how lucky I was. 

I was recovering. 

I did not have the progressive form of the disease.  I could recover where many people living with MS could not.  David and I agreed it was time to up the ante on sharing our story and raising funds for a cure.  That is when we decided to ride a Bike MS event in every state.

That was 12 years ago. 

This year as we hike 2200 miles of the AT I am still reminded of how lucky I am.  I have drop foot so my left foot drags when fatigued.  I have a brace that will help me on the trail.  I have heat sensitivity that can affect me, bringing on symptoms like blurred vision, headaches, weakness and fatigue when I least expect it.  I will be carrying about 2 pounds of medication and supplements.  And because of my ongoing treatment for MS, I am immune suppressed, leaving me extra vulnerable to insect bites and illnesses along the way.  So why do I do it?  Because I can and I am so much more fortunate that many others living with this horrible disease.”