My daughter was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) when she was only 16-years-old. She went from a healthy young high school student to long hospital stays and medical treatment because her own body was attacking her. I watched her lose who she was and struggle to define who she will be. She mourned her losses and felt betrayed and angry at the universe for taking her health. She also began her journey to redefine who she is and take back her health. She is rising to the challenge. At only 23, she continues to adapt, persevere, struggle and relapse. Although I am a strong support system and have compassion for her, I can’t fully empathize, because I don’t have MS. She struggled through loneliness.
In 2020, she found First Descents and applied for an adventure. She was chosen for a week in Estes Park Colorado to rock climb.They take outdoor challenges, the healing power of nature, comradery, food and fun and apply it to people with debilitating diseases that significantly compromise them. Everyone on her adventure climbed regardless of their level of function. Upon her return home, she was the happiest she has been since the diagnosis. Her secondary symptoms were absent, her mood was high, her skin was glowing and she had never been so recharged. First Descents “empowered her to climb, beyond her diagnosis, reclaim her life and connect with others doing the same”. It enabled her to know she is good enough, she is strong enough, and she is not alone. Here is the video from my daughters trip in 2022.