“I was a workaholic, west coast sales officer of a Fortune 500 company, traveling for work nearly 200 days a year – away from home, my sons and my wife,” states San Juan Capistrano resident Bill Bisch. He thinks back, “I used to be a very active person: skier, golfer, runner, body boarder and sports player.”
That all changed for Bill at age 40 – in 1995 – when his legs stopped functioning properly. After many tests, including an MRI and spinal tap, came a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Married with two young boys Bill and his wife, Kristi, led an active lifestyle. The emotional toll of the diagnosis and its affects led Bill through a very private struggle. “After about a year of my private wrestling match with the implications of MS, my family, friends and I began to participate in chapter fundraising events,” says Bill.
Bill took an early retirement and became “Mister Mom” for his sons, while his wife, Kristi, chose to return to teaching. The busyness associated with all those years of being a workaholic drove Bill to join the chapter’s board of trustees – of which he soon became the chair. Bill donated countless hours of his time, however his active and stressful role as board chair brought on MS symptoms like tremendous fatigue, difficulty walking and cognitive issues. Bill stepped back from his frenzied pace and realized he had lost sight of the blessings MS had given him: the opportunity to be with family and friends and enjoy his life. He resigned from the board and “re-retired,” this time with his health and comfort first.
Now Bill leads two chapter self-help groups and attends many chapter events. He enjoys chapter programs and values the education they provide about “treatments, therapies and activities for a healthier life.”
Bill continues, “fundraising events are a great excuse to enjoy team spirit and raise money for much-needed MS research. My family has participated in Walk MS for over a decade.” For the past several years Bill has joined Kristi on family friend Chris Serocke’s team for the three-day, 50-mile Challenge Walk event. “Kristi uses her feet – and me on my Segway!” The Segway has been not only a tool but a life for Bill, who now cannot walk 50 feet with out aid.
“I miss playing sports, strenuous physical exercise and traveling,” says Bill, “but I’m always looking for creative ways to accomplish those activities.” Bill has learned to pace his life, stating “…in hindsight MS has turned out to be a blessing.”
Though the cause of multiple sclerosis is not known, it is a disease of the central nervous system typically diagnosed in the prime-of-life years, ages 20-50. MS is the most common neurological disease leading to disability in young adults. To learn more about MS, Bill, chapter programs and services, fundraising events, sponsorship/underwriting chapter activities, or to donate, email Heather.Cavazos@MSpacific.org, visit www.MSpacific.org or call 1-800-486-6762.
Written by volunteer Hilary Ludwig