Twenty-one-year-old college student, Dave Altman, woke one morning to find that his little fingers were numb. Though he was studying watchmaking, he didn’t “think much” of the numbness until the following morning when both of his hands were numb. “I thought to myself, ‘if this gets worse I'm going home.’” On the third morning, Dave’s whole body was numb. He was 400 miles from home, and felt alone and afraid. He immediately packed his bags and drove straight to the hospital in his hometown. Dave spent two weeks in the hospital, after six spinal taps he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Since his diagnosis, Dave has experienced optical neuritis in his left eye and a limp on his right side. Dave has discovered a treatment plan that works for him: a combination of diet, exercise, medication and spirituality. According to Dave, his walking has improved “50 to 65% in the last three years.”
“I do thank God everyday, for another day of creation, and then ask what big things are you going to help me create for others.” Dave says that having MS has changed his life drastically. “I have MS; MS doesn't have me!” In 2009, Dave will ride his first year in the Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour.
Dave has many varied interests and talents. He works as a personal trainer, using his experiences with MS to inspire and motivate his clients. “I think what I have become is a motivating life coach- personal trainer!” Dave enjoys scuba diving and has ship wreck certification. Dave also did a CD in 2001 called Dave Altman Project. His next goal is to build a workout facility disabled individuals, as well as to go back to school and earn his degree in human performance.
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, Dave, chapter programs and services, fundraising events, sponsorship/underwriting chapter activities, or to donate, email stories@mspacific.org, visit www.MSpacific.org or call 1-800-486-6762.
Written by volunteer Alyssa Brown