At 37 years old, after experiencing numbness and tingling in his legs and thighs, Anaheim resident Rob Lammers was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. “I knew that my uncle and aunt on my mother's side were also affected by this disease,” recalls Rob. It was 1988, and Rob only had to slightly alter his lifestyle real estate career to accommodate his clients and himself.
“I endeavored to learn everything about MS to better understand, and share it with my coworkers and family,” says Rob of attending Society newly-diagnosed educational seminars and self-help groups. Rob is now co-leader of the chapter’s Brea self-help group, and makes every effort to get information to group members, schedule guest speakers and more.
Rob also became a part of the chapter’s Government Relations Committee (GRC) and MS California Action Network (MSCAN) to work with elected officials to strive for more access and communication regarding the MS community’s health and welfare. Rob sites transportation and housing as his main focus. “I feel that I am helping to make a difference by being involved with these committees, and this makes me feel needed,” says Rob.
“I believe that knowledge is power and the more we know the better prepared we are. That is why Walk MS and other fundraising events are so important to find the cure for MS,” says Rob, who has participated or volunteered at chapter fundraising events such as the Bike MS Tour every year since 1997. “I work in whatever capacity the chapter needs me to, at least four times a year,” says Rob. “I help with registration, and cheerleading, but no uniform, darn it!” he jokes. “Fundraisers are very important to me because I see other people with MS and the friends that I have made over the years that walk or bike to support the cause!” Rob also acts as a Champion, aiming to “get to every fundraiser close to me” and the cause.
“Since my diagnosis, I had to learn to slow down, and it was not easy for me to do so,” says Rob. His symptoms of fatigue and issues with bladder control and gait led him to “learn quickly where the bathrooms were and the handicap accessible entrances!”
“My family understood when I had to stop working and helped with the transitions that have occurred. They’re very supportive, especially my brothers Rick and Bill, and my sister Mary,” says Rob. “MS has taken my ability to drive, but I adapted to the bus system,” says Rob. “Bus and rail service has given me the ability to visit my family and friends and stay connected.”
Rob’s ongoing symptoms include heat intolerance, gait disability, pain when muscles stiffen up, some memory problems and slightly elevated anxiety when time is an issue (bus pickup time and getting ready, or ACCESS delays). “I manage my symptoms by exercising twice a week, at Goodwill Fitness Center and Healthy Balance. It's great!” exclaims Rob, who enjoys gardening (potted plants), wine collecting/tasting, and attending free lectures on Ancient Egypt and museums.
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, Rob, 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 Megan Overholser