At age 38, Helen Marocco’s diagnosis of multiple sclerosis came as a complete shock. It was April of 1983, and Helen had been experiencing bouts of numbness, tingling and optic neuritis. Although both her brother and sister had been diagnosed with MS, she was still unsure of how MS was going to affect her. After her diagnosis, Helen did not experience any symptoms for nearly 12 years. She kept her muscles toned by hill walking, playing tennis and taking part in aerobics classes.
Eventually, Helen’s condition forced her into early retirement and an electric wheelchair became her source of mobility. Helen’s husband, Norman, also took early retirement in order to stay home and help carry out the day-to-day tasks that she was no longer able to do herself.
Both Helen and her husband have devoted a lot of time and energy into many of the fundraisers and events put on by the chapter. Since the start of Walk MS back in 1989, Helen and her husband have participated on a regular basis by both raising money and taking part in the Walk. In the early years, Helen was able to walk the route; however, it soon became too difficult. Since then, Helen has been doing the Walk in her wheelchair.
Helen has also participated in the Angel Visitation Program for four years and was honored by the chapter with a scholarship in her name. She and her husband have enjoyed the chapter’s Aqua Exercise program for over a decade,. “We enjoy the exercises and being with other MSers: our other family. We look forward to swim days and find the exercise extremely beneficial for both of us.”
The effects of MS have had a significant impact on Helen’s life; however, she continues to stay positive and enjoy the things she loves. “Now that I am a quadriplegic and can no longer turn pages of a book, I enjoy books on tape. My husband and I also have season tickets to the Old Globe Theater and the La Jolla Playhouse, where we enjoy many live plays. Since I can no longer do the Walk, you can find me at the Wall of Hope gratefully thanking all who participate in the Walks or Bike MS ride.”
“My advice to others with MS is to stay active... stay positive... look to what you can do and not what you cannot do... and think of others before yourself!”
Written by volunteer Leslie Christofferson
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. At least two to three times more women than men are living with MS, the most common neurological disease leading to disability in young adults. To learn more about MS, Helen, 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.