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BOB & DORIS – LIVING WITH THE ENEMY

My name is Bob. Life for me and my wife Doris since my diagnosis in January 1995 at age 55 has been a series of adaptations and adjustments as my MS has steadily progressed. Our retirement has been different than we expected. We thought we would live and hike in the mountains forever.

After my trips up and down stairs in our three level house became too much of an adventure for both of us, we moved to one-level living in Sun City Hilton Head in 2004. As my balance and coordination have declined and my legs have weakened, I’ve upgraded my assistive equipment – from cane, to walker to scooter and ramp van. I’ve added hand controls for my van. These items of assistive equipment keep me moving independently. They are my friends.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been with us from the beginning with information and support. Volunteering for the Society has given me a mission and has enhanced my emotional wellbeing. In addition, I also advocate for more accessible amenities in Sun City. My volunteer activities give me strength to continue the battle.

We live each day with hope for treatments for my progressive MS that will slow the rate of progression. I plan to fight this enemy to the finish. I expect that my final shot as I pass from this earth will be sharing my brain and spinal cord tissue with our partners, the researchers.

Thank you for your fund-raising efforts. You give me hope in this battle.