A Couple Takes on MS

When you’re diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), there’s often an unspoken expectation that you’ll process it, accept it, and eventually move on. But what happens when the thing you’re supposed to “move on” from is a chronic, progressive disease that you carry with you every single day? In this honest and deeply personal conversation, we unpack the myth of moving on with Multiple Sclerosis, and what it really means to live with a long-term neurological condition. From dreams of walking again to small victories like standing and pivoting, we explore what it looks like to live with MS nearly three decades after diagnosis as both patient and caregiver. Is moving on even possible, or is the goal something different? In this episode, we talk about: The difference between moving on and moving forward after an MS diagnosis Living with Multiple Sclerosis for 25+ years and how perspective shifts over time Grief and chronic illness and why it resurfaces even decades later Caregiving and marriage while navigating progressive disability Society’s expectations around acceptance, resilience, and “getting over it” Finding gratitude in small, everyday wins while living with MS Jennifer shares what it’s like to dream about walking and wake up to the reality of mobility challenges. Dan reflects on accepting numb hands, shifting abilities, and life as a caregiver to a spouse with MS. Together, we wrestle with a question many in the chronic illness community quietly carry: Can you ever really move on from Multiple Sclerosis or is acceptance less about closure and more about courage? For those living with Multiple Sclerosis, caregiving for someone with MS, or navigating any chronic illness, this episode is a reminder that grief doesn’t have an expiration date. But neither does resilience. We’d love to hear from you! Do you ever have moments where you forget you have Multiple Sclerosis? What does “moving forward” look like in your life right now? Email us at acoupletakesonms@gmail.com to help keep this conversation going. *** Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

In this episode of A Couple Takes on MS, we sit down with our pastor, Pastor Dana Hendershot, to talk about one of the biggest questions that can rise up after a diagnosis like MS (or cancer): Why did God let this happen? Dan reflects on 26 years since his MS diagnosis and how faith can change over time, not always through easy answers, but through presence, perspective, and community. Pastor Dana shares the moment her theology of suffering shifted, what she learned during her own cancer journey, and why it’s okay to bring every emotion to God. Including anger. We talk about prayer as breath, the difference between “God caused this” and “God is with you in this,” why joy only exists in the present moment, and how hope sometimes looks like being carried by others when you can’t carry yourself. In this episode, we get real with Pastor Dana about: • Where God is in diagnosis and suffering • Why it’s OK to be angry with God (and why God can handle it) • Prayer as presence and the Spirit as the promise • Theology of the cross vs. theology of glory • Hope, community, and being carried when you’re worn down • Finding joy right now and why singing can help shift your mind And Jennifer expands on this podcast (and a metaphor from Pastor Dana that she ca't getrb out of her head in her essay, “Multiple Sclerosis and faith: the rip in our canvas.” An open invitation for you, our listeners Where have you felt God’s presence during a difficult season in your life? We’d love to hear from you at acoupletakesonms@gmail.com. About our guest: Pastor Dana Hendershot is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and has served as Senior Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, since 2011. Dana holds a degree in psychology with a focus in neuropsychology and a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, where her studies explored the intersection of science and faith. In addition to her congregational ministry, Dana serves as Chair of the Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science, and Technology, helping lead national conversations about how theology, scientific discovery, and human curiosity connect. Her writing has appeared in Working Preacher, The Lutheran, and Lutheran Partners, where she brings thoughtful theology into everyday lived experience. In 2023, Dana was diagnosed with Large Cell B Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and underwent extensive treatment. That experience deepened her understanding of the body, vulnerability, and what it means to show up for others with compassion and presence. Dana has also been deeply involved in community advocacy. She helped establish Mount Pleasant’s first rotating homeless shelter—Isabella County Restoration House—serves on Central Michigan University’s Institutional Review Board, and previously served on the Interfaith Action of Southwest Florida Board of Directors while advocating for farmworker justice alongside the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. *** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation, and when you live with Multiple Sclerosis, even a “routine” surgery can totally upend daily life. In this episode of A Couple Takes on MS, we get real and open up on the weeks following Dan’s hernia surgery and how recovery has affected our caregiving dynamic, routines and sense of normalcy. Just 11 days post-surgery, we share what we feared most, what surprised us, and how preparation, flexibility, and community support have helped us navigate this unfamiliar chapter together. This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply human as we get into everything that comes with having a routine (yet major surgery) when both people in a relationship are living with MS and serve as each other’s primary caregivers, including: Adjusting our caregiver schedules and transfer procedures Managing spasticity Altering sleep schedules Incorporating dignity-preserving tools Dealing with the emotional weight of temporarily giving up things we love It’s also a reminder that healing is more than physical. It’s also relational. Here are the links we referenced that offer depth and insights for our conversation: Dan’s healing: The night before – Link to check out Jennifer’s emotional essay written, well, the night before Dan’s surgery. Dan’s healing: The weeks after surgery – Link to check out Jennifer’s follow-up essay highlighting the realities we had to face. PureWick – Link to learn about the in-home urine collection system we discuss in the episode. An open invitation for you, our listeners Have you experienced surgery as a patient or caregiver? What helped you through recovery? We’d love to hear from you at acoupletakesonms@gmail.com. *** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

In this episode of A Couple Takes on MS, we’re honored to welcome Sarah Locke, founder of Locke’s Promise, a New Hampshire–based nonprofit born from her own lived experience with Multiple Sclerosis. Sarah shares how Locke’s Promise came to life, from the six-week paperwork marathon it took to get started to the community momentum that followed. Through events like Climb the Peak, Rides & Wranglers for MS, and other grassroots efforts, the organization has raised more than $100,000 over four years and, in 2025 alone, has already donated over $42,000 to directly support six individuals living with MS. In this episode, we talk about: • Turning an MS diagnosis into a mission grounded in community • What it really takes to start a nonprofit from scratch • How grassroots fundraising creates direct, local impact • Living authentically—and honestly—after diagnosis • Why no one facing MS should ever feel invisible or alone We also talk with Sarah about her memoir, Living Out Loud, where she reflects on coming out later in life, navigating an MS diagnosis, and learning how honesty, humor, and vulnerability can coexist, even in the hardest moments. Throughout our conversation, Sarah reminds us that advocacy doesn’t have to be loud to make an impact, and that real community built on connection and compassion can make all the difference. Here are the links we referenced that offer depth and insights for our conversation: Locke’s Promise – Link to check out Sarah’s “… compassionate nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) while directly supporting local community members affected by this challenging condition.” Living Out Loud – Link to order Sarah’s honest, personal, and inspiring memoir. *** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

What does it look like to keep showing up year after year and mile after mile for the people you love and the cause you believe in? In this episode of A Couple Takes on MS Podcast, we’re joined by Doug Binkley, known throughout the Bike MS community as “Patches” for his ever-growing collection of event patches earned nationwide. His connection to MS is deeply personal. Patches rides in honor of his wife, Diane, who was diagnosed with MS at 26 years old, and his mother, who also lived with the disease. Patches has completed more than 37 Bike MS rides and 40+ century rides over the past 16 years, traveling from state to state to support the MS community in a big way. He has also become a Bike MS volunteer and a passionate fundraiser, reaching the Passport level by raising thousands of dollars to support research, programs and hope. In our conversation, Patches shares what first inspired him to get on the bike, how faith and resilience shape his outlook, and why the camaraderie of the Bike MS community keeps him coming back. We chat about honoring loved ones through action, the motivation that comes from riding alongside others who “get it,” and what it means to commit to something bigger than yourself. As we kick off 2026, Patches reminds us that progress happens through consistency, community and purpose and that every mile, every patch, and every rider truly matters. Listen now to hear his inspiring story and why he’s already gearing up for multiple Bike MS rides in 2026, starting in Louisiana this March. Here are the links we referenced that offer depth and insights for our conversation: Bike MS – Link to learn more about and to register to ride or volunteer at an event in your area Bike MS: Bluegrass Bourbon Ride 2026 – Link to donate and support Patches in one of the several Bike MS events he’ll ride in this year *** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

As we closed out 2025, we found ourselves reflecting on what it really means to keep showing up while living with Multiple Sclerosis and how, sometimes, the best way to move forward is to look back. In this episode of A Couple Takes on MS Podcast, we talk honestly about the opportunities, challenges, adaptations and lessons that shaped our year. We explore how living with MS has taught us to think a few steps ahead, adjust expectations, and stay engaged in the life we want to live, even when it doesn’t look the way we originally imagined. This includes sharing stories about travel, graduations, concerts, sporting events and everyday moments with friends; all through the lens of one guiding question: Is the juice worth the squeeze? That question helps us decide when to push forward, when to pause, and how to reframe what “showing up” really looks like. This conversation also touches on: Adapting plans when MS or caregiving realities change suddenly Accepting help and recognizing that doing so is a strength, not a weakness Planning proactively instead of reacting in the moment Letting go of comparisons and focusing on your own personal best Finding joy by staying flexible and open to new possibilities Most of all, this episode is about partnership. This includes showing up for each other, making thoughtful choices together, and continuing to move forward in ways that honor our health, energy and shared goals. To catch some of our best images from this past year, check out Jennifer's blog post How I remember 2025 (without overdoing it). As we look ahead to 2026, we’re reminded that showing up doesn’t have to mean doing everything or doing it perfectly. Sometimes it simply means doing what you can, with what you have, right where you are. Thank you for being part of our community and for continuing to walk and roll alongside us. *** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

Caregiving is an act of love, but it can also be exhausting, overwhelming, and emotionally heavy. That’s why self-care for caregivers isn’t selfish. It’s essential. In this episode of A Couple Takes on MS, we’re joined by Susanne White, a best-selling author and passionate voice in the caregiver advocacy community. Susanne shares how stepping into a caregiving role for her parents changed her life and ultimately led her to dedicate her work to supporting caregivers everywhere. Together, we talk honestly about the realities caregivers face, including: What caregiver burnout looks like and why it’s often hard to recognize Why guilt so often comes with the caregiving role How the pressure to be perfect and to do everything alone can take a real toll Throughout the conversation, Susanne offers powerful insights about reframing success, accepting imperfection, and learning to be kind to yourself while caring for someone else. Susanne reminds us that caregivers were never meant to do this work in isolation. Community, communication, and self-awareness aren’t optional. They’re essential to sustaining care over time. We also talk about her book, Self-Care for Caregivers, a practical and accessible resource made for caregivers who are short on time but still need support. Here are the links we referenced that offer depth and insights for our conversation: • caregiverwarrior.com – Official website for you to access Susanne’s perspectives and insights on living as a caregiver and getting the support you need. • Self-Care for Caregivers: A Practical Guide to Caring for You While You Care for Your Loved One – Learn more about and order your copy of Susanne’s book that’s described as, “The ultimate caregivers’ guide to resilience, strength, and balance.”  *** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

Adaptive fashion matters. It’s about dignity, confidence, creativity, and ensuring people with MS feel seen and supported. In this episode, we share our experiences as runway models at the 2nd Annual MS Focus on Fashion event in Fort Lauderdale, hosted by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. We take you behind the scenes of a memorable weekend that went from accessible travel challenges to celebrating adaptive style. We get real about the realities of traveling with mobility devices, including navigating airports, finding accessible transportation, and the extra planning that goes into every trip. We also highlight the bright spots, including Delta Airlines' support and white-glove treatment of Jennifer’s power wheelchair and the warm community at the event. Ah yes, the main event, where Jennifer models a custom hand-painted jacket by Project Runway runner-up Nancy Bolt Barringer, and Dan walks the runway in adaptive magnetic jeans and a button-down shirt from MagnaReady and a stylish cane from Fashionable Canes. To read more about our runway experience and see pictures from the fashion show, check out Jennifer’s essay Fashion, MS and a 28-year moment I’ll never forget on our blog. *** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

In this episode, we’re honored to welcome Professor Robert Motl, a leading researcher whose work has revolutionized the understanding of how exercise and physical activity help manage Multiple Sclerosis. As a professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, Rob (as he prefers to be called) has dedicated his career to studying how movement, fitness and behavior change can improve mobility, cognition, fatigue, and overall quality of life for people living with MS. He’s published hundreds of studies and is recognized worldwide as one of the leading voices in the neuroscience of exercise and MS. In this episode, Rob shares how and why movement truly matters at every stage of the MS journey. We discuss: The proven impact of exercise on symptom management and brain health Why starting small and staying consistent can make a lasting difference How research continues to reveal new ways to support strength, function, and hope Tune in to hear Rob’s insights and discover why movement might be one of the most powerful tools we have for living well with MS. Here are the links that offer depth and insights for our conversation: UIC Exercise Neuroscience Research Lab Research Projects – Current projects recruiting participants with MS. Research Publications – Links to various scholarly journals featuring ENRL published research. To get involved in Rob and his team’s research or to learn more about their work, email the research lab at ENRL@uic.edu or Rob at ROBMOTL@uic.edu *** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

When Allié McGuire was 41 years old and learned the reason behind years of unexplained symptoms was Multiple Sclerosis, that moment didn’t silence her. It sparked a mission. Today, Allié uses storytelling to elevate voices and causes that often go unseen. She is an award-winning speaker, media producer, and co-founder of AwareNow Media, which is home to AwareNow Magazine – a global platform that reaches more than 8 million readers each month with stories that create awareness and inspire action. In this episode, we chat with Allié about how MS changed the way she sees the world and how it changed the world she sees. Her message is powerful: when life hands you limits, you can still move forward with impact. This belief led her to launch the “Because I Can” Virtual 5K, with a bold goal of becoming the world’s largest virtual 5K for MS. Anyone, anywhere, can take part – walking, rolling, running, biking, swimming – whatever movement looks like for you. It’s a way to raise visibility for MS and support others living with this unpredictable disease. We also explore with Allié: The moment storytelling became advocacy How she balances vulnerability and strength as an MS advocate Why forward movement matters Allié’s journey is a reminder that every step, both literal and metaphorical, can help someone else see what’s possible. ***** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

It’s been a busy (and meaningful) stretch for us these past few weeks! In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of our latest adventures across Michigan — from savoring local flavors at the Taste of Generosity event in Royal Oak to celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary (20 years!) at a Detroit Tigers game, complete with accessibility wins at Comerica Park. But our travels didn’t stop there. We also traveled to Lansing for MS State Action Day, where we met with lawmakers to advocate for solutions to medical debt, a critical issue for many in the MS community. Additionally, we share updates from our recent neurology appointment in Ann Arbor, including how a small medication adjustment made a significant difference in Dan’s sleep and daily life. Join us as we reflect on the power of self-care, the importance of caregiver support, and how embracing each moment keeps us moving forward together. Here are the links we referenced that offer depth and insights for our conversation: • Epic in-state journeys from baseball @ Comerica to lawmakers @ the Capitol – Our blog photo essay that highlights the moments we discuss in this episode. • Episode 84 – Taking on MSd with the Wrong MFR – Link to the podcast episode featuring our conversation with Adam Powell, one of the many friends we a chance meeting with at Taste of Generosity. ***** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

In the epic episode, we welcome legendary blogger, podcaster and fashion icon Ardra Shephard. In our conversation, we celebrate her trailblazing work in the MS and disability communities and get an inside look into her highly anticipated memoir, “Fallosophy: My Trip through Life with MS,” released in March 2025. Ardea shares her journey with writing, how MS has affected her identity, and the importance of honesty and humor in her storytelling. She also discusses her award-winning blog and podcast, "Tripping on Air," and touches on the growth of adaptive fashion and the vital role of community and support for people with chronic illnesses.  Our chat concludes with the ACTOMS Podcast feature “MS In Their Voices,” where Ardra reads the first chapter of her book, "Dear Satan," which humorously recounts a foretelling Halloween night with friends. Here are the links that offer depth and insights for our conversation: • “Fallosophy: My Trip through Life with MS”– Get all the info you need about Ardra’s book and how you can order your copy of the memoir that Dan says every person living with MS has to read. • Tripping on Air  – Keep up with Ardra through her award-winning blog and podcast • 7 Questions with A Couple featuring Ardra Shephard – Dig into the ACTOMS archives and check out our November 2022 conversation with Ardra. ***** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease. **Episode feature image photo by Alkan Emin

When you are living with Multiple Sclerosis, how do you know when you need to take on fewer activities? To take a break. To say, “Not today.” To give yourself permission and just stop. In this episode, we reflect on these thoughts after a busy month filled with activities—everything from family visiting for a week to undergoing several MS treatments; making a trip back to Iowa to see more family; being interviewed by several media outlets; and attending several baseball games, concerts, and church committee meetings.  All that, on top of Dan working full-time, Jennifer maintaining our home life with her caregiver Jen, and, oh yeah, both of us living with MS. Join us in our conversation about how we continually try to know our limits in what we can and can’t do, while granting ourselves the grace to sit things out guilt-free in the name of self-care and investing our time and energy in the moments that matter. ***** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

Adam Powell’s social media account name says it all. Indeed, Multiple Sclerosis MSd w/the Wrong MFR when it decided to enter his life as Primary Progressive MS in June 2019. Join us for this engaging and insightful conversation with Adam Powell, a committed MS advocate and inspiring voice for the MS community. Adam shares the frustration of an initial misdiagnosis—with his symptoms first mistaken for a sports hernia—and the life-changing shift when his condition rapidly worsened, forcing him to use a wheelchair. Using vulnerability and humor, he emphasizes the importance of mental strength and perseverance in managing MS and talks about how he’s now aiming to launch his own MS nonprofit to help others. Listen for his meme-worthy comments on the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the belief that even in tough moments, progress is possible. Be sure to follow Adam on: • Instagram • TikTok ***** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

Yes, it’s been 10 months since our last podcast, but we didn’t stop moving forward. Rather, we stepped away to give ourselves time. Dealing with Jennifer’s dad's illness and coping with his passing on October 5, 2024, revealed realities no one could have prepared us for.  It still is hitting us hard. Time has gone on, and with it, we realized it was time to continue moving forward with the things we had set aside, such as our A Couple Takes On MS podcast and blog. Join us for this comeback episode of sorts, where we share insights into our emotional journey through personal loss, health challenges, and unwavering resilience. We also explain how a recent trip to Boston and a Red Sox game at Fenway Park — as part of a regularly scheduled MS4MS event — helped us honor, remember and celebrate Jennifer’s dad. As Jennifer said, "Life with Multiple Sclerosis doesn't stop - and neither do we!" Whether you're living with a chronic illness or supporting someone who is, we hope this episode offers comfort, humor, and heartfelt moments that remind us all that life's challenges don't define us — how we face them does. Here are links to sites that offer depth and insights for this conversation: • From grief to gratitude: Remembering My Dad at Fenway with MS4MS – Our A Couple Takes on MS blog post from Jennifer about the reasons behind and the photos that tell the stories of this epic, once-in-a-lifetime trip. • Mission Stadiums for Multiple Sclerosis – Official website that tells you everything about the awesomeness that is MS4MS. • 7 Questions with A Couple featuring Sam Greenberg – Our interview with Sam, CEO and founder of MS4MS, that appeared on our blog in 2021. • Navigating pomp and unexpected circumstances – Learn all about Dan’s graduation ceremony this past May at Wartburg College, where he received his MA in Leadership and gave his class address during the hooding ceremony without ever setting foot on the campus back in Iowa. ***** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

To complement our recent blog post – From love at first sight to a focus on in-home care – about our love story getting featured by the IMPART Alliance at Michigan State University, here is an encore post of one of our top-performing podcasts that gives insights into our lives as each other’s caregiver. Enjoy! There’s more to our relationship than 18 years of marriage and each of us living with Multiple Sclerosis. We also are in a caregiving relationship. Jennifer is my primary caregiver, and I am hers. We were so humbled and honored that Healthline Media connected with us and included our caregiving story in its three-part Taking Care video series. Join us for this episode of A Couple Takes on MS Podcast as we discuss what the experience was like to have film crews from NYC and Detroit arrive at our home in Michigan to capture our day-to-day realities and explore why caregiving is the story that must be told. All in all, being a family caregiver is a double-edged sword that can be both a blessing and a burden, and we went into our marriage knowing what we were facing. Or did we? There is so much to being a caregiver. And we are not alone in this experience. According to estimates from the National Alliance for Caregiving, during the past year, 65.7 million Americans (or 29% of the adult U.S. adult population involving 31% of all U.S. households) served as family caregivers for an ill or disabled relative. Reports also indicated that 24.4% of adults aged 45 to 64 years are caregivers compared to 18.8% of adults aged 65 years and older. One in four (25.4%) women are caregivers compared to one in five (18.9%) men. Here are the links we referenced for you to follow up on: • Healthline presents Taking Care – Healthline’s three-part series that includes stories about caregiving relationships within the Alzheimer’s, breast cancer and the MS (that’s us!) communities. • caregiving.com – Comprehensive online caregiving resource for which Dan serves as a Caregiving Champion. • 14 resources for family caregivers to make managing it all less stressful – Insightful article posted on care.com.

Looking for a way to overcome your chronic illness? Fuggedaboutit! Seriously. Forget about it. Easier said than done, right? Jennifer recently reflected on this when she wrote: “I am aware of my Multiple Sclerosis every single day. The disease cannot be avoided, as it is everywhere in my life, from its treatment, symptoms, and progression. It’s easy to let disease be our focus, but it is important and valuable to distract ourselves from it too.” Join us for this episode of A Couple Takes on MS Podcast as we explore the importance of engaging in activities that distract your mind and prevent the disease from consuming your every thought. Whether it’s listening to music, reading a book, or going out for the night to watch a baseball game with our beloved Great Lakes Loons, MS is no longer front and center in our lives. And we found comfort in knowing that we aren’t the only ones who feel this way and are not letting MS control our minds. Keynote speaker and best-selling author Mike Robbins has explained that the goal of this kind of thinking is "... to choose to ‘distract’ ourselves (i.e. get out of our heads, let go of our negative worries, and take a conscious break from the day-to-day stress of life) in a truly healthy way. When our motivation is positive (we're not avoiding anything, but choosing consciously to take a break), the outcome and experience of our ‘distraction’ is more likely to be healthy and beneficial.” Let our conversation be a distraction of sorts to find ways to get it out of your head from time to time. Here are links to sites to help you continue this conversation: • 60 Healthy and Uplifting Distractions – Delaware Psychological Services article highlighting the positives to distracting ourselves   • Distracting Yourself in Healthy Ways – HuffPost essay by Mike Robbins that gets to the core of the hows and whys behind purposely distracting ourselves. ***** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

Tyler Susko, Ph.D., knows a thing or two about walking a mile in the shoes of people with walking difficulties. So much so, he is making their experiences better… one step at a time. Tyler is the Chief Technology Officer and Founder of Cadense, the company that's revolutionizing the way the world thinks about adaptive footwear. We mean, that’s what happens when a person with mechanical engineering expertise and a compassionate heart pursues his passions and builds a team that combines robotic design, neurorehabilitation, and functional biomechanics. They create groundbreaking adaptive solutions like Cadense Adaptive Shoes. Join us for this episode of A Couple Takes on MS Podcast as we sit down and have an engaging conversation with Tyler about his work that is impacting so many people’s lives. Tyler, who earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, has focused on developing mobility products for people with disabilities for over a decade. He is an active professor of teaching at UC Santa Barbara where he teaches nine courses in product and machine design. In our chat with Tyler, we step into everything from the: • Cutting-edge science behind Cadense Adaptive Shoes • New form of robotic gait therapy—the MIT Skywalker—he designed, fabricated and tested while at MIT • High school experience Tyler had that sparked his commitment to improving the quality of life for people with movement challenges • Vision he has for the future of adaptive technologies Here are links to sites to help you continue this conversation: • Cadense – Website for Cadense, where you can learn more about the shoes and their adaptive technology, reviews of the shoes, and ways that you can order them. • Shoes for Drop Foot: Help Prevent Trips/Falls with these shoes for foot drop! – YouTube video where Dr. Gretchen Hawley, physical therapist and MS-certified specialist, evaluates the impact of Cadense Adaptive Shoes on people’s waling abilities. • How Multiple Sclerosis Affects Gait and Walking – Article from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society that looks into how the disease causes challenges with walking and the strategies people can use to improve their gait and movement. ***** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

Continuing our focus on Disability Pride Month, I started thinking that we all are different, but is disability just another form of different? It’s one thing for an adult to stare at me in my power wheelchair and make unintentionally insensitive comments such as, “I wish I had one of those today!” or “Do you have a driver’s license for that?” The reality is adults should know better, but such comments open the doors for a constructive conversation and teachable moments. Yet how do we talk to children about people living with disabilities? About people who, in their minds, seem “different.” The immediate reaction from their mannerly parents often is a stern, aggressively whispered phrase like, “Don’t stare! That’s not nice.” Is this the ideal way for parents to react? How should parents handle these situations with their children?   Join us for this episode as Dan and I have a thoughtful conversation with Erica Miedema about the best way to approach this subject with her almost 10-year-old son, Maximus. The three of us delve into different approaches to talking with children who are curious about people with disabilities and how to turn their questions into truly teachable moments. P.S. You may remember Maximus when he was our podcast guest who interviewed us in Episode 51: From the runway to Walk MS. :-) Here are links to sites to help you continue this conversation: • Respecting Differences: How to Talk With Your Child About Disabilities • 10 Strategies for Talking to Kids About Disabilities • People First Language ***** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July. Pride in disability? For real? Yes, for real. As A Couple Takes on MS, Dan and I are proud, but it is complicated. Am I proud that I no longer can walk and the whole world can see I truly am disabled because I need to use a power wheelchair for mobility? Likewise, is Dan proud that he struggles and nobody can see his invisible disabilities triggered by the limited feeling in his hands and feet?  Absolutely! But, as I said, it’s complicated. Pride is defined as a feeling of satisfaction derived from one's own achievements or the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated with. This is the beauty of the month-long celebration that offers opportunities to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of our disability community. It’s also held in July to mark, commemorate and celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which President George H.W. Bush signed into law July 26, 1990. Join us for this episode as we share our broad-based perspectives on Disability Pride Month, including our reservations on claiming pride in our visible and invisible disabilities as well as the empowerment that comes from proudly celebrating our collective accomplishments in spite of our disabilities.   Here are links to the sites we discussed in our conversation: • Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month – Article from The Arc, the largest national community-based organization advocating for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. • What is Disability Pride Month? – Essay from Inclusive Employers, the UK's first and leading membership organization for employers looking to build inclusive workplaces. • Disability Pride Month Background – Information and resources from the USDA’s AgLearn to encourage engagement for this annual celebration. • Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorized with Accessible Air Travel Provisions – National Multiple Sclerosis Society news release about President Biden signing a 5-year FAA reauthorization which includes provisions to make air travel better for the disability community. The bill's passage follows a 387-26 vote in the U.S. House of Representatives and 88-4 vote in the U.S. Senate. And, yes, this bill is among the reasons why Dan and I advocate and are MS activists. It’s also the topic of an op ed piece I wrote for our local newspaper. ***** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.