The Other Side of MS

Running Into MS with Ursula Forrester Ursula has always been a runner - marathons, half-marathons, and miles that measured more than distance. But in October 2014, after years of unexplained symptoms, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Suddenly, endurance meant something entirely different. She is a wife, a mother of two, and a professional in advertising who still chooses to see the glass half full. But behind that optimism lies the daily reality of MS modifying, compensating, and sometimes surrendering to the fatigue that doesn't show up on finish line photos. Ursula and her family created the Mill Chill, a local race that has raised more than $150,000 for the MS Society, and in 2023 they added Bike MS to their journey, forming Team Mighty Strong. In this episode, Ursula reflects on running marathons, building a community through fundraising, and what it really means to balance resilience with honesty. Her story is not just about crossing finish lines, but about redefining what strength looks like when MS becomes part of the course. This isn't just a runner's story. It's about family, identity, and the power of creating a movement bigger than yourself. You too can make a difference, please donate to Ursula's MS Fundraiser: https://events.nationalmssociety.org/participant/620535

Steve: From Trauma Nurse to MS Warrior Steve was 30 years old, working as a travel nurse in Idaho, when numbness crept up his leg and refused to go away. A ski accident had rattled his body, but what scans revealed was something else entirely: lesions on his brain and spine. In 2002, Steve entered a world he had once only witnessed from the other side of the hospital bed, the world of multiple sclerosis. As a trauma nurse, Steve knew the language of medicine. But living it was different. He walked away from graduate school, leaned on his family in Colorado, and began reshaping his life around the uncertainty of MS. Over the years, he has worked across ERs, ICUs, and trauma centers, all while navigating his own invisible symptoms and treatments. He's also become a force in the MS community, leading a Bike MS team that has raised over $1 Million for research and support. In this episode, Steve reflects on what it means to live on both sides of the diagnosis, as the nurse who explains and the patient who endures. He shares the fear, the gratitude, and the hard choices MS demands, as well as the quiet resilience of a man who calls himself "one of the lucky ones." This isn't just a story about MS. It's a story about medicine, identity, and the power of showing up for a community when you don't have to, but choose to anyway.

What Strength Really Looks Like Brad was diagnosed with MS at 45. Now 64, he's a speaker, a cyclist, and a face of strength for others living with the disease. But behind the workouts, the travel, and the public optimism is a more complex truth—one that doesn't always fit into a social media caption or a feel-good campaign. In this episode, Brad sits down for a different kind of conversation. One that doesn't ask him to inspire, perform, or push through. Instead, we talk about the days he can't move. The pressure to keep showing up. The identity that forms around always being the strong one—and what happens when that strength runs out. We talk about guilt, body betrayal, and the silent fear of losing momentum. And we ask the questions that rarely get asked: Who sees you when the cape comes off? Are you helping others because it heals you—or because you don't know how to stop? This isn't about overcoming. It's about truth. And sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is admit how much it hurts. Brad's Website: https://romptocurems.net/

School Dan - I do What I Can, When I Can, While I Can Dan has been a teacher for over 20 years, a school spirit leader, a cyclist, and a quiet force in his Florida community. His energy is infectious. His optimism is constant. But behind the vibrant classroom persona is a man living with relentless, invisible pain—and the pressure to never let it show. In this episode, Dan opens up about how MS has shaped every part of his identity, from the walking stick he once felt ashamed of to the pride that makes asking for help harder than it should be. He talks about the dual realities of living with a disease that makes him stronger while slowly wearing him down. And he shares the emotional cost of performing "School Dan" when "Real Dan" is quietly falling apart. This is a story about vulnerability, not victory. About a man who shows up every day with humor, grit, and quiet dignity—even when it hurts. And a reminder that being strong doesn't mean pretending you're fine. Sometimes it just means telling the truth.

Teresa, Jax Bourbon Social: The Power Behind the Pour and MS Teresa Eichner is more than the co-founder of Jax Bourbon Social—she's the relentless force behind one of Jacksonville's most impactful fundraising events for the National MS Society. After a sudden MS diagnosis in 2016, Teresa's world shifted. But instead of retreating, she channeled her decades of experience in PR and politics into advocacy, community-building, and bold visibility. In this raw, deeply honest conversation, Teresa opens up about the private cost of public recognition, the invisible weight of fatigue, and what it really means to be the "well-spoken face" of MS. We talk about her diagnosis story—one of the fastest we've heard on this show—and how it unexpectedly brought her full circle to the MS Society. She also shares what it's like to carry her symptoms quietly through a packed, sold-out fundraiser… all while smiling, organizing, and holding a DeWalt fan like it's her fourth child. We also ask a harder question: do glamorized events risk minimizing the brutal reality of MS? Teresa doesn't flinch. And neither do we. Whether you're here for bourbon, boldness, or the bare truth—this one stays with you. 🎟️ Learn more or support the mission: https://www.jaxbourbonsocial.com/event-details

One Rider, One Team, One Million Dollars — Curtis's Story Curtis was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in his twenties. What began as fear quickly turned into action. A chance connection to a support group sparked the creation of Team CCC — a cycling team that would go on to raise nearly $1 million for MS research and support. With every mile, Curtis has redefined what leadership looks like in the face of a chronic illness. In this episode, Curtis reflects on the moment a fellow rider convinced him to try Bike MS, the early days of hiding his diagnosis, and how polka dot jerseys became a symbol of visibility and community. From forming a nonprofit to building a virtual cycling presence on Zwift, his story is one of purpose, persistence, and the power of showing up. This is not just a story about reaching a milestone. It's about choosing to turn a diagnosis into momentum — and inspiring others to do the same. Help Curtis and Team CCC cross the $1 million finish line. Donate now — 100% of proceeds support the National MS Society

S3_E15: At 17, Emma Thought Her Life Was Over Emma Archuletta, from Utah, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2019 at just 17 years old. One day, she was preparing for high school graduation. The next, she was sleeping 20 hours a day, vomiting without explanation, and using a wheelchair. There was no slow decline—only confusion, fear, and the quiet thought that her life might already be over. In this episode, Emma talks candidly about the chaos of her early diagnosis: missing senior prom, crawling up stairs, and finishing school from a hospital bed while juggling college-level coursework. She shares how her body became unfamiliar, how people questioned her because she "looked fine," and how she built a dating rulebook to protect herself from rejection. Now an elementary school teacher, Emma reflects on what it means to pursue a dream career while managing invisible symptoms. We talk about the fatigue that threatens her work, the cost of treatment, and the moments she's chosen to live boldly—through surfing, snowboarding, and refusing to let MS define her. This is not a story of triumph. It's a story of persistence. A story of living with the unknown, and refusing to let it decide who you get to be.

The Art of Becoming — Hannah Garrison's Story Hannah Garrison was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2017, but her journey started long before that; in the silence of being dismissed, the guilt of cultural and religious expectations, and the quiet ache of never quite feeling seen. In this raw and intimate conversation, Hannah shares how MS forced her to confront not only her body, but her identity. We talk about the years she was misdiagnosed, the weight of family history with mental illness, and the internal battle between acceptance and perceived weakness. Through her art, Hannah found a place to be fully herself... messy, brilliant, and unfiltered. We explore the clash between generational mindsets, the emotional toll of being "the sensitive one," and what it really costs to make peace with a future others want you to fight. This is not a story of inspiration. It's a story of truth, survival, and the kind of healing that begins when you stop trying to be who everyone else needs you to be. If you've ever felt unseen, unheard, or quietly breaking — this episode is for you. Hanna's Art: https://hannahbananashop.clued.xyz http://Www.hgarrisonart.com    

W.T.F., I Have MS? — Chris Brown's Story Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of depression, alcohol misuse, and suicidal thoughts, which may be distressing for some listeners. Just three months after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Chris Brown sits down with us to talk about the weight of a life that hasn't let up. He's faced childhood trauma, infertility, the loss of triplets, depression, and addiction. And now, MS. In this conversation, Chris shares what it's like to process a life-changing diagnosis in real time. He speaks openly about fear, identity, fatherhood, and the quiet exhaustion of always having to adapt. He also talks about the choice to speak up, even when the path forward is still uncertain. "If by hearing my story, it gives someone some hope… I feel like I have an obligation to do that." — Chris Brown This episode is not about closure. It's about what it looks like in the middle of the storm. Chris' MS Fundraiser: https://events.nationalmssociety.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=741869

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of childhood trauma, depression, and suicidal ideation, which may be distressing for some listeners. What happens when you spend your life holding it all together—only to realize it's been breaking you inside? In this powerful episode, Allie Schmidl shares what it meant to live in silence after her 2022 MS diagnosis—buried beneath shame, fear, and the weight of a lifetime of unspoken trauma. But MS wasn't the only battle she was fighting. We talk about the weight of vulnerability, the fear of being seen as broken, and what happens when even your body starts telling the story you've tried to silence. Allie opens up about surviving divorce, the ache of parental abandonment, and the quiet devastation of feeling invisible in your own pain. "I was beating myself up a little bit over how I got to where I am… I felt like this was my fault." — Allie Schmidl But this isn't just a story of darkness—it's one of reckoning, healing, and choosing to be heard. If you've ever felt unseen, unheard, or afraid no one would stay if they knew the truth—this episode is for you.

Before MS, Susie Wyss's body was her job — a fitness instructor, powered by movement and strength. Then one morning, everything stopped. She woke up unable to walk. What followed was a long, painful journey through misdiagnosis, grief, and a complete redefinition of identity. In this episode, Susie opens up about the moment she felt like a stranger in her own body, the invisible symptoms that linger even now, and the hard truth about how others see her — or don't. We talk about the guilt of looking "normal," the ache of feeling misunderstood, and what it really means to fight for hope when your body won't cooperate. Susie didn't just build herself back — she built a 44-member Bike MS team that's raised nearly $100,000. But this isn't a story about fundraising. It's about rebuilding. About letting go of who you were. About choosing to lead anyway.

Will Anthony Talk MS - A Podcast about Perseverance and Positivity Before MS, Will Anthony built a life behind the chair — salon owner, jingle writer, entrepreneur. But MS didn't just take his livelihood; it tested his faith, reshaped his identity, and led him to a new calling. Diagnosed in 2008 after two years of believing he'd had a stroke, Will faced a reality he couldn't pray or push away. And yet, he didn't fold. In this episode, we talk about what it means to be a "positive person" when positivity isn't always enough. We explore faith as an anchor — not a shield — and how Will's relationship with God deepened through diagnosis, isolation, and loss. Will is now an MS Ambassador out of Cleveland, Ohio, and the host of his own podcast, Will Anthony Talk MS, where he creates space for others to share their truth. His story is one of vulnerability, resilience, and spiritual clarity. He doesn't charge MS a dime for the empathy it never gave him — he offers it freely, just as he does in this episode. 🎧 Listen to Will Anthony Talk MS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WilliamSteward-m7y

Troy Mitchell: A Soldier's Story - From Combat to MS with Troy Mitchell Troy Mitchell spent 22 years as a U.S. Marine Corps officer—leading combat units, earning a doctorate, teaching graduate school, and chasing the next finish line. Then came progressive MS. The goals changed. The gear changed. The silence got louder. In this episode, Troy opens up about what it means to lose function but still lead, to be admired for your story while feeling invisible in your truth, and to carry the weight of independence when asking for help feels like failure. He talks about the collapse of his marriage, the conversations he doesn't have with his son, and why pain in a combat zone was easier than pain that comes for no reason at all. We cover the kind of ground that doesn't fit in a résumé — the terrain of identity, masculinity, MS, and what it means to build a future from a life that's already unraveled. 🎧 Listen now: Follow, like, and leave a review to help elevate voices like Troy's. 💬 Share: Send this episode to someone who needs to hear it. 🚴‍♂️ Support Troy's MS fundraiser: He's riding in the Bluegrass Bourbon Ride to raise money for MS research and support. Donate here:  https://events.nationalmssociety.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.participant&participantID=595746

Katie Heckert: mother, former litigator, top fundraiser—and MS warrior. Stubborn Strength: Katie Heckert's Life with MS What happens when a sharp legal mind faces a disease that refuses to follow rules? In this episode of The Other Side of MS, Katie Heckert shares what it's like to live with multiple sclerosis after having to step away from her career in litigation—not by choice, but by necessity. She opens up about the relentless ache, the misdiagnoses, the frustration of being dismissed—and the resilience required to keep showing up as a mother, a wife, and a powerful voice in the MS fundraising community. Katie doesn't sugarcoat her journey. But she doesn't let it silence her either. If you've ever wondered what MS really feels like—or what strength sounds like when it has nothing left to prove—this conversation is for you. "It's like when I've heard people with arthritis or the flu talk about their whole body aching... that kind of happens on almost a daily basis." 💛 If Katie's story moves you, please consider supporting her personal Bike MS fundraiser for the PGA Tour: Bike to the Shore ride. Click here to donate directly. 100% of contributions go to the National MS Society. As mentioned on the podcast:  First Descents is a nonprofit organization that provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by serious health conditions, including cancer and multiple sclerosis. Their programs are specifically designed for people aged 18 to 39 (though they also have offerings for healthcare workers and older adults), and focus on using adventure-based experiences—like rock climbing, kayaking, and surfing—to build community, confidence, and emotional healing.

Most people wouldn't expect a veterinarian to be deeply involved in the MS community—but that's exactly what makes Dr. Deanna "Dee" Greer's story worth hearing. Dr. Dee, owner and Medical Director of Birch Island Veterinary Center in Jacksonville, Florida, has spent her career listening to those who can't speak—animals in pain, suffering in silence. But it's her personal connection through her husband's former spouse, who lives with MS, that led her to become an annual donor to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Her sponsorship of this episode isn't advertising. It's personal. Her contributions go directly to the MS Society—not this podcast—and her story is a reminder that compassion doesn't have to come from shared diagnosis. Sometimes, it's a choice. In this episode, we also explore the science of empathy through the lens of veterinary medicine, including Dr. Dee's reflections on the book Compassionomics, which examines how just 15 seconds of human connection can change clinical outcomes. To learn more—or to match Dr. Dee's generosity with a donation of your own—visit www.bike-ms.com and click the "Donate" button. 100% of all funds go directly to the National MS Society.

What if suffering isn't a punishment… but a lesson for those who see it? In this powerful episode of The Other Side of MS, Cori — a mother, advocate, and MS warrior — opens up about the grief, faith, anger, and invisible struggles that come with living two decades with multiple sclerosis. She shares how her perspective has evolved over the years, the lessons her children are learning by watching her fight, and the moments she's felt abandoned — by her body, by faith, and by those who just "don't get it." Cori doesn't sugarcoat the truth. She talks about the exhaustion of constantly having to explain herself, the vulnerability of visible disability, and the heartbreak of being seen only as a diagnosis. "Sometimes suffering isn't a punishment for the person who's suffering. Sometimes it's a lesson for those who see it." If you've ever felt unseen in your MS journey — or want to understand what it really feels like — this is the conversation we need to have. 💬 Support Cori's Walk MS Fundraising in Fort Wayne, Indiana: Click here to donate or learn more

What if the strongest thing about you… is the part no one sees? In this episode, we sit down with Zohra — a Korean and Algerian, first-generation American woman living with MS — to talk about the truth that doesn't fit in a brochure. This isn't a highlight reel. It's what it feels like to be praised for your strength while silently drowning in exhaustion. It's the fear that if you open up, they'll just call it complaining. It's what happens when your body starts forcing you to step down from leadership—and you have no say in it. Zohra has spent nearly two decades in education. She understands what empathy is supposed to look like—and what it feels like when it's withheld. From the night she met the MS community for the first time in a piano bar… to the moments she keeps spare clothes at work in case her body won't cooperate… Zohra doesn't hold back. This is the side of MS we don't talk about enough. The invisible weight. The slow losses. The kids who notice more than adults. The humor that saves us. If you've ever had to smile through something unspeakable—this episode will feel like a hand on your shoulder. Moved by Zohra's story? 💛 Donate to the National MS Society 📢 Share this Episode

Diagnosed with MS on her 10th wedding anniversary, Pam Grimes has spent the last three decades not just living with the disease—but showing up anyway. From raising three young kids while adapting to life in a wheelchair, to turning her entire neighborhood into a grassroots fundraising walk, Pam's story is one of quiet resilience, fierce love, and unwavering purpose. She doesn't call herself a hero. But after listening to this conversation, you just might. Pam also creates hand-embossed greeting cards—thoughtfully designed, dry embossed by hand, and bundled to raise funds for the National MS Society. 📬 Text Pam at 812-236-6233 to order 5 cards for a $25 donation. Every dollar supports MS research and services through the National MS Society. She's also hosting her own version of Walk MS on April 12th in her Indiana neighborhood—an inspiring local effort that brings friends, family, and neighbors together for a cause that's deeply personal. Want to support Pam's MS fundraising? Text her directly to learn how you can donate or participate in this powerful community event.

Becca's Unfiltered Journey with MS What happens when your body betrays you—but you still show up like nothing's wrong? In this unforgettable episode of The Other Side of MS, host Casey Murphy sits down with Becca, a Nashville nonprofit leader, yoga-lover, and corporate change maker who's lived the invisible chaos of MS for the past two years. But this isn't your average "inspiring story." Becca talks about the diagnosis she never saw coming, the moments that broke her, and the parts of MS no one wants to say out loud—including how it's reshaped her identity, her sex life, and her relationship with herself. She shares what it's like to run meetings while quietly negotiating with her bladder, why "you're so strong" can feel like a slap, and what she would say if MS were a person sitting in front of her. If you've ever wondered what resilience really looks like—or felt alone in your struggle—this episode will stay with you long after it ends. 🎙 Tap in. Listen close. You won't forget Becca's story. 🎁 Support Becca's Bike MS fundraiser: https://events.nationalmssociety.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.participant&participantID=620049

Beyond Diagnosis: The Unfiltered Journey of Amber A masterclass in storytelling and emotional depth, this episode of The Other Side of MS featuring Amber is a raw, unfiltered look at the realities of living with multiple sclerosis. Host Casey Murphy expertly guides the conversation, creating an environment where Amber shares her truth in a way that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The episode doesn't just scratch the surface—it dives into the emotional complexities of **motherhood, resilience, and the unseen battles of MS**. Amber's honesty, paired with Casey's ability to ask the tough, thought-provoking questions, makes for an unforgettable conversation. This discussion is as powerful as it is necessary, challenging the listener to rethink their understanding of chronic illness and the human spirit. What sets this episode apart is its balance—there's vulnerability, but also strength; hardship, but also hope. And just when you think you know where the conversation is going, it takes a turn that forces both Amber and the audience to reflect on the deeper layers of **what it means to adapt, to fight, and to redefine true strength.** This isn't just another MS story—this is a conversation that will stay with you long after the episode ends. A must-listen for anyone who wants to understand MS beyond the diagnosis, beyond the medical jargon, and straight into the heart of what it means to live with it. 🔗 Learn More & Support Amber: 🌍 Amber's Mission: We Are Illmatic Amber is a major supporter of We Are Illmatic, a movement dedicated to empowering those living with MS through awareness, advocacy, and community support. Focused on breaking stigmas and amplifying diverse voices in the MS space, We Are Illmatic serves as a powerful platform for education and inspiration. 📸 Follow Amber: Instagram: @weareillmatic 💰 Support Amber's MS Fundraising: 👉 Donate to Team Illmatic 👉 Donate to Amber's Personal Fundraiser