Hi ny name is Emily, today, I am a wheelchair user, and while that reality comes with its own challenges, it doesn’t define the fullness of my life. I’m married to my incredibly supportive partner of 17 years, and we’re raising our energetic 4-year-old daughter, who brings so much joy and perspective. There has been fear at every stage of this journey—but also resilience, growth, and a determination to keep living fully, no matter what.
My journey with Multiple Sclerosis hasn’t followed a straightforward path. In the early stages, at 12 when I first noticed symptoms like drop foot, tingling, and numbness, I wasn’t believed. Instead of answers, I was referred to psychologists and psychiatrists, which was frustrating and isolating when I knew something physical was wrong. It wasn’t until my first year of university—when I suddenly lost my sight at 17—that things escalated and I finally received a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, it wzs actually the opthalmologist that recomended to my GP a neurologist as he suspected MS.
What followed were years of unpredictable and often severe relapses. I lost the ability to speak, walk, and feel parts of my body at different times. Interferon treatments didn’t work for me, and the cycle of relapse and recovery became exhausting and frightening. Eventually, immunosuppressant therapies were introduced, and thankfully my MS responded. The constant relapses eased, bringing a level of stability I hadn’t experienced before.