Veteran with Multiple Sclerosis determined to make the best of his life

Here, a Marine Corps Veteran describes his journey with Multiple Sclerosis.

Persistence and determination have made me the man I am today. They keep me on track from the moment I wake to the moment I go to sleep. I see these attributes as omnipotent for success and change.

President Calvin Coolidge said, “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not. Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.” With a goal in mind, persistence and determination make that goal attainable.

I never planned to join the military until I met a Marine. Hearing him talk about serving his country, experiencing his confidence and feeling such reverence for a man I just met, I knew I wanted to be more like him. I joined the Marines in 2010 and was determined to become a better version of myself.

I was assigned to electronics, specifically the optics used in small weapons and small weapons systems. I absorbed and applied all the knowledge that was provided me. The challenges I encountered in the Marines helped me to expand beyond what I had thought were my limitations. Without a doubt I am better and wiser because of my experiences.

“My life was going to be different but it wasn’t over.”

I was diagnosed with MS after I left the Marines. I was in the reserve and attending college. When testing confirmed I had the disease, I was scared. As a young adult, I was still trying to figure my life out and getting a chronic disease was not in my life plan. I had thought I would go back into the Marines as an Officer but my diagnosis changed that plan.

As the gravity of everything settled on me, I felt my world close in. I struggled to believe I could do anything. I struggled to embrace change. But with support and persistence, I was able to focus on what was important to me and to believe in myself again. My life was going to be different, but it wasn’t over. It was my life and I was determined to make the best of it. 

I always knew that I was going to graduate from college and work somewhere that would allow me to utilize my passion for math. I love numbers and my MS did not change this goal for me. After four years of hard work and persistence, I received a degree in finance, specifically international business, and a minor in commercial banking.

I currently work as a financial analyst, a job I enjoy. I wake up every day with a beautiful wife, a wonderful home, and I know my determination and persistence were essential to getting me here.

I’ve always enjoyed running, and following my diagnosis of MS I’ve been able to continue running. In 2018, I participated in the annual Marine Corps Marathon, which was an incredible honor. My VA providers wanted me to complete the 26.2-mile marathon with a handcycle ,which would be easier for my joints and body in the heat.

“Race a reminder I can do anything with enough determination.”

Using a handcycle was a new experience and, unfortunately, the handcycle chain broke as I whizzed down a hill. I wasn’t even a mile into the race. I was sitting on the side of the road wondering what to do. People were cheering me on and runners were passing me by. All of a sudden, Kyle Carpenter, the youngest Medal of Honor recipient, ran past me. He looked at me and said, “Come on, Wheels.”

Those words, from a man who had sacrificed so much for his country, brought everything back into perspective for me, and I knew in that moment that I would finish this race. My teammates encouraged me to just try again next year, but I was determined to finish.

I left that handcycle with my teammates on the side of the road and I took off running. While I had many moments where I wanted to quit, my body exhausted, I persevered and finished that race.

I look back on that day, how physically and mentally difficult it was to keep going, and it’s a reminder to me that I can do anything with enough determination. Things can be harder with MS, but challenges help us grow and achieve things we never thought were possible.

Thankful for care at Miami VA

I wanted to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for the outstanding care I’m receiving at Miami VA. The level of dedication and support from the staff and my providers has truly exceeded my expectations. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing numerous meaningful and uplifting interactions with the spinal cord team. Their genuine concern for my well-being, along with their expertise, has made a significant impact on my overall health and outlook.

As a Veteran, I find solace in knowing that VA is committed to providing exceptional care to myself and to those who have served our nation. The compassion and professionalism demonstrated by the staff and providers have not only improved my physical health but also my emotional well-being.

Your dedication and unwavering commitment have made a positive difference in my life, and I am truly thankful for the exceptional support I’ve received.