Cool People, Good Work: Can Do MS

Welcome to Cool People, Good Work! This is where we get to tell you about people who are doing awesome things out in the world.  They are working to make communities more beautiful, lives a little better, and the world generally a sweeter place to be.

Our first article is about Can Do MS, a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1984 by Olympic bronze medal Alpine skier Jimmie Heuga.  Jimmie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at the age of 26, and it was this diagnosis that cut short his skiing career. He was diagnosed at a time in medical history when exercise was advised against for anyone with MS, as it was thought to exacerbate fatigue, which is one of the primary symptoms of the disease.  Instead of resting per doctor’s order, Jimmie did what probably almost any career athlete of his level would do – he kept going and found that he both felt and functioned better when he was active.

A little background for you: MS is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks healthy cells and tissues in the central nervous system.  Specifically, damaging the myelin sheath, the protective coating surrounding nerve fibers.  Episodes of inflammation, known as relapses, can cause a wide array of new or worsening symptoms. This can be anything from dizziness, muscle spasms, issues with vision, extreme fatigue, brain fog, loss of balance, among a host of other possibilities.  These symptoms can appear and disappear unpredictably, making it difficult to diagnose a relapse.  

Can Do MS is an organization I am personally excited to highlight, as I was diagnosed with MS in December of 2018.  I was getting a precautionary MRI due to migraines, and when the doctor examined the results, there was “something on it that had a slight chance of maybe being MS.” From that point on, I was down the rabbit hole of MRI’s, lumbar puncture, and finding a neurologist to begin treatment.  Seven years later, and I am grateful for every healthy day that I have. 

Non profits like Can Do MS provide so much that simply seeing my neurologist (though I LOVE my neurologist!) can’t. As wonderful as my doctor is, he can only spend so much time with me, and he doesn’t have MS himself.  The programs and opportunities to meet other people who are living with MS as well are invaluable.  

Not surprisingly, given Jimmie’s spry attitude after his diagnosis, one of Can Do’s big initiatives is a large offering of exercise videos led by certified personal trainers. They are easily sorted by category with a focus on things that people with MS struggle with – fatigue (cardio), strength (daily life activities), stability (balance & coordination), and mobility (flexibility & range of motion). Can Do MS also provides free educational resources – webinars on a huge range of topics like nutrition, symptom management, disease progression, building a healthcare team, as well as options for caregivers.  Finally, they offer more comprehensive programs such as small group coaching and an in-depth 5-hour program called “Take Charge” – offering guidance and support to a targeted audience. The next Take Charge session in August will cover Women’s Health at every stage of life.

Can Do MS is truly doing good for those affected by MS, both for those living with the disease and their caregivers and families.  If you would like to support their mission they have several great ways you can help, including donation, as well as annual skiing and biking events. Their website is listed below.  Along with traditional donation options there is The Torch, a legacy donation option where families can include Can Do MS in their estate plans. I hope you’ll check them out.

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