70 Years Living with MS

Peter, at 97 years young, has been navigating life with multiple sclerosis (MS) for over seven decades. In a time when treatment options were scarce, Peter managed his symptoms on his own. It not only defined his experience, but also served as a pillar of strength and adaptability for his loving family. 

From those early days to now, Peter and his family have experienced first-hand how our understanding of MS has evolved over the years. We had the opportunity to speak with Peter and his sons about his enduring journey, sharing their reflections on a life shaped by the ups and downs of MS.  

“I remember running with the other kids and someone saying, ‘you’re not running, you’re walking!’ It was a sarcastic way of calling me slow, but... I knew something was physically wrong,” Peter recalls. 

In his early 20s, Peter finally had a name for the condition causing his symptoms: multiple sclerosis. He found that his mobility was significantly impacted by his MS and was ready to make some changes. 
 
In 1950, the landscape surrounding MS was very different. The organization now known as MS Canada was only two years old, and MS research was in its infancy. While a diagnosis like MS left people with more questions than answers, Peter was determined to leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of a rich and fulfilling life. 

“I knew I had a problem, so I was ready to work with anyone that could help me. I was a single young punk living with my mother, and she had to make sure the milkman brought skim milk!” 

Working with a healthcare team that included doctors and a dietician, Peter adopted a diet-based approach to managing his symptoms, one that has worked for him in the decades since. He removed saturated fats, high-fat dairy, and red meat from his diet. He also tried many movement-based approaches, including yoga—well before the days of trendy workout attire and hot yoga classes! He described this as a game-changer in his quality of life.  

Peter's journey managing MS not only shaped his own dietary choices, but also left a lasting imprint on the lives of his children. Andrew, one of Peter's sons, recalls: 
 
 

“An important lesson we learned was how healthy eating can really help contribute to a better health outcome. I used to think oh, here goes my dad again about the cooking oil. It's funny because now, my wife and I try to use healthier oils. He’s been an inspiration to his kids too as far as how we eat. Generally, we eat a bit healthier. You could say we’re a chip off the old block!” 

As Peter’s gotten older, he’s also shown his sons that a bit of indulgence can be part of the recipe for a rich and fulfilling life, as Andrew shares: 

“A few years ago, my dad’s caregiver told us he had a hotdog and ice cream for lunch. My jaw dropped because for my entire life, my dad followed his diet rigidly and diligently. So I called him and said, ‘Dad, I heard what you had for lunch.’ And I can just hear his voice. He was almost sheepish and maybe a little embarrassed. He said, ‘You know what? I started having that a little bit now.’ And I just thought it was really cute. I told him, ‘You know what, at 95 it's okay’!” 

As Andrew reflected on their family’s journey, he also stressed the importance of attitude: 

“We learned that attitude is important. Our father is a very humble person who truly appreciates what he has rather than what he doesn’t.” 

From singing in a quartet, to embracing a career on the go, Peter didn’t let MS stop him from pursuing his passions and building a life full of love and purpose. In the early stages of his diagnosis, he described himself as not being a good traveller, but in the years following, he defied his own expectations. Not only did he learn how to drive, he threw himself into a sales role where he spent a lot of time on the road. 

Peter summed it up with a laid-back, "I guess I forgot about what you’re not 'supposed' to do!" He says it’s a reminder to sometimes shrug off the 'supposed to's’ and live life on your own terms. Peter's positive vibes, mixed with a dash of gratitude and a sprinkle of rebellion, haven't just shaped his story. They've turned it into a roadmap for his family’s collective adventure.  

Over the years, there were some challenges, as Andrew recalls: "When we were younger, it felt more like a solo journey seeing the limitations our father had in simply getting in and out of stores or restaurants. At the time, there were few (if any) accessible places he could go without needing assistance."  

Their family story echoes the struggle of so many others navigating a world that’s not designed with accessibility in mind. But, in the face of these obstacles, they kept moving forward together.  

Peter’s son, Lorne, reflects, “My earliest memories are of us going to the park and for walks. At one point my dad started using a cane, but he was this tall handsome dude walking normally otherwise and then little by little he needed to use our shoulders for support.” 

In a world that’s always changing, Peter’s advice for others is timeless: “Go on living!” Stories like Peter’s highlight the power of resilience, family, and the moments that make up the path of life with MS. And as Andrew notes, “Although it can set limits, MS doesn’t always have to stop you from living a long and productive life.”