Highschool, Sports, and MS

“Getting diagnosed with MS at such a young age was the hardest blessing I’ve ever had. 

I was only 14 when I began losing feeling and mobility on the entire right side of my body. I didn’t understand what was happening to me. I couldn’t make a fist or remember how to hold a pencil. I was in grade 9 at the time; it was ostracizing, embarrassing, and confusing. Doctors brushed things off, saying it was likely growing pains, or I was probably using my phone too much.  

After six months of watching my body deteriorate and my fine motor skills vanishing, I told my father I needed to go to the hospital. I was fortunate to have an incredible doctor who, after witnessing my struggle to walk, immediately ordered a CT scan and MRI. The MRI led to a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) on June 2, 2021—a date forever etched in my memory, as it was the day after my 15th birthday. At 15, I didn’t know what MS was, and I never could have imagined it impacting my life the way it has.  

When I eventually returned to school, a friend told me our teacher had a talk with the class and told them about my diagnosis. Suddenly I went from being a random kid in the background to being the sick kid nobody knew how to interact with. There were kids who wanted to help and support me and other kids who didn’t believe me. There were also adults in my life (including teachers) who struggled to grasp that even with my MS diagnosis, I was still a normal kid. I guess that was the problem though—I wasn’t really a ‘normal’ kid anymore. I grew up fast, with doctors throwing what felt like a million treatment plans at me—all while I was still processing the fact that I was sick.  

Living with MS has affected relationships, friendships, my entire high school experience, and now university life. I’ve missed out on so many things because I was too sick or too tired (or paralyzed). Sometimes my treatments conflict with midterm schedules and I need to ask for accommodations. One of the most devastating things MS has taken from me is sports. I was on all the school teams before I started experiencing symptoms, but because of the unpredictability of my MS, I gave up team sports in 2022. 

When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t do much to improve my health, thinking it would just work itself out. But things changed in grade 12 when I started going to the gym with some friends. I quickly realized that staying active helped ease many of my symptoms, and that was a turning point for me. Since then, I’ve made my health a priority. I still deal with chronic migraines, tics, and permanent sensory loss on my right side, but I’ve learned how to manage. Sports are still a huge part of my life, but in a different way. As a basketball coach, I get to share my passion with others.  

Learning to live with MS has been a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving me feeling completely alone and wanting to meet others living with the disease. In 2023, I decided to join MS Bike as a fun way to meet others in the MS community, get involved, and raise funds for the cause. My first year participating in MS Bike introduced me to so many amazing people who really showed me that you can live with MS and still thrive. I wasn’t able to finish the ride my first year, but I was in better shape last year and crossing the finish line was a special moment. I don’t think I can put into words the raw emotions I felt. It’s something I’ll always remember.  

MS Bike been an amazing outlet for me to connect with others living with MS, and my role as an MS Ambassador has allowed me to provide support because I know how hard it is to be that scared child with no one to go to, feeling like no one understands you, and not knowing what’s going to happen to you while trying to keep it light for friends and family (even though internally you might be panicking inside). Knowing I can be a light source to those who may be struggling means the world to me.  

Living with MS has been a journey full of ups and downs. Initially, each new symptom felt overwhelming, but I've learned to embrace my MS rather than fight it. The energy spent trying to fix every problem or hide my symptoms was exhausting. Acceptance, though difficult, allowed me to find ways to live with the changes. Creating a support system is crucial, especially for children living with MS. I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my family and friends, who’ve made it possible for me to keep pushing forward and enjoy life, despite the challenges MS brings. 

Continuous funding for MS research and support programs is so important. Ongoing research helps us understand what causes MS and helps develop effective treatments, with the goal of ultimately finding a cure. Support programs are crucial for connection, resources, and so much more. 

I’m filled with gratitude for the strength I’ve found and the incredible support I’ve received. While it’s been challenging, it’s also been a journey of growth and resilience. Becoming part of the MS Bike community and serving as an ambassador has allowed me to connect with others who understand my experiences and give back to those who feel alone in their journey.  

Living with MS has shaped me, but it doesn’t define me. I choose to live fully, share my story, and help others find the courage to do the same. My goal is to create a space where no one feels isolated, especially children, and to ensure that we all have the support and community we need to thrive. Together, we can face the challenges of MS with hope and strength and continue to push forward toward a brighter future.” 

- Vinessa, diagnosed in 2021 

Join Vinessa in her fight against MS by registering for MS Bike here.