Sallie’s Story: Living Well with MS
Sallie has been living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) longer than she has been living without it.
Sallie received her formal diagnosis when she was a 20-year-old Sophomore pursuing her BA in Psychology at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Intermittent, disconcerting symptoms such as double-vision, numbness in her feet, and frequent falling prompted her to visit the campus clinic where an MRI confirmed the disorder. Sallie’s mother, who served on the MS Society at the time, was in disbelief that the diagnosis never crossed her mind given her daughter’s symptoms. Sallie, on the other hand, was elated and felt a sense of relief to finally have an answer for her seemingly inexplicable condition.
Despite the life-changing medical news, Sallie continued to work towards her degree. Every month, she commuted to Baltimore and from North Carolina to participate in a clinical study for people with MS. The trial’s steroids cleared up her symptoms for a while and she was able to go back to school for a separate degree in the Computer Science Program where she discovered her love of math. Sallie became a programmer for a bank in North Carolina, married, and then she had her daughter, Maddie. Toddlerhood was challenging as Sallie’s mobility began to decline, but her move back to Maryland to live with her mother and father was a healthy decision for the entire family.
Sallie’s return to Baltimore meant that she had the support of her parents, sisters, and core group of high school girlfriends. She worked remotely as the bank’s programmer for about 6 years until she was laid off. Navigating health benefits without employment was a new obstacle for Sallie at the same time she was transitioning from Relapsing Remitting MS to Secondary Progressive MS. At the encouragement of her mother, Sallie applied for disability benefits and was approved. Sallie entered another clinical trial and began receiving spinal injections. The injections resulted in spasticity that made it impossible for her to walk, so Sallie was custom-fitted for an electric wheelchair. To improve her dexterity and maintain her self-sufficiency, Sallie began going to occupational therapy where her therapist recommended the MS Day Program at The League.
Sallie had a wonderful support system at home with her friends and family, so she didn’t know why she would like an MS support group. She hesitated in joining the program because she didn’t know what other people with MS did or talked about when they got together. But in the Summer of 2025, something convinced Sallie to attend the Open House and from there, she became a regular member.
“I could kick myself for not going sooner.”
After living with MS for nearly four decades, Sallie is living well through support, dignity, and purpose. The ability to get around remains important to Sallie, because spending time with her friends and getting out of the house has always brought her joy. Living so close to the Northern Central Railroad Trail allows her to connect with people from all over the surrounding county and appreciate nature. And coming to The League’s MS Day Program allows her to experience fulfillment via community and self-discovery.
“The staff and interns are fun and friendly and make it easy to try new things.”
Living with MS looks differently for everyone. At times, it can feel like a lot of uncertainty and overwhelming loss. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20-40 years old.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms that Sallie did, even if they come and go, consult with your healthcare provider and know that there is a community at The League to offer support, camaraderie, and growth.
Sallie pictured with her daughter (L) and mother (R).