Can Do Stories

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Would you like to inspire others to act on the belief they are more than their multiple sclerosis by sharing your can do story?
Please contact Monica Tall, Director of Marketing, at 800-367-3101 ext. 1270 / 970-926-1270 or by email.

Betsy and Don’s Story

Wife & Husband
CAN DO Program Participants & Volunteers

WE CAN see what is possible. (Share your can do promise on our website.)

Don has been living with MS for 20 years. He doesn’t let MS stop him from doing things. He and Betsy travel as much they can.

“I readjust expectations so I can enjoy life,” said Don. “I stay active so I’m not dwelling on my MS too much. It’s important to understand your MS and not let it defeat you.”

It took Don four years after Betsy suggested attending the CAN DO Program to commit to the CAN DO Program. Full Story

Jimmie Heuga’s Story 

Can Do MS Founder (1943 – 2010)
Pioneer in MS care management
Lived with MS for 44 years

I AM a visionary and pioneer. (Share your can do promise on our website.)

The following story was told by Jimmie Heuga before a Can Do MS staff holiday party December 2009.

When Jimmie was diagnosed with MS in the 1970s at age 26, his doctor asked, “Jimmie, how long have you been sick?”

“Well, as a matter of fact, I’m healthier than you,” said Jimmie.

Jimmie resented the fact his doctor viewed him as and called him “sick.” He resented it particularly because his doctor had a large beer belly hanging over his belt. In fact, many doctors shared that same view at the time of Jimmie’s diagnosis. Full Story

Randall T. Schapiro’s Story

MS, FAAN, Neurologist
Can Do MS Board Member
Can Do MS Programs Consultant for over 20 years
Founding member and first elected president of the Consortium of MS Centers

I CAN provide a new perspective. (Share your can do promise on our website.)

When Dr. Schapiro heard of Jimmie Heuga (Can Do MS’s founder), he never heard of him before. Dr. Schapiro didn’t ski. In fact, Dr. Schapiro didn’t like Jimmie at first.

“Suddenly this jock who won a bronze medal is an expert in MS,” said Dr. Schapiro. “And he’s telling people who have MS that if they exercise they can do better. I didn’t like him.”

Then Dr. Schapiro’s patient was invited to attend a CAN DO Program in Vail, CO.  Dr. Schapiro’s MS center was looking closely at how exercise impacts MS. So he decided to attend the program.

“They (the first program consultants) and Jimmie didn’t know anything. But they knew they didn’t know anything. And Jimmie knew he didn’t know anything.”

But they were doing something new and bringing a new perspective to the world of MS, and I was hooked, he said. Full Story

Shelli and Alice’s Story

Partners
CAN DO & JUMPSTART Program Participants/Volunteers

WE WILL live our best lives with MS. (Share your can do promise on our website.)

When Alice and Shelly went to the one-day JUMPSTART Program, Alice thought she wasn’t a candidate for the  five-day CAN DO Program.

“I had MS for three years before I went to a Can Do MS program,” said Alice, living with MS. “I didn’t have terrible symptoms. I was just tired. I questioned whether I needed to attend the CAN DO Program if I’m living a normal life.”

It wasn’t until Alice and Shelly received a scholarship to attend the CAN DO Program in 2008 where they realized Can Do MS’s programs are suited for anyone who wants to learn how to adjust their mindset and lifestyle to enjoy life with MS.

“You don’t have to be in a wheelchair or use a cane to be ready for a Can Do MS program,” said Alice. “Don’t wait until you can’t do something before you do something to change your life.” Full Story

Pat Kennedy’s Story

RN, CNP, MSCN
Can Do MS Nurse Educator
Can Do MS Programs Consultant for over 20 years
Former Can Do MS Board Member
President-elect of International Organization of MS Nurses

I AM advocating for people living with MS.

1) How long have you been involved in the MS care management field? 24 years

2) What has been your biggest motivation/inspiration for being so committed to people living with MS?
That I’m going to be part of their difficult journey, providing care options that are right for them. My passion for being a nurse and my connection to the MS nursing community. There’s so much to give and so much we can do. This makes nursing so rewarding. My passion for advocating for people with MS while also allowing them to advocate for themselves.

3) What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a nurse practitioner?
When I first became a nurse, there wasn’t much to offer people. There were no medications, no symptom management. I felt hopeless in the process.

In 1988 I was asked to give a talk on MS research. There wasn’t much to talk about. There’s so much more to talk about now. In 1993 the first MS drug came out. I felt the pulse of the MS community changing. This was exciting when it worked in people. The waiting room changed. Before drugs there were many people in walkers and wheelchairs. Now I see less people using walkers or wheelchairs. People are learning more, not being victims of MS. Full Story