Dathan Trevino South Texas- The South Texas Multiple Sclerosis Council was created to advocate and raise donations for those affected in the Valley.
“Having MS has you know, once I found out that I had it. It kind of gave me an answer, and now, you know, I have to kind of navigate my life differently. You know, with a lot more doctors’ appointments, and just making sure that my body, you know, is able to rest,” said council member Shelby Wilde.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, in MS, the immune system cells that normally protect from viruses, bacteria and unhealthy cells mistakenly attack the protective sheath of the nerve fibers.
Founded in 2015, the South Texas Multiple Sclerosis Council started its mission of spreading awareness across the Valley.
Lucia Rivera, president, founded the council after her daughter was diagnosed in October 2015, aiming to help people get diagnosed early.
“Even with the diagnoses a lot of people, like including here in the Valley, have no idea what Multiple Sclerosis is. I didn’t know what it was until my daughter got diagnosed with it,” said Rivera.
The nonprofit is composed of multiple members diagnosed with MS— each member has their own story of discovery.
Early symptoms for MS include vision problems, muscle weakness, clumsiness, bladder issues and numbness or pain in the legs, arms or face.
There is no cure for MS, but treatments are available to reduce severity.
Shelby Wilde, member of the south Texas multiple sclerosis Council spoke on how the council has affected her life after diagnosis.
“Being able to have those resources and the people there. You know I’m always texting with the president, and other members, and you know, it just makes me feel like I have a place,” said Wilde.
Every year for multiple sclerosis awareness month, the council hosts a 5K run. This year its ninth annual event will take place March 30.
