When Melissa learned of her relapsing MS diagnosis, her career and her life were in full swing. She immediately became concerned about her future. But armed with an optimistic attitude and strengthened by her family and the MS community, she’s found passion, connection, and a treatment option that works for her: ZEPOSIA.
In 2010, Melissa was working towards her master’s degree in education while pursuing a career as a school administrator. Then one day, while coaching a swim meet, she noticed numbness in her feet.
She visited her primary care physician who thought it was important that she see a specialist, and referred her to a neurologist. Her magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed lesions, and her neurologist confirmed the diagnosis of MS.
Her MS diagnosis was a shock to her. She felt relief at discovering what was causing her symptoms, but she worried about her future, and if she would ever achieve her goal of becoming an elementary school principal.
Over the next 10 years, Melissa managed her MS with medication. Melissa heard about ZEPOSIA, a once-daily pill for relapsing MS, and brought it up to her healthcare provider. After reviewing all the options, her doctor felt like ZEPOSIA was a good choice for where Melissa was at with her MS.
Melissa has been taking ZEPOSIA for over year now, and she and her doctor are happy with the results. Her latest MRI showed no new active lesions. She hasn’t had any relapses—and her numbness is stable.*
Melissa continues to participate in MS bike rides—an activity she is passionate about as it allows her to give back by fundraising, but also connect to the MS community. For anyone who’s newly diagnosed, Melissa’s advice is to connect with the MS community. It helps to know other people who are going through this MS journey.
Take a moment to ask Melissa how she maintains her optimism and determination, and she’ll happily recite her favorite quote: “As you go through life, make this your goal, concentrate on the donut and not the hole.” With those words to live by, Melissa has accomplished her goal of becoming an elementary school principal.
Melissa is happy with how well ZEPOSIA has worked for her—
“Sometimes I actually have to think about the fact that I still have MS.”
*Individual results may vary.