At the age of 23, when life’s script is supposed to be about exploration, adventure, and the dawn of adulthood, Bike the US for MS alumni, Lina Garada, faced an unexpected twist in her story – a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This MS diagnosis story traces Lina’s courageous journey from the first signs of MS to her advocacy and participation in the cycling community, highlighting the resilience and hope that define her path.
Lina’s Early Life and Path to MS Diagnosis
Embracing the Unexpected: From Migraines to MS Diagnosis
Lina’s path to an MS diagnosis was as unexpected as it was challenging. A series of migraines, initially dismissed as minor nuisances during her triathlon swimming training, became the catalyst for a series of medical investigations. The journey from experiencing migraines to undergoing MRI scans revealed lesions consistent with multiple sclerosis—a reality far removed from anything Lina had anticipated. The complexity of understanding her diagnosis, coupled with the daunting process of navigating healthcare and insurance, painted the initial picture of a journey fraught with uncertainty.
The Challenges of Early MS Diagnosis
Confronting a New Reality: Adjusting to Life with MS
The revelation of having MS at such a young age forced Lina to recalibrate her life’s expectations and ambitions. As is the case for many MS diagnosis stories, feelings of frustration, fear and denial crept in, largely stemming from a lack of knowledge about the disease. ‘How could I possibly be feeling fine and riding 15 miles, yet run the risk of losing feeling in my legs and collapsing at any moment?’
Overcoming Fears: From Wheelchairs to Bike Rides
Lina’s initial reaction to her diagnosis—a fear of inevitable disability and a life confined to a wheelchair—reflects a common apprehension among those newly diagnosed with MS. However, her journey from those early fears to cycling two large segments of the TransAmerica route and then the full Pacific Coast bike route from Seattle to San Diego with Bike the US for MS in 2019 is nothing short of inspirational. This achievement not only challenged her physical limits, but also reshaped her perspective on what is possible with MS.
Navigating Life’s Hurdles: Treatment Costs and Workplace Dynamics
The Reality of Treatment: Navigating Healthcare and Insurance
As life with MS progressed, as did the treatment bill. Soaring upwards of $180,000 per year, Lina’s experience underscores the financial and logistical challenges of living with MS. The constant battle with insurance companies and the stress of ensuring new employment opportunities offer coverage for her essential medication highlight a reality many with MS face—underscoring the importance of healthcare access and financial support in managing the condition.
The Challenges of a chronic illness and employment
From navigating fatigue and neuro challenges to managing the unpredictability of symptoms, disclosing your MS to an employer can be daunting at best. Lina’s approach to date has focused on opening a dialogue about her condition, being honest with all and adding a touch of humor. As she puts it, any employer that has an issue with her living with MS is not an employer she wants to work for!
One of Lina’s most telling anecdotes involves a simple act of passing a document to her new boss, which became a moment of vulnerability and connection. Her hands, shaking visibly from her MS, led to a moment of confusion for her boss. Lina’s ability to address the situation with humor and grace showcased her approach to living with MS and put her colleagues at ease.
Building Bridges: The Transformative Power of Community and Connection
Supportive Friends and New Beginnings
Central to Lina’s MS journey is the irreplaceable value of a supportive community. Her friends, understanding and accommodating of the unpredictability that MS brings into her life, exemplify the kind of support that makes all the difference. Whether it’s understanding the need for extra time with getting ready, unintentionally storing forgotten items of theirs, or gracefully laughing off an MS symptom, Lina’s circle of friends are the peace of mind she needs to help transform her frustrations into ordinary moments.
Connecting with MS Champions: The Impact of Don Fraser and the MS Community
Meeting Don Fraser, the founder of Bike the US for MS, was a pivotal moment in Lina’s journey. Through this connection, she was introduced to others living with MS, including a remarkable individual who competed in the Race Across America (RAAM). These encounters not only expanded her support network, but also illuminated the vast possibilities of life beyond an MS diagnosis.
Cycling with MS: A New Bike the US for MS Chapter
Despite MS, Lina’s passion for cycling remains undimmed. Adapting to heat and adjusting her pace has allowed her to continue riding, embracing cycling not just as a sport, but as a vital part of her identity and a way to challenge MS on her terms. Since joining the Bike the US for MS family as a supporter in 2017 and 2018 then as a cyclist on the 2019 TransAmerica and Pacific Coast bike routes, she has become a strong advocate for the organization.
She joined the board of directors to support Bike the US for MS’s goal of supporting those living with MS. Lina has since returned to ride in 2023 on the Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour and we hope she will be out riding with us for many years to come!
The Nina Fraser Scholarship Fund: Encouraging Adventure in the MS Community
Lina’s MS story is interwoven with the Nina Fraser Scholarship Fund as a recipient of support in 2019. A Bike the US for MS initiative to allow individuals living with MS to pursue adventures that once seemed impossible. It’s aimed at fostering a sense of financial stability leading to greater achievement and empowerment. The fund was set up in memory of Don Fraser’s mother, Nina, who is the inspiration for Bike the US for MS.
A Life Full and Fulfilling
Lina Garada’s story is a powerful narrative for anyone navigating the early days of an MS diagnosis. Through her challenges and triumphs, Lina exemplifies that a diagnosis does not define one’s life. Her adventures, from the trials of understanding her condition to the triumph of cycling down the West Coast, underscore a vital message: life with MS can be full, rewarding, and replete with adventures yet to be had.
Lina’s journey reminds us of the importance of community, the power of resilience, and the endless capacity for reinvention. For those recently diagnosed with MS, Lina’s story is not just a tale of overcoming, but a roadmap for navigating life with grace, strength, and an unyielding spirit of adventure.
