Erika Higgins' Story

What were the steps leading up to your diagnosis?

I do not suffer from MS physically – I am on the other side of this journey. My partner has lived with this illness for 14 years.

God gives his toughest battles to only his strongest soldiers.

What lifestyle changes have you needed to make?

I have adapted to the physical and emotional challenges of multiple sclerosis; taking all measures to support and care for my husband, keeping up to date with research, spreading awareness and support to others through my Facebook page, cooking foods to benefit Dave's condition rather than discourage it, understanding and accepting MS for what it is rather than what it could be.

The biggest lifestyle change I've made has been having a more positive outlook on life and choosing to appreciate what I have. The best thing I ever could have done.

Who has been there for you? How?

Dave and I are here for one another, and we both understand that this is a journey we are on together. At times my emotions run wild and I get scared and he's there for me. When he is in pain and feels like giving up, I'm there to bring him back to reality and to keep him strong; I'm his crutches when times are tough. We're in this together.

What accomplishment are you proud of?

Together Dave and I have raised over $3000 for the MS Society of Canada in just three years. I also began a Facebook page called FIGHT for Dave, where I spread awareness, lend support, push positivity and share research updates to those suffering from the effects of MS. We are up to 400+ followers.

What's your advice to someone else living with Multiple Sclerosis?

Stay as positive and as motivated as you can. Get out and enjoy your life and never ever give up. God gives his toughest battles to only his strongest soldiers.

At times my emotions run wild and I get scared.

Is there anything else we should know?

We participate in the annual MS walk each year and I have made orange awareness bracelets (with quotes) that we continue to sell year round. We also collect pledges year round and all proceeds are handed in to the MS Society of Canada on the day of our walk.

About

Erika Higgins

I am a stay-at-home mom from Southwestern Ontario. My greatest passions in life are my two-year-old son, Bentley, and my loving partner, Dave. They make my world go ‘round. Without Dave I never would have embarked on the journey I am on. I never would have aspired to advocate for those under the influence of multiple sclerosis. He has inspired my need to support others that stand in his place. He has made me a better person. He has given me a sense of self pride. To hear others, strangers, tell me to keep on doing what I do and that I am inspiring means the world to me – it means I am making a difference.

Up until four years ago I had never heard of this illness, and now I'm full of knowledge on the subject, and I have been given the opportunity to share my knowledge with others. I've learned that awareness is key to the cure. The more people know and understand MS, the more likely they are to lend a hand in donating to MS research. If anything good has come from Dave's heartbreaking diagnosis, I guess you could say the cause gained another supporter. Hopefully generations after us will have a chance at a life free of multiple sclerosis.

Andre Broadus

"Now I am looking to embark on the next phase of my journey. It is no longer about me... Now I want to help and inspire as many people as I can!"

Read Andre's Story

Larissa Hernandez

"Its been a tough time coping with my multiple sclerosis diagnosis."

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Ray Charpentier

"You need three things: a positive mindset, [eating] a healthy diet, and daily exercise. After you figure out these three things specific to you, you need to f..."

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