Sarah’s Story
Sarah tells her story of navigating life with multiple sclerosis, finding the right care, and discovering unexpected strength through hockey.
After over a decade of unanswered questions and doctors who wouldn’t listen, an MRI revealed what I had long suspected. I had Multiple Sclerosis.
I was given options. I could wait it out and see if I had another flare or if new lesions showed up on next year’s MRI. I could take a conservative approach with low-risk medications. Or I could hit it hard—treat it aggressively with top-tier meds.
My neurologist left the decision up to me and said, “It all depends on what level of disability you’re comfortable risking.”
For me, the answer was simple: none.
I’d already spent years in limbo—uncertain, afraid, unheard. Now that I had answers, I was ready to fight. And if I was going into battle, I wanted the best team behind me.
That’s how I found The Elliot Lewis Center. I’d heard incredible things from others in the New England MS community, and after checking out their website, I knew it was where I wanted to be. After my first appointment with Dr. Andrew Bouley, I felt confident that I had made the right choice. I wasn’t just another case—I was a person with a plan. Being part of The Elliot Lewis Center, reading the stories of other patients, and knowing I had a team genuinely in my corner lit a fire in me. I was already ready to fight—but now, I felt even more determined, more hopeful, and more inspired to fight harder.
One of the first things I was told when I got my multiple sclerosis diagnosis was that I needed to keep moving. Exercise isn’t optional—it’s medicine. Movement helps with balance, strength, coordination, and fatigue. Stretching eases spasticity. Cardio actually helps prevent brain atrophy.
It all made sense. But the problem? I hate traditional workouts.
I’m not a runner. Zumba and group fitness classes are not for me. I’ve tried the gym—signed up, paid for memberships, and told myself I’d stick with it. But I always found it boring. But I do love sports, and one sport I’ve always wanted to play is hockey..
So when I learned about the Providence Lady Capitals Women’s Hockey program, something clicked. It felt like a now-or-never moment. Multiple Sclerosis is unpredictable. I didn’t want to keep pushing it off—saying “maybe next season” or “maybe when life settles down.” Because with MS, later isn’t guaranteed.
I needed to do this for myself, and I needed to do it now. I committed. I bought all the gear. I told everyone I was doing it, eliminating any chance of backing out. And I showed up.
It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. My body doesn’t always cooperate. My diaphragm puts up a fight. My balance is shaky. Muscle spasms kick in and trigger full-body chain reactions. After practice, I’m completely wiped, and it can take days to recover. I’m slow and I often don’t know what I’m doing. But I’m still doing it.
I’m a 43-year-old mom with Multiple Sclerosis, and I’m playing hockey.
Lacing up my skates felt like the biggest middle finger I could give to this disease.
Every single practice is a personal victory. I’m so grateful to our incredible coaches and my teammates for creating such a supportive and welcoming environment. I’m thankful for my family, who told me without hesitation: “Do it.” And who continue to encourage me to pursue my dreams.
Most of all, I’m proud of myself for showing up, for stepping way outside my comfort zone, for choosing joy in the face of fear, and not giving up the fight.
Because fighting MS isn’t just about meds or MRIs—it’s about showing up, moving forward, and doing the things that bring me joy for as long as I can.
