Richard Beecroft A traumatic shock at the age of eighteen led Richard to the first devastating symptoms of MS..For the next five years: his body betrayed him with jolts of electricity running up and down his spine; or he would begin to see double; or his balance and co-ordination on ocassion would run amuck; or worst of all when he became overheated a creeping paralysis would temporarily overtake him. He saw doctors who said it was all in his head, or that he had low blood sugar, or told him they wanted to study his condition over the next few years. Finally in 1976 he was referred to a specialist who told him that he had primary progressive MS, with the uncertain prognosis that " it would get worse over time".He told his family. To understand his condition they went to see the same specialist and were told straight out that: “MS is a horrible disease”, and that “Richard will probably be in a wheelchair in five years”! After this earth shattering chain of events Richard realized two things: Presently Western Medicine did not offer either a cure, or an effective treatment for MS; and it was up to him to come up with a way to combat the MS, so he started researching the Self-help market. First he became a vegetarian; then he learnt Transcendental Meditation; and finally he began to practice Hatha Yoga. To this day this is what Richard describes as, “The Big Three ways to heal yourself”! It took four years following a healthy lifestyle and the, “Big Three”, to reverse the “primary progressive MS” to more of a “benign MS”. He was began to feel fabulous. To put expression to his new found health and happiness, he decided that in 1981 he would undertake a 8,000 km cycle across Canada for the “International Year of Disabled Persons” - promoting the abilities of the disabled. {He used a custom made tricycle to compensate for a poor sense of balance). The tour was so successful that he decided to really make a statement for those with a disability and those with MS, and he began to plan a cycle around the world. For two years he researched, planned and trained, until in 1983 he launched the MS World Tour. From September 1983 until August 1986 he tricycled 40,000 km across 16 countries around the world on behalf of MS. After the World Tour he decided to follow up on some encouraging things he had learnt on the World Tour.So, for the next ten years he began to study Homeopathy, Ayur Vedic Medicine, and other ways to help people cure or effectively manage MS. He also travelled back to Europe, and India to do further research. In 1997 he started the Beyond MS Association of Canada and has travelled across Canada promoting Beyond MS; cycled in over twenty MS Bike tours throughout North America; given dozens of lectures and seminars throughout Canada. Today Richard continues with the fight against MS through lectures, seminars, and the internet. www.beyondms.ca 

Richard Beecroft  |  

 Rosemary Fletcher At 30 years of age Rosemary was a very active young woman. This included running marathons, until mysteriously she began stumbling and falling. Soon after that she started having difficulty speaking. After going to dozens of doctors and healers over the next few years she was put on some very heavy drugs. She eventually ended up in a wheelchair and unable to speak. At one time she was even admitted to a psychiatric hospital because her doctors thought her symptoms were all in her head! Eventually she was diagnosed with MS and told that she'd never walk or talk properly again. She spent the next 11 years in a wheelchair, gained almost 200 pounds and was in constant pain with severe arthritis. However, there reached a point where she decided she'd had enough, and started her own program to improve her health. She began by drinking a lot of water and slowly weaned herself off the medications she was taking. Her condition improved, so she went one step further and changed her diet. She stopped eating meat and felt even better. Then she became a vegan and gradually switched to a raw food diet. She lost all the extra weight and began to walk again. She now weighs 130 lbs and has been on this diet for 20 years and feels absolutely terrific. Rosemary believes, and has adopted, what she refers to as God's 8 laws of healing: drink lots of water get plenty of rest get some exercise every day eat proper nutrition have lots of fresh air enjoy some sunshine whenever possible be sure to have regular bowel elimination, and above all: Trust yourself and listen to yourself (“we are supreme beings and we can do it ourselves”) Her diet currently consists of mainly veggies, fruit, nuts, and seeds, with a few grains in the form of green smoothies. She also eats salads, veggie burgers and pasta. She eats often throughout the day, with her big meal at noon, but nothing after the sun has gone down. She also cleanses her body with enemas, and fasts one day a week, at that time drinking only water. website: youhealyou.net 

Rosemary Fletcher

 Kim Hoffman It all started when I was 21 years old. I had just gotten home from working the closing shift. I was having a snack and watching TV, when suddenly an electrical wave washed over me – from my neck to my feet, for lack of a better word, I went numb. I remember thinking, “this can’t be good.”. The feeling did not go away so, off to the doctor I went. He examined me for about 20 minutes, asked me a few questions, and declared that the problem was all in my head. Seriously. Left to figure it out myself, I had another epiphany – issues with the nerves cause numbness, I must have pinched nerves! Off to the chiropractor I went. I had six pinched nerves and after a month of numerous adjustments, I was back to normal. Over the next several years, “pinched nerves” would plague me as well as several new symptoms that seemed relatable at the time. Each time I would return to my chiropractor for a month of treatment, followed by a month of personal rehab to get my strength, endurance and muscle flexibility back. Fast forward six years and my reprieves came less frequent, my symptoms were getting progressively worse, and eventually I was having “attacks” multiple times a year. I was on a steady downward decline. Everything stayed isolated to my right side, I was experiencing greater numbness, my muscles grew weaker and my balance and stamina were failing me. I was having memory, hearing, sight, and speech issues. “Pinched nerves” were slowly consuming my life. I kept pushing through it until 2009 when I experienced two attacks back to back, which turned out to be the worst attacks of my life. You name it, I had it: muscle spasticity, foot drop, and numbness. I could barely move the right side of my body, half of my face didn’t move, I couldn’t get a sentence out clearly, I was running into things because I had no balance, and walking any short distance was exhausting. Eight days and two hospitals later, I knew pinched nerves weren’t my only problem. I had Multiple Sclerosis. I didn’t know what the disease was, but I didn’t think I wanted it. I felt my life was over before it even started. I was afraid of losing my independence. To make matters worse, I was told I would never recover, and would probably be in a wheelchair, bedridden, or dead in 10 years. I was angry – I declared war on my MS! The day I was finally released from the hospital, I started researching. I immediately found Dr. Roy Swank and the Multiple Sclerosis Diet Book. It took me two days to read his book cover to cover. Dr. Swank believed that saturated fat fed MS; so I immediately purged my kitchen of any offending food. As far as I was concerned, saturated fat was killing me and it therefore became the enemy. I started the Swank Diet immediately and never wavered. But, I didn’t stop there…I kept researching. I wanted the latest and greatest information on MS…and that led me to Dr. John McDougall a protégé of Dr. Swank. After studying McDougall’s information, I quickly converted to a starch-based diet, free of all animal products. In the meantime, I landed at the Cleveland Clinic’s Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis, a state-of-the-art facility and one of the largest, most comprehensive programs for MS care and research worldwide. When I asked about Dr. Swank and diet, both were immediately dismissed as nonsense. All I was offered was a list of MS drugs to choose from. While in the past it had only taken me one month to recover from an attack, it took me six months to recover from the attack that lead to my diagnosis. In the meantime, out of fear, I had also started Copaxone, an autoimmune suppressant drug for MS. I stuck it out for three years until I decided that I wanted off the drug. I decided that I had to talk to McDougall face to face, look him in the eye, and see if he was full of…well you know. I attended McDougall’s 10-Day Live-in Program and asked McDougall to explain to me step-by-step, in layman’s terms, how MS worked and what was going on in my body – something I had been unable to uncover in all my research. When he was done, the answer was clear – it was the food. I stopped taking Copaxone that day and have never looked back. Star McDougaller Kim Hoffman six years later is still in remission and drug-free, I have no doubt that it’s McDougall’s starch-based diet that stopped the MS in its tracks. 

Kim Hoffman

 Sandra Lee When it comes to multiple sclerosis, one size doesn’t fit all. That’s the message Sarnia woman Sandra Lee said she is bringing to a series of six workshops about her journey with the degenerative neurological disease. “There’s no magic pill. Everybody’s histories are different; your traumas are different,” said Lee, 44, who spent time in a wheelchair five years ago when numbness spread through her right arm and legs. There are many treatments but no known cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), which manifests as disparate symptoms when the body’s own immune system turns against itself, attacking the protective myelin coating around nerve cells. Lee has managed to get her mobility back with the aid of medication, but recently had to go off of it due to side effects, she said. What’s really worked for managing her symptoms, she said, are significant diet changes, better sleep management, and learning to be more mindful and relaxed. Her workshops, starting in November and continuing until next May, are about sharing her experiences, she said, noting they’re for people with any kind of autoimmune disease, or for people who want to improve their overall health. “It’s not going to be anything ‘you should do,’” she said. “It’s more presenting that there’s information out there and it’s not a one-size fits all.” (Multiple sclerosis is most prevalent in Canada, where about 100,000 people live with the disease.) Lee’s is the relapsing-remitting version, where exacerbations are followed by periods of recovery. She sees the diagnosis glass-half-full, she said, as it’s forced her to make changes in her life. “I started to think instead of MS happening to me at this point, it’s happened for me,” she said. Sharing her experiences is about trying to help others, she said. Her talks, presented by the MS Society of Canada, are similar to the idea behind support groups, said Wendi Anderson, coordinator of community outreach with the society’s South West Ontario chapter. “It’s a chance for people living with MS to share with one another – to share their strengths and their skills and their hope, and be able to thrive and flourish,” she said. “MS is very personal. It’s very different for every person,” she said, and getting new perspective can be good. That doesn’t mean going against your doctor, she said. “We definitely want people to do what their doctors say,” she said, adding, “We also believe ‘Don’t change anything until you talk to your doctor.’” 

Sandra Lee: Sarnia MS Society

 Eric Small Born in Avalon, Catalina Island, Eric Small was diagnosed with MS at 22 and was told that he wouldn't live past 40... soon after became a serious student of Iyengar Yoga, which helped him get out of his wheelchair, and with the effects of his illness. He has been teaching Yoga since the mid-1960's. Through his Stress Control Systems Trust, centered at the Beverly Hills Iyengar Hatha Yoga Studio, Eric Small creates programs specifically for clients diagnosed with MS and other neurological conditions. The programs enhance Students' ability to carry on with their lives. A video of his MS program was produced in 1999, in cooperation with the Northern and Southern Chapters of the MS Society in California. Programs are under the guidance of B.K.S. Iyengar of Poona, India and are based on his teachings and philosophy. With the support of the Southern California Chapter of the MS Society the Eric Small Adaptive Yoga Program has, for the past five years, served hundreds of clients at 13 different sites and is part of the regular program offered at the Marilyn Hilton Achievement Center for the Southern California Chap MS Society, at UCLA. His work was recognized in 1999 with the Hope For MS Award and in 2001 by his induction into the National MS Society Volunteer Hall of Fame. He was the 2002 Dorothy Corwin Spirit of Life Award recipient for Outstanding Volunteer Service to MS patients, presented at the MS Dinner of Champions on September 17, 2002. 

Eric Small

 Terry Wahls, M.D. Dr. Wahls was diagnosed with relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis in 2000 and by 2003 she had transitioned to secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis and soon became dependent upon a tilt-recline wheelchair. After developing and using the Wahls Protocol™, she is now able to walk through her hospital and commute to work by bicycle. She now uses intensive directed nutrition in her primary care and traumatic brain injury clinics. Dr. Wahls is the lead scientist in a clinical trial testing her protocol in others with progressive MS. She is a clinical professor at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa, U.S.A., where she teaches and does clinical research. “I underwent chemotherapy in an attempt to slow the disease and began using a tilt-recline wheelchair because of weakness in my back muscles. It was clear: eventually I would become bedridden by my disease. I wanted to forestall that fate as long as possible,” she says. Hoping to find something to arrest her descent into becoming bedridden, she began to delve into the latest Multiple Sclerosis research. Unfortunately, most of the studies were testing drugs that were years away from FDA approval. Then it occurred to her to search for vitamins and supplements that helped any kind of progressive brain disorder. Slowly she created a list of nutrients important to brain health and began taking them as supplements. The steepness of her decline slowed, but she was still declining. In the fall of 2007, she had an important epiphany and redesigned her diet so that she was getting those important brain nutrients from her foods instead of from nutrients. She created a new diet of intensive directed nutrition providing optimal nutrition for her brain. At that time, she also learned about neuromuscular electrical stimulation and convinced her physical therapist to give her ongoing treatments. She began her intensive directed nutrition along with a program of progressive exercise, electrical stimulation, and daily meditation. The results stunned her physician, her family and herself. Within a year, she was able to walk through the hospital without a cane and even complete an 18-mile bicycle tour. She regained the ability to commute to work by bicycle, do her rounds on foot without canes or wheelchairs, conduct clinical trials, and write grants, all by making changes to the foods she ate, exercising, and practicing stress management. She was so grateful for the recovery from MS that she spent the next three years researching, teaching, lecturing and speaking about her journey and how others may help themselves with intensive directed nutrition. Many of her lectures have been recorded, and 50% of the profits from the sales of the lecture DVDs, and audio CDs is being used to support clinical research in the field of progressive Multiple Sclerosis. 

Dr. Terry Wahls

 Michelle Walsch When I was first diagnosed with MS, I was barely 18. Raised on a farm in central Alberta, I was an energetic, athletic teenager who loved cheerleading and horseback riding. I had just started college and dreamed of becoming an elementary school teacher. But MS was about to change my life forever. In just a matter of months, overwhelming fatigue left me too tired to handle the demands of a teaching career and I knew it was time to find a new dream. Angry and resentful at the restrictions imposed by my illness, I decided to test my limits by entering a professional rodeo queen contest. I didn’t expect to win since its emphasis on daredevil sports like barrel racing and cow riding is challenging for even the fittest competitors. I entered the contest to prove something to myself – a personal act of defiance against the disease that was consuming my life. So no one was more surprised than me when I out-raced and out-rode all my competitors to win the title of Rodeo Queen. Justifiably proud of my hard-won victory, I reigned as Rodeo Queen for a year and spent much of my time modelling, public speaking and, of course, riding horses. Although I was an experienced rider, I had to learn to balance and ride with no feeling in my legs because of the MS. It was frustrating at times, but forcing myself to deal with the challenges helped me to really grow and develop as a person. Balancing my public appearances with time for rest and recovery, I eventually became a finalist in the Miss Rodeo Canada competition. To follow through on my goals and perform at that top level was a huge success for me. Now confident that I could handle the challenges of MS, I decided to become a flight attendant and fulfill my dream of travelling the world. And travel the world, I did! From the busy streets of London to the exotic outback of Australia, I was always on the move. I saw the world and loved it. I had the odd relapse but I learned to pace myself and flew actively for 10 years. Although my high-flying days are now behind me, I try to continue to maintain a positive, “can-do” approach to life. I owe a tremendous vote of thanks to my neurologist, Dr. Kenneth Warren. He is now retired but he was always there for me, helping me manage my MS and encouraging me to follow my dreams. I was slowly going downhill and later moved into the SPMS phase. Just around this time I learned of a new discovery - CCSVI (Chronic Cerebro Spinal Venous Insufficiency) from Vascular Researcher Dr. Paulo Zamboni in Italy. I decided to try this vascular procedure and am really glad I did. Even though a lot more research needs to be done to answer many more questions, this has helped me immensely and greatly increased the quality of my life. I have had no active lesions, no progression in my SPMS condition and no new lesions in over 3 years now. Today I am married with three healthy children. I want young women with MS to know that they can have healthy babies. I’m a walking testament to this fact as I’ve been living with and treating MS for many years. When it comes to making the best of all that life has to offer, I am living proof that “the sky’s the limit,” if you have the right attitude. 

Michelle Walsch

 Scientist Loses 50lb And Controls Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms On Plant-Based Diet 'Now I am symptom-free. I have had no new lesions or relapses. I feel fitter and healthier than I did in my 20s' MARIA CHIORANDO6 HOURS AGO Rebecca Stonor transformed her physique and health on a low-fat, plant-based diet (Photo: Supplied to Plant Based News) Rebecca Stonor transformed her physique and health on a low-fat, plant-based diet (Photo: Supplied to Plant Based News) A scientist has revealed how she controls the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)* - and has lost 50lb - on a plant-based diet. Rebecca Stonor, a wellbeing officer, and plant-based nutrition wellness advocate - as well as a plant scientist - started having health issues more than four years ago. Health issues She told Plant Based News: "I had issues with my vision. I thought I just needed some new glasses but when I lost color vision in one eye, I knew something was wrong. "I Googled what this meant and was immediately concerned. An ophthalmologist soon said the words I didn't want to hear - 'it looks like you have Multiple Sclerosis'." Multiple Sclerosis According to the National MS Society, the condition 'involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves'. The symptoms include fatigue, weakness, walking difficulties, pain and itching, sexual problems, bladder problems, and depression among others. Stonor herself suffered a range of symptoms. "Among with vision loss, I also had numerous sensory and cognitive deficits. I would mix words up and blame it on lack of sleep. I had trouble doing up buttons and often felt like I would just collapse," she said. Scientific literature She decided she wanted to learn more about the condition - and see what steps she could take to try and mitigate the symptoms. "Having a background in science I turned to the scientific literature to work out how I could protect and heal myself so I wouldn't end up in a wheelchair," Stonor revealed. "I was only 40 years old, had two small children and was worried I'd be a burden on them and my husband. "Quickly it became apparent that MS is a lifestyle disease. I found evidence that a low saturated fat, whole food plant-based diet could prevent future relapses. I also began reducing stress with meditation and exercising daily." Pre-obese As a side effect of her plant-based diet, Stonor also found herself dropping a significant amount of weight - 50lb (23kg). "Doing some calculations online for body mass index (BMI), which is an indicator for a healthy weight range, it turns out I was pre-obese," Stonor has written in a blog post about losing weight. "I'm tall so people always said I "carried it well", meaning, they didn't think I was really that fat. Turns out it wasn't doing me any favors...An added side benefit of just eating plants was that the weight melted off me. I eat large quantities of food every day until I'm completely satiated and I don't put on weight (unless of course I start eating too many nuts, but that's another blog!)." 'Symptom-free' Now four and a half years after being diagnosed with MS, Stonor is symptom-free. She told PBN: "I have had no new lesions or relapses. I feel fitter and healthier than I did in my 20s. "I share my story via my website and social media, teach workshops and partner with a friend in cooking classes to promote the power of a plant-based diet to prevent and heal chronic illness." NOTE: Plant Based News is not a doctor. This article is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have any health concerns, you should visit a health professional. *Find out what the National MS Society says about diet here 

Rebecca Stonor