MS advocate, founder of Must Stop MS and #ChatMS
Randy Patrick didn’t let his Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis stop him. In fact, his diagnosis was the beginning of his story and mission – to raise awareness and provide support for the MS community. To work toward this mission, Randy started the Third-party group “Must Stop MS!” and hosts weekly chats on social media using the hashtag #ChatMS every Monday evening. He aims to bring the MS community together in order to make connections, strengthen their support systems, share experiences and continue giving people hope. We’re beyond thrilled to share our conversation with Randy for this month’s 7 Questions with A Couple.
1. You were diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2012. How soon after your diagnosis did you make it your mission to increase MS awareness and provide support for other people living with MS? Why was this important to you?
It was within the first month of being diagnosed. I have heard of MS but didn’t actually know what it was. I had so many emotions… fear, doubt, guilt. You name it, I had it. I went to the Internet for support and found out that can be scary as well. I found comfort in talking to others with MS on forums. I wanted to do my part in providing support, factual information and to bring those with MS together so a newly diagnosed person wouldn’t have to feel the way I did at diagnosis.
2. It wasn’t enough for you to launch Must Stop MS, you went further to host the weekly interactive social group #ChatMS. You rock! Did you imagine it would have this kind of success?
After launching the Facebook page Must Stop MS, I started to get a lot of people asking me questions or asking if I could post a question on the page for them. The idea of the Chat came up as a way to interact with other MS patients in real time. I didn’t have an exact expectation for it, but it seems surreal to me it’s been going for seven years now!
3. You recently set out to ride your bike 40 miles for your 40th birthday. Happy birthday, and what kept you motivated on this ride?
This 40-mile ride was a tough one due to lack of training. But I needed to do it to reach my ultimate goal of riding 150 miles in the Chesapeake Challenge Bike MS event at the end of June. When I am riding, I stay motivated by reminding myself I’m not only riding for me but also for everyone who is unable.
4. Speaking of bike riding, you actively participate in Bike MS for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. How many years have you ridden and what keeps you coming back to raise funds every year?
MS Society events such as Walk MS and Bike MS are so much fun! It’s a great way to learn more about MS and meet such amazing people. My first Walk MS even was within six months after being diagnosed. I then started volunteering at Bike MS events and told my wife “I’m going to get a bike and do this one year.” The following year I volunteered and said the same thing. Then finally in 2018, thanks to Meat Fight!, I was able to get a bike and ride in the event for the first time. Raising funds is super important to me because I can see results from the research that’s being done. I hear all the time things like “You don’t think that money is going to MS do you?” I respond saying, “I know it does!” Look at all the new treatments and breakthroughs in the last 20 years. The money is important!
5. Father’s Day is June 19, and you and your wife, Tracy, are parents to your son, Carson. How big of a role does MS play in your relationship with Carson?
At time of diagnosis, I was scared to death wondering if I would be able to care for my son. He’s 14 now and it’s pretty cool he is growing knowing this exists. He is learning alongside me and attends all the events with me to help volunteer or walk. There are definitely times where I’ve had to rest rather than doing something with him, but for the most part MS hasn’t interfered too much.
6. Several years ago you were selling (and Jennifer and I each bought one) T-shirts that said, “I > MS.” We absolutely loved them 🙂 Tell us: 10 years after your diagnosis, how are you greater than Multiple Sclerosis?
Those were my favorite shirts! I was thinking about doing something like that again now that my wife has a Cricut. In regard to this question, my mind immediately wants to go and say something how MS will never have me or something like that… but I’m not going to say that. I am greater than MS because I am more than just MS. This disease doesn’t define me. This disease has opened my eyes to a world I never would have seen otherwise. I never would have tried biking if it wasn’t for MS and never would have met so many amazing people. I am greater than Multiple Sclerosis because I will not let that define me. I am more than MS!
7. You are incredibly active with managing your MS and increasing MS awareness, but there is more to Randy Patrick than this disease. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not MSing?
I am a super busy person ha-ha. There are not enough hours in the day sometimes! Outside of MS, I do a lot for my church – teach Sunday School as well as being a youth leader. I coach and play on the church softball team as well. I love riding my bike and playing video games from time to time to de-stress a little. Hanging out with family is also super important to me.
