The past few years have found Lee Garner driven by “a very personal mission.” Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1994, she wants to get the word out to the approximately 2.5 million persons with MS worldwide:find a drug therapy that is right for you and stay on it.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, progressive disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms develop when myelin, the substance that surrounds and protects nerve fibers, is destroyed. Lesions may develop in the brain and spinal cord tissue. Nerve impulses are not received correctly, and often the body will not cooperate with the mind. The disease can affect vision, speech, balance and cognition and can cause fatigue, stiffness and even partial or whole paralysis.

Garner has the most common form of MS, relapsing-remitting. Symptoms arrive in the form of flare-ups, intense periods of time – sometimes weeks – during which inflammation causes the MS to worsen. “For a time,” she recalls, “it was very difficult. I didn’t feel like doing anything.” When her doctor suggested disease-modifying therapy, Garner didn’t think she had much to lose.

After two unsuccessful trials she found Copaxone, taken in the form of a daily injection. Not only have the symptoms stopped, but also Garner says her condition has greatly improved since she has been on the drug.She is optimistic about future developments in research and is so taken with the efficacy of Copaxone that she occasionally stands in for pharmaceutical representatives of the drug, describing the benefits and side effects to fellow patients.

There are currently six FDA-approved, disease-modifying agents available to the MS patient, all designed to eliminate symptoms, slow progression and improve quality of life. Because only 50 percent of persons with MS are on drug therapy, Garner wants everyone to know that “these drugs work. Many people were diagnosed before 1994, when this treatment was not available. We need to get the word out. We need to get 100 percent on therapy.”

Garner, 42, lives in Lexington, Kentucky with her dog, Bailey, and a parrot named Bert. She is a registered nurse and works “more than full time” at the University of Kentucky in the cardiac catheterization lab recovery room. Her couch potato days behind her, Garner is now an active voice in the MS community, speaking at informative meetings and throwing out the first pitch at a charity softball game. Her vibrant personality and quick sense of humor make her an able spokeswoman

When the drug therapy began to work in 1998, Garner began the work of making her body stronger. “The first walk I took was with my blind basset hound . . . at the time we were both blind.” As the symptoms abated, however, she increased her activity level. After planning and training for months, Garner went on a vacation she hadn’t thought possible. She hiked into the Grand Canyon with a 40-pound pack in March 2004. After an overnight stay at the Bright Angel campground near Phantom Ranch, she hiked back up and out “with no problems whatsoever.”

Another physical milestone for Garner was her participation in the 2004 MS 150 Bike Tour. She managed to pedal all but 47 miles. “There are 300 riders with a common cause,” she describes the event. “It is so inspiring to be among them. I’m riding with some of the same people who may have been responsible for the medicine that made me able to ride.” This year she’s training to cover the whole 150. In addition to hiking and cycling, Garner enjoys softball, golf and scuba diving. She feels nothing is beyond her grasp.

We’re closer than we’ve ever been to conquering this disease,” says Garner, adding that patients must take care of their bodies. “If you don’t exercise, start,” she advises. “And if you smoke, quit. Your body is under enough stress with MS. You need to give yourself the best chance to fight the disease.” Garner’s main message is to those 80% of sufferers who have relapsing-remitting MS: try the disease-modifying drugs one by one until you find the one that’s right for your body. Then never miss a dose.

Sara Crutchfield is a freelance writer for Kentuckiana HealthFitness Magazine.Sara has a B.A. in English from the University of Louisville.

The 2005 National Toyota MS 150 Bike the Bluegrass in Kentucky marks 26 years of support for the mission to cure multiple sclerosis while furthering visibility and awareness within the community. It is a two-day, 150-mile cycling event. Last year, 100,000 participating cyclists raised $46.7 million. Kentucky’s ride will be held the week/files/storyimages/of June 4 and 5 at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Plant in Georgetown. Over 100 volunteers man the rest stops, provide mechanical and medical aid and ferry tired riders along the course – and in Kentucky, beautiful scenery is a given! If you are interested in riding or volunteering, please visit the website at www.nationalmssociety.org/kyw. Lee Garner would love to see you there!