A Dad with MS: Some Superheroes have a Cape and a Cane
This is a story about a superhero dad with Multiple Sclerosis and his journey down a path of disability toward acceptance of a new normal.
The story behind the pen
Mike O’Grady
Who is Mike O’Grady?
Mike O’Grady is a dad and a husband living with secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis. He is the author of A Dad with MS: Some Superheroes have a Cape and a Cane.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. MS is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. This immune system malfunction destroys myelin (the fatty substance that coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal chord.) Common symptoms of MS include fatigue, numbness, weakness, walking difficulties, spasticity, vision problems, dizziness, pain, digestive and cognitive changes.
Mike O’Grady Career & New Normal
Mike had established his career in the in-home services industry for years as an expert in sales. This career is what drove him to provide for his family. At age 40, Mike started to have issues with extreme fatigue, the ability to concentrate and much pain throughout his body. After a trip to his doctor resulted in being told he was burning the candle at both ends and needed to reduce stress in his life, Mike gave it a try. After years of new diets, exercise and misdiagnosis Mike’s issues only worsened, and his career and dreams began crumbling beneath him. Finally, with the proper doctors, Mike was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the Fall of 2012. It took several years of struggle and a path to disability for Mike to come to grips with his new normal as he calls it. Life is certainly different but that’s okay. He used to have big goals that involved selling millions of dollars a year in business. Now, making his kids breakfast and a successful trip to the grocery store is one of his daily accomplishments and that’s okay. Mike has learned to take lessons from his sales and management days and use them for his new normal of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Mike’s hope is that these coping strategies and new approach to life with MS will inspire others with the disease. There is life with MS, you just have adjust, stay positive and build your life around the disease.
Testimonial About
Mike O’Grady
My name is Steve, I have been a Physical Therapist for over 20 years and have had the pleasure of treating and befriending Mike over the past 4 years. Throughout my career, I have treated countless orthopedic and neurologically-involved patients, with Mike unfortunately fitting into both categories. Few have presented as more of a challenge than Mike has, from the years of beating himself up orthopedically with sports, to now courageously fighting this potentially devastating disease. My practice has a strong reputation for getting quick, lasting results for our patients. We help people get better. MS is different. The variability from patient to patient can be drastic. Our goals have to be different. Success is not assured.
I’ve had quite the variety of patients come through my clinic (as has anyone who works in health care). Complainers, whiners, tough guys, slackers, overachievers. Then there is Mike. If ANYONE who comes to me for treatment deserves to complain, bitch, moan, whine, or blow up, it is Mike O’Grady. But he never does. Maybe he should, but he doesn’t. He fights. He pushes. He perseveres. He fights. He hurts. He tries. He continues to fight. If there was one patient over the past decade I wish I could “fix,” it would be Mike. But he and I both know we can’t. This disease doesn’t plat fair. Be we’ll sure as hell try. He’s not willing to give up and neither am I. Some days, by the time he leaves the clinic, I’m not sure if I did more harm than good. But he comes back, he still walks in and is willing to do what I ask.
This disease is rough – physically, mentally, emotionally. There are conditions I treat (total knee replacement, lumbar fusions, shoulder rotator cuff repairs) that are also quite miserable initially. But typically, they progress quickly and often completely. Then there are diseases (MS, Rhematoid, countless cancers) where there is no promise of recovery. Do we give up? Many do, but not all. I know Mike will not. Why? A. He’s too strong and determined. B. I won’t let him. I am proud to know Mike, to treat him and consider him a friend. I look forward to reading this book and to continue on this journey with him, wherever it may take us.
Steve Ryan
Physical Therapist
Michael has been a patient at our MS center since 2012. Like many patients, he was not diagnosed with MS during his first visit. He had to leave our office without a definite answer. Looking back, it was then that I caught a glimpse of who Mike really is. He quickly understood that having MS is rarely text book and many times there will be more questions than answers. Despite the uncertainties that MS brings, he has never given up. He perseveres thru the pain, fatigue, and struggles. I’ve seen him upbeat and I’ve seen him down, yet always hopeful. I’ve seen his drive to overcome obstacles and also realize that he needs to adapt to what he cannot change. I know he has written this book to let others with MS know that they are not alone in their struggles and to provide inspiration that they too, have what it takes to overcome.
Yaritza Rosario, APN, MSCN
Nurse Practitioner
Rutgers – RWJ Center for Multiple Sclerosis
New Brunswick, NJ
I’ve been a Wellness Coach and Trainer at our local YMCA for a little over five years. With approximately 4,500 active members, I have had a chance to see a variety of people of all ages with many issues concerning health and wellness. I remember many years ago, first meeting Mike, aka “Big Mike “, as he would come in on a regular basis. He always exercised really hard doing strength and cardio training. As time went on, I did notice that Mike seemed to be struggling with his regular routine. As I got to know Mike better, he shared with me his struggle with his MS diagnosis. Five years has past, yet Mike still comes in sometimes with a cane and walking with a little limp. Nevertheless, Mike always greets you with a nice “Hello” and still pushes through the same routine with unbelievable courage and determination. Mike is an Inspiration to all.
Robert Benedetti
Wellness Coach YMCA
Dad with MS is a wonderful read. Inspiring, smart, and filled with great strategies for someone who has MS or knows someone with this disease. Buy it and learn.
Ann McIndoo
CEO / Founder of So, You Want To Write!
Author of “7 Easy Steps to Write Your Book” — #1 Bestseller on Amazon!