Lina shares her MS diagnosis story

MS Diagnosis Stories: Redefining Life at 23 – Lina Garada’s Journey

At the age of 23, when life’s script is supposed to be about exploration, adventure, and the dawn of adulthood, Bike the US for MS alumni, Lina Garada, faced an unexpected twist in her story – a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This MS diagnosis story traces Lina’s courageous journey from the first signs of MS to her advocacy and participation in the cycling community, highlighting the resilience and hope that define her path.

Lina's personal MS diagnosis story at just 23 years of age is inspiring.

Lina’s Early Life and Path to MS Diagnosis

Embracing the Unexpected: From Migraines to MS Diagnosis

Lina’s path to an MS diagnosis was as unexpected as it was challenging. A series of migraines, initially dismissed as minor nuisances during her triathlon swimming training, became the catalyst for a series of medical investigations. The journey from experiencing migraines to undergoing MRI scans revealed lesions consistent with multiple sclerosis—a reality far removed from anything Lina had anticipated. The complexity of understanding her diagnosis, coupled with the daunting process of navigating healthcare and insurance, painted the initial picture of a journey fraught with uncertainty.

Lina and friends enjoying the ferry back to Seattle on the Olympic Peninsula Bike Loop.

The Challenges of Early MS Diagnosis

Confronting a New Reality: Adjusting to Life with MS

The revelation of having MS at such a young age forced Lina to recalibrate her life’s expectations and ambitions. As is the case for many MS diagnosis stories, feelings of frustration, fear and denial crept in, largely stemming from a lack of knowledge about the disease. ‘How could I possibly be feeling fine and riding 15 miles, yet run the risk of losing feeling in my legs and collapsing at any moment?’

Overcoming Fears: From Wheelchairs to Bike Rides

Lina enjoying the Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour with friends.

Lina’s initial reaction to her diagnosis—a fear of inevitable disability and a life confined to a wheelchair—reflects a common apprehension among those newly diagnosed with MS. However, her journey from those early fears to cycling two large segments of the TransAmerica route and then the full Pacific Coast bike route from Seattle to San Diego with Bike the US for MS in 2019 is nothing short of inspirational. This achievement not only challenged her physical limits, but also reshaped her perspective on what is possible with MS.

Navigating Life’s Hurdles: Treatment Costs and Workplace Dynamics

The Reality of Treatment: Navigating Healthcare and Insurance

As life with MS progressed, as did the treatment bill. Soaring upwards of $180,000 per year, Lina’s experience underscores the financial and logistical challenges of living with MS. The constant battle with insurance companies and the stress of ensuring new employment opportunities offer coverage for her essential medication highlight a reality many with MS face—underscoring the importance of healthcare access and financial support in managing the condition.

The Challenges of a chronic illness and employment

From navigating fatigue and neuro challenges to managing the unpredictability of symptoms, disclosing your MS to an employer can be daunting at best. Lina’s approach to date has focused on opening a dialogue about her condition, being honest with all and adding a touch of humor. As she puts it, any employer that has an issue with her living with MS is not an employer she wants to work for!

One of Lina’s most telling anecdotes involves a simple act of passing a document to her new boss, which became a moment of vulnerability and connection. Her hands, shaking visibly from her MS, led to a moment of confusion for her boss. Lina’s ability to address the situation with humor and grace showcased her approach to living with MS and put her colleagues at ease.

Lina and friends enjoying the ferry back to Seattle on the Olympic Peninsula Bike Loop.

Building Bridges: The Transformative Power of Community and Connection

Supportive Friends and New Beginnings

Central to Lina’s MS journey is the irreplaceable value of a supportive community. Her friends, understanding and accommodating of the unpredictability that MS brings into her life, exemplify the kind of support that makes all the difference. Whether it’s understanding the need for extra time with getting ready, unintentionally storing forgotten items of theirs, or gracefully laughing off an MS symptom, Lina’s circle of friends are the peace of mind she needs to help transform her frustrations into ordinary moments.

Having supportive friends around Lina has been a key part of her MS diagnosis story.

Connecting with MS Champions: The Impact of Don Fraser and the MS Community

Meeting Don Fraser, the founder of Bike the US for MS, was a pivotal moment in Lina’s journey. Through this connection, she was introduced to others living with MS, including a remarkable individual who competed in the Race Across America (RAAM). These encounters not only expanded her support network, but also illuminated the vast possibilities of life beyond an MS diagnosis.

Cycling with MS: A New Bike the US for MS Chapter

Despite MS, Lina’s passion for cycling remains undimmed. Adapting to heat and adjusting her pace has allowed her to continue riding, embracing cycling not just as a sport, but as a vital part of her identity and a way to challenge MS on her terms. Since joining the Bike the US for MS family as a supporter in 2017 and 2018 then as a cyclist on the 2019 TransAmerica and Pacific Coast bike routes, she has become a strong advocate for the organization.

She joined the board of directors to support Bike the US for MS’s goal of supporting those living with MS. Lina has since returned to ride in 2023 on the Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour and we hope she will be out riding with us for many years to come!

Lina has made life long friends as part of Bike the US for MS.

The Nina Fraser Scholarship Fund: Encouraging Adventure in the MS Community

Lina’s MS story is interwoven with the Nina Fraser Scholarship Fund as a recipient of support in 2019. A Bike the US for MS initiative to allow individuals living with MS to pursue adventures that once seemed impossible. It’s aimed at fostering a sense of financial stability leading to greater achievement and empowerment. The fund was set up in memory of Don Fraser’s mother, Nina, who is the inspiration for Bike the US for MS.

Lina explains how cycling has helped her during her personal MS diagnosis story.
Lina making the most of an ice cream stop on the Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour.

A Life Full and Fulfilling

Lina Garada’s story is a powerful narrative for anyone navigating the early days of an MS diagnosis. Through her challenges and triumphs, Lina exemplifies that a diagnosis does not define one’s life. Her adventures, from the trials of understanding her condition to the triumph of cycling down the West Coast, underscore a vital message: life with MS can be full, rewarding, and replete with adventures yet to be had.

Lina’s journey reminds us of the importance of community, the power of resilience, and the endless capacity for reinvention. For those recently diagnosed with MS, Lina’s story is not just a tale of overcoming, but a roadmap for navigating life with grace, strength, and an unyielding spirit of adventure.

Do you have an MS diagnosis story you’d like to share? Or would you like to contact Lina about her journey? Contact us below and we will get in touch!

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James and Cassie in Seattle

Introducing James Whateley: The New Face of Bike the US for MS and Bike the UK for MS as Executive Director

Following Cassie’s farewell from the organization in April, after over a decade of dedicated effort, James Whateley will be coming onboard in a new role as Executive Director of both Bike the US for MS and Bike the UK for MS. He has a rich history with the organization, having first encountered the TransAmerica team back in 2012 when he was 19 and on a self-contained bike adventure. That chance encounter changed his life, as he was inspired by the organization’s founder, Don Fraser, to help others experience the same magic of these rides.

James’ grandfather passed away with multiple sclerosis before he was born, but his first true experience with MS came when he was invited to attend MS support group meet-ups by the Bike the US for MS TransAmerica team. He credits the team’s generosity for getting him through the first few weeks of his adventure, included providing food, water, and even allowing him to stay with the team at their overnights. The next time you encounter a self-supported rider, extend a helping hand, as you never know how they might contribute to the organization.

After returning as a Route Leader in 2013, James helped set up Bike the UK for MS in 2014 with the help of Cassie and Don. During his time studying at university, James ran two-week adventures from John O’Groats to Land’s End and continued to hop across to the US for various trips, including a segment of the Southern Tier and taking on the Great Divide mountain bike route with a group of BTUSFMS alumni.

After finishing university, James ran Bike the UK for MS full-time with help from Cassie and Kaylyn Messenger in the US, expanding the organization and offering a range of trips ranging from three days to two weeks. The UK organization has been incredibly fulfilling for James and he is now excited to take on a new role with Bike the US for MS and explore opportunities to further collaboration between the two organizations.

Though he is sad to see Cassie leave, James recognizes the decade of phenomenal work she has put into the organization and is eager to build on her success. He is confident that his passion and experience will serve him well in his new role as Executive Director of Bike the US for MS and Bike the UK for MS.

James and the 2014 Bike the UK for MS team