Trevis L. Gleason – Kerry | MS Journeys
For Trevis L. Gleason from Kerry, World MS Day is a moment when the global MS community comes together to recognise the reality of living with multiple sclerosis — the challenges, the triumphs and, most importantly, the people behind the condition.
“Living with multiple sclerosis changes everything, but I’ve come to realise that just about everything was going to change anyway.”
For Trevis, MS has not changed who he is as a person, but it has changed how he moves through the world.
“Multiple sclerosis has not changed the person who I am. It has changed how that person navigates the world around him.”
That distinction is important. While MS may affect daily life, it does not define a person’s identity or their ability to live meaningfully.
One of the things that has surprised him most is that, despite the challenges, he has continued to live a full and rewarding life.
“It’s not the life I would have expected… but it’s my life with MS and it’s a good life.”
Among the biggest challenges he faces is understanding his limits and learning how to live within them.
He describes this honestly, saying that while people talk about pushing themselves, sometimes living with MS means realising when you’ve gone too far.
For Trevis, connection has been key. The MS community has provided support, learning and perspective throughout his journey.
“I have found great solace in sharing with and learning from the greater MS community.”
MS Ireland has also played an important role in his life, offering both support and a way to give back.
“MS Ireland has been both a resource and an outlet for me to support others.”
Trevis believes strongly in the importance of connection, especially when MS can disrupt physical connections in the body.
“Creating broader connections helps to compensate where physical links let me down.”
He is particularly proud of his writing, having spent over 20 years sharing his experiences through his Life With MS blog, helping to build an international community of people learning from one another.
He is also keen to challenge misconceptions about MS.
“MS is not a disease that can be painted with a broad brush.”
For those newly diagnosed, his advice is practical and grounded: find support, build the right medical team, stay informed and take things one step at a time.
His message to others living with MS is clear — accept support when you need it and stay connected to the world around you.
For Trevis, World MS Day is important because it brings people together globally.
“This is one day when the world recognises the people and experiences behind MS.”
Trevis’s story is one of reflection, resilience and connection, showing that while life with MS may take a different path, it can still be full, meaningful and good.
Trevis's MS Diagnosis Journey
