What were some of your first symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)?

I was 23 and working on a trading floor when I noticed I was having trouble walking. I had been out late the night before, so I thought I was overly fatigued. Later that night, though, I noticed that the right side of my face was numb. I called my dad, who is a doctor, and he told me to see a doctor the next day if my symptoms got worse or didn't improve.

What happened the next day?

I went into work and went to see the nurses at my office. About 30 minutes later, they called me at my desk and said, "We don't want to freak you out, but the only thing your symptoms match is MS.'

How did you respond?

When I heard those words, the world stopped. I was in front of my computer and immediately started looking up MS. I thought I was going to die. I didn't know anyone who had MS. I had no family history, so I had all of these misconceptions.

How did your perceptions change?

After a full neurologic examination and tests—MRI, blood work, visual tests, and a spinal tap—I was officially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. I also had a better understanding of my disease, and began to feel fortunate. I was lucky to be treated after my first episode. I'm also grateful that there are now so many more treatment options.

How has your disease changed you?

It has given me confidence to push boundaries. Things I thought were ridiculous or crazy to try, I now think, "Why not? Can I do that? Let's see."

How did you start climbing?

About a year after I was diagnosed, I had an opportunity to take a three-week vacation and decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. I was on my own and knew very little about climbing and had a guide who didn't speak much English. It was terrifying and challenging and I had terrible altitude sickness, but I remember being near the summit and watching the sun come straight across the horizon and light up the valley below and thinking it was so beautiful. Later, when I was flying home, I could see the face of the mountain I had just climbed from the plane and I was totally hooked.

How many mountains have you climbed since?

Since taking a mountaineering class out West, I have climbed Mount Elbrus in Russia, Denali in Alaska, and Aconcagua in Argentina, which at 22,837 feet is the highest mountain I've ever climbed.

What would you say to others who have just been diagnosed?

MS is going to take you for a ride, but you will be able to live a full life. With all the medications available to treat relapsing-remitting MS, it's important to find the one that's right for you.