A Norfolk County woman is opening up about her battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) during MS Awareness Month, hoping to raise awareness and encourage others to advocate for their health.
Sarah Voorhees, an MS volunteer, said her symptoms first appeared suddenly while she was at work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She explained that day, and in the days that followed, she experienced numbness, confusion, and severe headaches. It marked the beginning of multiple doctor visits, specialist appointments, and a CT scan as part of a long and frustrating diagnosis process.
Voorhees explained that after several appointments, tests, and a great deal of self-advocacy, she was eventually diagnosed with MS.
While MS is often associated with physical complications, Voorhees said her biggest challenges are cognitive symptoms. She described MS as unpredictable and different for every person.
Voorhees said her biggest ongoing symptoms are fatigue, memory problems, and difficulty finding words during conversations.
She soon began searching online for others who knew and understood MS, but found little success until she discovered the Norfolk MS Walk.
She found a community that could relate to her struggles and understand her needs. After speaking with Dave Horton, Chairman of the Grand Erie District MS Society, she became a volunteer.
Voorhees now helps organize local MS Awareness Month events, including a charity breakfast at Kaylee’s Restaurant and Cakes on Mother’s Day weekend, a flag raising in Simcoe, and the annual MS Walk at the Simcoe Legion on May 31.
She said the walk became an important support system following her diagnosis.
You can register to take part in the walk here: https://msspwalk.donordrive.com/events/1286
Voorhees added “If you’re experiencing weird things, push for answers and advocate for yourself, early detection matters.”
Written by Jeremy Hall
