Maurício of Brazil has a job which centers on physical agility. As a fitness instructor and gym coordinator, his profession is to help people stay fit, and using his own body is an important part of his everyday work. That’s why he feared for his career when the doctor told him he had multiple sclerosis (MS). “I was very worried about my professional future, since I need my body movements, strength and motor coordination in order to perform my job.”

Maurício started noticing symptoms two years ago while performing fitness tests on his clients. “At the time I was a physical condition evaluator and I needed touch and fine coordination in order to evaluate body composition by measuring skin folds. My first MS symptom was the loss of touch and hand coordination when taking these measurements.”

Maurício’s coworkers were aware that he had complicated health problems after he was hospitalized briefly for more intensive treatment in 2007. “They always understood and supported me. I did not explain my diagnosis exactly and they respected my decision.”

Maurício also wondered how his personal life would be affected by MS. It was hard to predict how the condition would progress and he worried he may never be able to have children. His wife was very supportive during the whole process. “She was always at my side encouraging me.” Together they researched MS and learned that there were treatments that could help.

Maurício has been administering his MS medication every other day for one year. In the beginning, when he was worried about how the treatment would affect him, he met with an MS nurse who helped answer his questions and alleviate his fears. “She clarified many doubts that still existed and gave me courage and support to begin my treatments. She encouraged me.”

Doubts about whether he would be successful at work or how he would be perceived by his coworkers invigorated him to work extra hard at his job. “It gave me more strength to overcome my temporary handicaps and to work harder, with more energy, commitment and competency. This was recognized by the company and I was promoted in February 2008 to the position of gym coordinator.” Maurício no longer performs fitness tests, but now it’s by choice rather than because of a lack of physical ability.

Staying focused on the positive has helped Maurício cope with MS. He takes time everyday to acknowledge the important things in his life: his excellent recovery, his promotion, and the imminent birth of his first child. “The most important thing is how you react to the disease and I reacted very well, believing I will lead my life better each day, with lots of health, joy and peace.”