Meet MS Warrior Shannon Zimmerman
Written by Amy Zimmerman
Shannon’s MS symptoms started after a memorable April 2002 road trip where we visited 10 southeastern states in the U.S. Notably, the 3,000 miles we covered in the car had us making sightseeing stops in hot and humid climates such as South Carolina, Louisiana, and Alabama. After seven days of exploring and thousands of steps walking, the symptoms Shannon started experiencing were numbness and tingling in her legs and a complete loss of sensation on the bottom of her feet.
After returning home to Pennsylvania, Shannon recalls sitting on the bed and scratching the bottom of her feet with her fingernails. She could not feel the touch or the scratch and was scared about what this could mean. Shannon went to her Primary Care Physician and was referred to a neurologist, starting a 5-year journey to her diagnosis. Along that road were many tests – scans, MRIs, bloodwork, and a lumbar puncture. For awhile, the neurologist noted Shannon’s initial 2002 symptoms as a Clinically Isolated Syndrome of MS. He expressed that Shannon would have to wait for a second relapse in order to gain a definite diagnosis of MS. Only then could she start a treatment plan, and I know she felt powerless during this time.
Shannon’s second MS relapse came in early 2007, again impacting her legs and feet. While no one wanted this to occur, there was a certain level of relief that the subsequent brain MRI and lumbar puncture revealed Multiple Sclerosis. Shannon could start medication to stave off any future relapses or potential disability. In 2007, MS treatments were limited, and she started a regimen of Rebif, a three times per week injection that was painful but effective in keeping her symptoms stable.
Rather than focus on MS as a negative, Shannon has used the diagnosis to propel her into a healthier, more joy-filled life. Using mental health therapy and other tools, she has battled through various trauma she experienced in her life and is determined to live to the fullest while bringing her children and I along on this amazing life she has created for us!
Shannon read about Cheryl and RAMMS in a National MS Society publication. To that point, Shannon was reluctant about getting involved in traditional MS support groups. The few times she attended, it was frustrating for her to see the complaints, negativity, and focus on uncertainty and potential disability. Shannon wanted to concentrate on her current abilities and choosing joy despite the uncertainty. Thank goodness for social media because Shannon found Cheryl on Facebook and soon after became involved in RAMMS! Shannon appreciates her RAMMS group so much that she has introduced other MS warriors to the team in hopes that they find the same inspiration.
While Shannon had planned to join RAMMS in person in Richmond, 2019 – and run her first-ever half marathon – neck surgery ultimately prevented that from happening. Then COVID upended our world in 2020 and the two years that followed, but Shannon participated in RAMMS events virtually. Two of the most memorable during this time were our family’s participation in virtual Trivia Night and also coming up with the theme for a RAMMS 5 for 5 event. Our three children, Vivienne, Cora, and Jack love animals so, of course, they settled on “Running Wild” to encourage RAMMS team members who were striving to achieve big goals!
Finally, in October 2022, Shannon and I were able to meet the RAMMS team in person in Baltimore, Maryland! For this event, we walked the 5k, joining new RAMMS friends to complete the race and also participate in the post-race celebrations. What an unforgettable weekend for Shannon who had only been able to interact with Cheryl and her fellow MS warriors in online forums to that point.
Shannon is an inspiration to everyone who comes in contact with her! She is determined to exercise and eat healthy, using activity and a whole foods plant based diet to exhibit a level of control over her disease. She keeps moving forward with a smile to show our children that she is battling MS with every step and every pedal stroke!