Hey, I’m Vanessa — founder of Nessasways, MS Warrior, and straight-talking guide for people living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Truth is, I’ve always been curious. I’ve always asked questions, pushed boundaries, and refused to settle for the limits life tries to hand you. So when I was diagnosed with MS at 25 — right as I was stepping into adulthood, wide-eyed and ready to explore the world — I wasn’t exactly prepared to hear “this is your new normal.”

Especially back then. It was the year 2000 — Google barely existed, online communities weren’t a thing, and most of what I heard from doctors focused on the worst-case scenarios. It was overwhelming.

For a while, I let the fear sink in. But deep down, I knew: I wasn’t wired to stay stuck in the “can’ts.”

So I did what I’ve always done — asked questions, looked for better answers, and slowly, stubbornly carved my own path. I read, experimented, and started building simple, sustainable habits to help me manage my energy, beat fatigue, and live life my way.

It wasn’t perfect, and it wasn’t always easy. But over time, those small steps added up — and today, I’m living proof that MS doesn’t get to write your whole story.

I’m a full-time working mom, a coach, and your reminder that you still have choices. You still have power. And yes, you can still thrive — even with MS along for the ride.