Support Partner Voices – Can Do MS Podcast

My MS Story

By cando-ms | March 19, 2025

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My MS Story– Episode 183 – Transcript

In this episode we join our host Stephanie Buxhoeveden and special guest Ashley Ratcliff Lundy as we dive into the personal journeys of living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as we share unique stories of diagnosis, the emotional rollercoaster that follows, and how perspectives on life have shifted since that moment. From the first signs of MS to the life-changing diagnosis, our guest speaks about challenges, the feelings of uncertainty, fear, and hope, while hearing the lessons they’ve learned along the way. With honesty and resilience, we discuss how to redefine goals, priorities, and outlook on life, offering valuable advice to those newly diagnosed. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on adapting to change, embracing strength, and finding a renewed sense of purpose in the face of MS.

A special thank you to our generous sponsor Novartis.

Poppy + Monarch, E-commerce business that supports the chronically ill community
Jesus Year, The self-help memoir Ashley wrote about her MS diagnosis
We Are ILL, The patient advocacy organization

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general educational information. Can Do MS does not endorse, promote, or recommend any service, or diet associated with the content of this program.

Navigating Pediatric MS – Challenges, Treatment, and Hope for the Future

By cando-ms | March 3, 2025

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Navigating Pediatric MS – Challenges, Treatment, and Hope for the Future– Episode 182 – Transcript

In this episode, we join our host Stephanie Buxhoeveden and two special guests Emily Blosberg with Oscar the Monkey and Harvard Neurology professor Tanuja Chitnis. Together we explore the complexities of pediatric multiple sclerosis and how it differs from the adult form of the disease. We’ll dive into when pediatric MS is typically diagnosed and highlight the early signs that parents and what to watch for. Beyond medical treatment, managing MS as a child can be particularly challenging. We share valuable advice for families on navigating school, sports, and social life, while emphasizing the importance of emotional support and accommodations. We take a look at the future of pediatric MS research, discussing advancements in clinical trials, potential new therapies, and ongoing studies to improve outcomes for children and teenagers with MS.

Tune in for an informative and hopeful discussion about pediatric MS, its challenges, and what’s ahead for young patients.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general educational information. Can Do MS does not endorse, promote, or recommend any product, service, or diet associated with the content of this program.

Care Partners in Action: Celebrating Friendship and Support

By cando-ms | November 11, 2024

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Care Partners in Action: Celebrating Friendship and Support– Episode 177 – Transcript

Join host Stephanie Buxhoeveden, an MS clinician and researcher, as she welcomes Sharon Vaughn and her care friend, Eileen Dubois. In celebration of Caregivers Month, Sharon and Eileen share their inspiring friendship and the unique ways they support one another. Discover the powerful bond between a care partner and friend living with MS, as well as practical insights and heartfelt stories that highlight the importance of connection, compassion, and resilience in the face of challenges. Here we will have uplifting conversations that honor the vital role of care partners in our lives!

Thank you to EMD Serono for their support of this podcast episode.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general educational information. Can Do MS does not endorse, promote, or recommend any product, service, or diet associated with the content of this program.

MS Care From All Angles: Partner and Provider

By cando-ms | November 13, 2023

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MS Care From All Angles: Partner and Provider – Episode 160 – Transcript –

On this episode on the Can Do MS Podcast, we welcome guest Timothy West who is a neurologist with a unique perspective on MS. His own experiences as an MS care partner have given him insights and a passion for helping his patients with MS. We talk about how far MS treatments have come since his mother’s diagnosis and the hope he has for the next generation of MS patients. Timothy also opens up about his experiences as a care partner and he reminds us all to be patient and gentle with ourselves.

When Your Child Has MS

By cando-ms | March 22, 2023

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When Your Child Has MS – Episode 118 – Transcript

Listen to this episode of the Can Do MS Podcast and you will hear the story of two mothers whose children were diagnosed with MS in their mid-to-late teens.

Dr. Scott Newsome’s Story: The Road From Caregiver to MS Provider and Researcher – Part 2

By cando-ms | November 16, 2022

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Dr. Scott Newsome’s Story: The Road From Caregiver to MS Provider and Researcher – Part 2 – Episode 97 – Transcript

Join us for the second part of our conversation with Dr. Scott Newsome. On this episode, Dr. Newsome will be back to talk about how his role as an MS caregiver has impacted his career today as an MS specialist. We’ll also learn more about what Dr. Newsome has been focusing on and his exciting current research.

As promised, learn more about the current clinical trial that Dr. Newsome is working on, the TREAT-MS Clinical Trial for Multiple Sclerosis Patients.The TRaditional versus Early Aggressive Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis (TREAT-MS) Trial will help inform patients and the broader healthcare community on whether patients would most benefit from early, possibly more risky aggressive therapy or if starting with a less aggressive (and, often, less risky) therapy, followed by a switch if breakthrough disease activity occurs, is warranted. In addition, this study will help identify if there is a specific patient population or short-term biomarker(s) that is strongly predictive of long-term disability that can result from MS. For a deeper dive, view the Neurology Live video: Peers and Perspectives: The Induction vs. Escalation Approach to MS and the TREAT-MS Trial or you can also email TREAT-MS at treatms@jhmi.edu.

Dr. Scott Newsome’s Story: The Road From Caregiver to MS Provider and Researcher – Part 1

By cando-ms | October 19, 2022

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Dr. Scott Newsome’s Story: The Road From Caregiver to MS Provider and Researcher – Part 1 – Episode 92 – Transcript

Join us for this two-part conversation with Dr. Scott Newsome on his journey from being a MS caregiver to becoming a MS provider and researcher. In today’s episode, we’ll hear from Dr. Newsome about his experiences as an MS caregiver and support partner to his mother, who had multiple sclerosis during Dr. Newsome’s childhood and formative years. Dr. Newsome will share what it was like to have a parent with MS and the ultimate impact that the caregiver role had for him and his future.

Caregivers also experience MS, clearly differently than the person who carries the diagnosis but experiencing the diagnosis and their own issues, nonetheless. Caregivers can experience significant stress, lack of knowledge, fatigue, role change, role confusion, and even guilt. While they want to be the best support they can be, they do not have a roadmap or guide that tells them what to do. The role of the caregiver is often underrecognized and under-supported. MS is a “we” disease not a “me” disease. Learn more about support partner resources and upcoming programming.

Caring and Curating – A Support Partner’s Journey

By cando-ms | November 8, 2021

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Caring and Curating – A Support Partner’s Journey – Episode 41 – Transcript

No one has it all figured out—and that’s OK! In today’s podcast, hear one support partner’s journey as she has navigated life in “the sandwich generation,” caring for her husband with MS, daughter, and parents. It’s not without its challenges, but curating her family’s life with MS has allowed Cindy to focus on what’s always been there: loyalty, love, and friendship.

Talking Self-Care With Jon Strum

By cando-ms | November 1, 2021

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Talking Self-Care With Jon Strum – Episode 40 – Transcript

Being a care partner has been a central role in Jon Strum’s life. His experiences led him to become an MS advocate and start the RealTalk MS podcast. Today, we’ll hear from Jon about the drastic effects of MS, not just in his wife’s life, but his own. Reflecting on the importance of self-care, he shares his advice and encouragement for other support partners.

Managing Bowel and Bladder Symptoms

By cando-ms | June 17, 2021

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Managing Bowel and Bladder Symptoms – Episode 37 – Transcript

Some of the most challenging symptoms in MS can be bowel and bladder-related issues. Join us as we talk to our guests, Randy and Sue, about the bowel and bladder-related challenges Randy has experienced since his MS diagnosis, the management strategies they have found useful and suitable for their lifestyle, and the importance of self-advocacy.

For additional resources on bowel and bladder symptoms, please visit our website at the following link: https://www.cando-ms.org/online-resources/bowel-and-bladder.

Category: Support Partner Voices