Mark

All I ever wanted to do was be a policeman. I worked on homicides, narcotics, and rape investigations, putting bad guys in jail. Now I have a desk job. I can’t do the things I used to do and want to do.

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All I’ve ever wanted to be, from the time I was a young kid, is a policeman. And to put bad guys in jail. I went from college to a police academy and have been a police officer ever since. I love my job.

It’s disappointing. I can’t speak as well, and a lot of times people don’t understand me, especially over the phone. I need to talk to people face-to-face or use email. I try to make my phone calls in the morning, when it’s not as much of a problem.

When I go out on an investigation, they send a baby sitter with me. My supervisor will say, “We need somebody to go with Mark.”

It’s hard not being self-sufficient. All I can do is put on a good face.

My life is pretty good right now. The police chief has been very supportive. I do worry about the day I’m in a wheelchair.

Walking doesn’t define me, but I feel bad for my partner, Paul. We’ve been together for 18 years. I know he didn’t plan on being with someone who has MS.

But we’ve prepared for the future and bought a house in Palm Springs, where I can be in a wheelchair.

We like to travel and this summer we’re planning on going to Ireland. Next year I’ll turn 40.

Diagnosis: Secondary Progressive

Mark spent many years caring for his father, who also had MS. From this experience, Mark has a understanding of how to cope with the disease and how it could progress. He has been able to plan ahead. With travel being one of his passions, he is trying to visit as many places as he can before the disease impacts his mobility.

Elizabeth Jameson

Richard Bermack

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Elizabeth Jameson

Richard Bermack