MY EXPERIENCE
Hello, I'm Sean! I'm a high school science teacher living in Oregon with my daughter. Since my RMS diagnosis in 2004, it has been important to me to find support in the MS community. I've participated in bike ride fundraiser events, and I'm even planning a trip with some RMS pals! I started KESIMPTA in 2020.
It Gets Better
I feel grateful that I've come a long way since my initial diagnosis. When I was first told I have RMS in 2004, it felt like my entire life took a turn for the worse. I questioned my future, and it was such a big psychological shift on top of physical symptoms. Not long after the diagnosis, my wife and I got divorced. I went through some dark times, but I want to share my comeback story to help inspire others. My favorite saying is from a Swahili phrase that means "slow and steady," and I believe that if you just keep moving forward toward your goals, slow and steady, you'll make it there.
Finding Motivation
I feel motivated by my students. During my earlier career in the tech industry, I had the opportunity to try my hand at teaching. I liked it so much I decided to make the switch to do it full time. It's so fulfilling for me to feed these kids with knowledge and help them take steps towards their goals. My daughter is my biggest inspiration. I want to be the best and healthiest person I can be for her. She's starting to look at colleges and wants to go out of state. I'll miss her like crazy, but I'm so proud of her for wanting to expand her horizons.
Importance of Emotional Support
I didn't expect the impact the RMS community has had on my life. I've found support through people locally and online, and it has added so much value to my life. I participate in RMS bike rides and am involved in RMS Facebook groups. I have a close group of friends with RMS, and we're planning on going on vacation together to the Himalayas. I love traveling and climbing, so I'm really pumped about this future trip. The emotional support is just as important as getting on the right treatment choice for you. It's amazing what can happen by putting yourself out there.
Simply Starting
When I took my first dose of KESIMPTA, I felt well prepared. I had gotten a call from my AlongsideTM Coordinator beforehand explaining all about KESIMPTA—the starter doses, what to expect, the delivery, and more. When it came to actually starting, everything was all set. My Coordinator had helped me with insurance approvals and co-pay assistance. And once I watched the supplemental injection training videos online,* I didn't have any questions! I felt confident and comfortable knowing my Coordinator was there for me and that he truly wanted me to have a positive experience with KESIMPTA.
My Positive Outlook
My favorite part about KESIMPTA is...everything! Having a background in biochemistry, I was excited about the idea of a B-cell therapy with subcutaneous delivery. So I asked my doctor about it when it first came out. But honestly, it checks all the boxes for me. The convenience of at-home treatment is fantastic. So far, going to my MRI scans has been less scary and things are looking up!
*Your doctor is the best person to show you how to take KESIMPTA. The Alongside injection training is only meant to supplement their instructions.
Ananda is a passionate nurse who also needs to take care of herself
and her RMS.
Ananda is a passionate nurse who also needs to take care of herself and her RMS.
Get the results of the head-to-head studies vs AUBAGIO® (teriflunomide).
SEE THE RESULTS
Take a look at commonly
asked questions.