With our new website and blog, we are phasing out our old blogspot site. We published several informative and moving stories a few years ago. This one is the story of Eric Pannier, the cousin of former team member Steven Hay. Steve now lives in California and we still call him a “Masher.” Here is Eric’s story:

John – you had asked me to see if my cousin, Eric, who has MS would be willing to share his story so that we could better educate and inspire people to get involved with MS.

Eric was very pleased that I had asked and here is his story…

Hey Steven,

Here’s my story.:) I’m 39 years old and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1992 at the tender age of 22. My reaction in 1992 was “I’m 22 and bullet proof.” MS had other ideas and I have discovered that “bullet proof” sometimes means accepting life in a slower lane than one would hope.

I married the love of my life in 1997 and was living life well ~ no adverse MS affects. I had a great job and a career I loved! I worked as a serologist at an animal health laboratory for the state of Wisconsin which required fine motor skills, clear vision and the ability to sit in a lab for the normal 8 hour work day. By 2004 things were getting harder for me on all fronts. I was having ambulation difficulty, balance issues, vision issues and debilitating fatigue. I applied for and was granted disability status and have been at home since.

Some wonderful things have come my way in spite of the frustration of dealing with my MS. In July of 2004 we were blessed with a healthy and wonderful son and in May of 2008 our beautiful and healthy daughter was born. I do appreciate the fact that MS has granted me the opportunity to be at home with these children full-time. I always wish that my wife could have had the experience instead of me.

I enjoy everything that I can, but know I miss many things that men my age are enjoying because my symptoms are pretty pervasive.

I had been on one of the interferon drugs for MS for about six years to no avail and then did the Novantrone protocol for MS for two years. This has seemed to moderate the exacerbation’s to some degree, but does not bring healing.

I am hopeful that new treatments are near completion in their trials and that I will be able to access them soon. I hope for a cure, but know I need to focus on living each day to the best of my ability while I wait.

I am always grateful to those whose caring encourages them to go the extra distance for the cause of people struggling with MS. Walking, riding, contributing money for research or helping someone with MS live a more meaningful life is not lost on me. I may seem like I can handle anything in my outward persona, but I’m always glad to see I’m not in this fight alone.

I especially thank my cousin Steven Hay and his father, Bruce Hay, for rising to the challenge of all of us dealing with this hateful disease. They are among the BEST!! Steve is also in the prime of his life and is still inspired to do all he can! Thanks Steve!!

In hope and friendship,

Eric M. Pannier

I thank you Eric & Steve. We need to end this disease that hits men and women in the prime of their lives. Eric was diagnosed at the young age of 22. Please help by donating to the cyclists of the Main Street Mashers at mainstreetmashers.org.