On June 10, 2005, I heard the words, “You have MS.” I was twenty-eight years old, numb from the waist down, terrified, and completely unprepared for what came next. I remember the fear most of all. The way it wrapped around everything. I was afraid I’d never walk again, afraid that I’d end up in … Read more
Having a chronic illness, like multiple sclerosis, can be lonely and isolating. Sometimes it is hard to talk to your loved ones because, try as they might, they just don’t understand what you are going through. Before the internet, in order to find other people with similar circumstances, one would have to go out and … Read more
Last year, Angela Haupt of US News and World Report, shared the story of ten people living their best despite having a chronic illness. I was humbled to be featured in this article. Here is what Angela wrote: Cavallo, 38, of Chandler, Arizona, was fully functioning and healthy when he went numb from the waist down … Read more
**Originally posted by Matt Cavallo on MSAA Conversations on 7-24-2015 at http://blog.mymsaa.org/worth-fighting-for/** In July of 2005, I was in a deep depression. I had just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in June of 2005 and I was in the midst of an internal struggle trying to come to terms with being newly diagnosed. I have a … Read more
June 10th, 2005, I remember it like it was yesterday. This was the day that I had my follow-up visit with my neurologist. During the previous month, I had lost my ability to walk, been hospitalized and had been seeing a physical therapist to learn how to walk again all due to an acute onset … Read more
**Originally posted by Matt Cavallo on MSAA Conversations on 4-20-2015 at http://blog.mymsaa.org/worth-fighting-for/** Photo Citation: Wash, B. (2011, December 11). Never Never Give Up, art show 2011, MBW. Retrieved June 3, 2015, from https://flic.kr/p/b4vjd8 There was a touching moment at my last neurology appointment. You see, I have been with my same neurologist since moving to Arizona … Read more
**Originally posted by Matt Cavallo on MFNBLOG on 12-15-2014** One of the activities my wife and I used to really enjoy doing together was going to the gym. We had a personal trainer named Eric. Eric was funny, knowledgeable and understood how to maximize the workout for both me and my wife. Having a personal trainer … Read more
**Originally posted by Matt Cavallo on MSAA Conversations on 12-8-2014** As the holidays approach, many of us living with a chronic illness are fretting holiday travel. Maybe you would like to travel to see friends or loved ones, but are hesitant because of your illness. You are not alone. Travel is stressful for everyone. Airports … Read more
Many of us out there are living with a chronic illness. The challenges that we face with that illness can be overwhelming. What are you doing to stay inspired despite the cards that you were dealt? For me, inspiration came in the form of a dog, my Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Ted. When I couldn’t walk or … Read more
I was recently asked to appear on the Jennings Wire podcast to talk about my life with MS and my books. The following is a link to my podcast interview. It is about nine minutes long and according to the host and all the social media comments, very inspiring. It is also free of charge, … Read more