Grant Adams, a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) sufferer, is aiming to complete his first Comrades Marathon this Sunday. Grant will be pushed by one of his best mates, Andrew Murray, in a specially manufactured bike for the entire 90km of this year’s Comrades Marathon.
Grant always dreamt of running the ultra-marathon but gave up hope as his MS progressed. Surrounded by a willing support crew, Grant hopes to make history and become the first person with MS to cross the Comrades finish line in his custom-made three-wheeler.
“This is a true story of friendship. Andrew has given up an entire year, to train, and to push me and try to get me a Comrades medal. Sitting in the chair, for me, is excruciating as my nerves are exposed,” says Grant.
Grant is a Dad, husband, son, brother, friend, and Multiple Sclerosis Warrior.
“I have had Multiple Sclerosis for 11 years, and I’m trying to raise the money to have a Stem Cell Transplant and Chemotherapy (AHSCT – Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant). It’s risky, but I can’t wait any longer. It’s time to do it.”
“My community, family, and friends have been wonderful, and so generous, patient, and kind. But I still have a way to go. I hope to start treatment in August.”
His only hope of stopping the progression of the MS is this treatment, which is risky, as his immune system will be suppressed, in order to reboot his system. There will be chemo treatment, then home with daily injections; all culminating in 21 to 25 days in hospital, in isolation. The isolation is due to the risk associated with Grant’s immune system being suppressed. While the Stem Cell Transplant will not cure the disease, it is hoped that it may slow down the progression a little, and extend his time not confined to a wheelchair, or bed. He hopes this will buy him some time to enjoy with his wife and two children.
“Multiple Sclerosis is an aggressive, progressive and degenerative disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. There is no cure and no hope of recovery for people living with this disease. Life with MS is very difficult, due to the relentless pain, and the soreness that the nerve damage does to my body – every day. There are no exceptions. I know that there will never be a day off from it. But this is the hand I’ve been dealt, and I need to stand tall, and fight this foe. It’s lonely. It’s a case of so many people around me, loving me, but still feeling desperately alone. It’s an illness suffered in silence,” explains Grant.
Grant was diagnosed with MS 11 years ago and is no longer able to work. His only hope of stopping the progression of the MS is the treatment.
“I also need support – not only financially, but emotionally. I need people in my corner, to show me, and my family, that we are not alone in this journey. My daily struggles are endless,” concludes Grant.
For more information or to find out how you can give your support, visit the website and Facebook link below.
Pictured left are Andrew and Grant with the custom-made wheelchair they will use for the Comrades on Sunday. Photo courtesy of The Ridge magazine.