This month, as our 10th anniversary series concludes, we are celebrating how iConquerMS is changing lives! Join us as we dive into the personal stories of three members of the iConquerMS Research, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Council (RIDE Council) and how the initiative is making a difference. From empowering research to fostering a supportive community, discover the real impact of iConquerMS and the RIDE Council on people’s lives!
The RIDE Council aims to increase research participation by amplifying the voices and experiences of underrepresented communities. Their efforts help ensure that everyone with MS can access the best possible information, outcomes, and care.
The RIDE Council plays a vital role in the iConquerMS initiative, ensuring the entire MS community is included in research and support activities. By focusing on marginalized groups, they enhance the relevance and impact of research, promote fair healthcare, and foster a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone with MS
DeLisa French
DeLisa is a retired public health emergency preparedness administrator with secondary progressive MS. She was diagnosed with MS in 2009 and had to take early retirement due to reduced mobility. She learned about iConquerMS in 2019 on a Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Cruise for a Cause and joined the initiative a year later.
She joined the RIDE Council because she was intrigued by the opportunity to contribute her views to the initiative and excited to learn about the views of others, particularly regarding diversity in the MS community. As a member of the RIDE Council, DeLisa helps to develop research literature for distribution.
DeLisa loves traveling, cruising, attending concerts, adaptive rock climbing, learning to swim, and adaptive horseback riding. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri and currently lives in Maryland.
DeLisa enjoys collaborating with fellow iConquerMS and RIDE Council members to promote greater research participation among people with MS. She also enjoys learning about new opportunities related to MS. When asked what impact iConquerMS has had in her life, she shares, “iConquerMS has increased awareness of my disability and initiated great conversations about research.”
“iConquerMS offers a great opportunity to meet other MS warriors, exchange ideas and receive information.” -DeLisa French
Dimika Cavalier
Dimika worked as a forensic scientist for over fifteen years until she had to leave due to debilitating MS symptoms. Now, she works as a contract patient consultant and independent contributor, offering her perspective as a person with MS on research, health communications, and treatment topics. Dimika experienced MS symptoms for at least six years before being diagnosed in 2019. After her diagnosis, she searched for information about MS and discovered the National MS Society’s resources page, which led her to ACP and iConquerMS. She joined iConquerMS in early 2020.
“Having a chronic health condition may require constant adjustments. You don’t know what symptoms you will face from one day to the next. Discover your new-found ability each time and remain adaptable.” – Dimika Cavalier
Having MS affects every aspect of Dimika’s life. In her words, “When I first received the diagnosis, I was relieved to finally have an explanation after experiencing symptoms for so many years. One of the more difficult aspects of the disease for me is battling fatigue. I can push through the pain most of the time, but fatigue is its own beast. It’s the invisible symptoms that are so difficult for others to understand.” Dimika remembers being told by one neurologist that she was too analytical when questioning her treatment, symptoms, and experiences. This motivated her to join the RIDE Council to help ensure that others do not face similar delays in MS diagnosis or treatment. Dimika serves as co-chair of the RIDE Council and is the RIDE Council representative on the iConquerMS Governing Board.
Dimika enjoys dancing and going to the theater. She was born and raised in New Orleans, LA and currently resides in Memphis, TN.
Dimika finds it rewarding to witness how responses from the Real MS surveys contribute to tangible research outcomes. She values being part of a platform where researchers actively engage with and gain insights from underrepresented voices. In her words, “Researchers are asking us (the patients) for guidance regarding topics, questionnaires, and the design for their research. In addition, we are presented with a glimpse of what is to come if their proposals receive funding. It is intriguing and exciting to be involved in the process.”
When asked what impact iConquerMS has had in her life, Dimika shares, “I have met the most amazing people and am grateful for the friendships formed. I am thankful for the partnerships and the opportunities that I have had to share my perspective and advocate for diversity and inclusion in research, which would not have been possible if I were not part of iConquerMS and the RIDE Council.”
“I would encourage anyone living with MS, or who cares for someone with MS to join since iConquerMS is the only platform for MS patient powered research… Researchers cannot consider your valuable perspective if you don’t share it. Your perspective is needed – you are the expert – it takes all of us.” – Dimika Cavalier
Veronica Daniels-Lewis
Veronica built a 20-year career in marketing, sales, and mortgage banking with Fortune 500 companies, and later in early childhood education. After the birth of her third child, she chose to become a stay-at-home mom. Soon after, she started experiencing MS symptoms and, after seeing many doctors, was finally diagnosed with MS in 1996.
Following her doctor’s recommendation, Veronica reached out to the National MS Society for guidance. This connection led her to take on several volunteer positions, allowing her to help others and stay informed about the latest MS information. In early 2020, she saw information on iConquerMS in her doctor’s office and was excited to join and become a member.
MS halted Veronica’s childhood dreams of being in Corporate America, and it has changed her lifestyle. She states, “I was living my dreams, able to be in fast paced environments where it was exciting, until one morning I woke up and had numbness in my left arm and feet. Since then, my life has changed… I was able to work for a few more years, but the unbearable fatigue I was experiencing made it difficult to continue.” Veronica considers herself a pioneer person of color who has been living with MS for a long period of time and participates in research often. She is an MS patient consultant to a Higher Learning Institution who specializes in advancement of MS Research. Veronica chose to join the RIDE Council to help break down barriers, improve trust and bring awareness to the need for people of color to be involved in MS research.
Veronica lives in Sugar Land, TX and enjoys doing word search puzzles, reading magazines and talking to her granddaughter in her spare time.
Veronica enjoys having access to accurate information about MS, and connecting with researchers through iConquerMS. She states, “I like using my voice and hearing thoughts of others in a space where we can come up with ideas to help people of color understand the importance of participating in research for moving change in medicine. I also enjoy the ability to share my ideas on what I feel researchers can use to help with solutions to end MS.”
When asked what impact iConquerMS has had in her life, Veronica shares, “Joining iConquerMS has given me the opportunity to really see the need to have everyone in all racial groups participate in research. This is the only way we can come up with real solutions to help people live better lives with MS.”
“iConquerMS and the RIDE COUNCIL have allowed me to meet many people in the U.S. that think like me and are striving to help people living with MS live better lives.” – Veronica Daniels-Lewis
The stories of DeLisa French, Dimika Cavalier, and Veronica Daniels-Lewis highlight the significant impact of iConquerMS and the RIDE Council in promoting inclusivity and diversity in MS research. By prioritizing underrepresented voices, iConquerMS is advancing scientific knowledge and fostering a supportive community. As iConquerMS celebrates its 10th anniversary, these personal accounts underscore its mission to improve healthcare outcomes for everyone living with MS. If you haven’t already, please consider joining iConquerMS today and be part of this transformative initiative!
