Marcilena Link

Marcilena Link and her partner Tim Daly both live with Multiple Sclerosis. The odds of a couple both living with the same disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord may seem unlikely, in fact they are considered the MS Society's first MS couple. Tim and Marci grew up in the same circles and were an instant love connection when they crossed paths years later. Tim had been diagnosed with MS before dating Marci and wanted to make sure she understood what his diagnosis could mean for their future together. Marci was not phased and would become his advocate, best friend, and life partner.
At that time, Marci was dealing with her own health issues related to a devastating car accident and subsequent neck surgery. Tim was supportive on many levels including becoming a caring figure in her daughter's life. "My Daughter taught me what love was, and I wanted to find someone who would love her as much as I do," Marci explained Tim was that person. They would continue to support each other through years of unexplained symptoms that Marci would experience. Doctors assumed they were related to her car accident.
Marci experienced numbness in her legs, feet and face. She would be working and when the tingling would begin, she would work through it. The symptoms would come and go until one night in 2016 she went to the emergency room mentally prepared to be told she needed spinal surgery. Testing would reveal she too, had Multiple Sclerosis.

"There is always something that can happen to change your life. MS changed my life," she explained. "Diet and exercise are important in managing our MS, how you treat your body, MS treats you back." Additionally, finding a specialist who treats many MS patients is important. Marci's road to finding her current doctor was long and full of confusion.
She would find most "specialists" have limited experience with actual MS patients. She suggests interviewing Doctors and asking specific questions, like how many MS patients they have worked with. "Get the numbers, don't let them be vague."

Marci believes having support can make you feel invincible, no matter what you are up against. She works with Atlantic CIL's Transition Specialist, Ana Then. "Ana lit our tunnel; I don't feel lost anymore. She has been amazing and made me feel comfortable to be upset." Together they are working on a number of things including making sure Marci has the insurance she needs to manage her MS. "MS is hard, but somehow we are making it work." Marci is planning to write a book about her story and has a long-term goal of starting a MS advocacy center for NJ.