About DAMMS 411

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After many years of reaping the physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits of ballroom dance as my personal rehab for MS symptoms - I knew it was time to share what I've experienced and learned. 

After recovering from my major  MS exacerbation in 2006, I started making life changes to make it possible to live and not merely exist. Through these changes,  I have been fortunate to meet and exceed many of my greatest milestone achievements since 2006.

Until 2020, when covid waved it's ugly head and prevented people from getting out for their regular activities. Lack of activity felt like it was was going to kill me neurologically. I needed to get active again for both my emotional health and my maintain my physical abilities. 

In my desperation to remain active I went to the vast internet in search of people/clubs/organizations that were staying active together from their homes. 

During my online research, I found an amazing woman named Cheryl, the founder of RAMMS (Run A Myelin My Shoes) click here for more information about RAMMS.  

... and a second amazing lady I met is Christine. (Click here to learn more about her group Run wine finish line)

Getting involved in these two groups helped me to reengage my body for living. I was so deeply inspired by the turn around that took place for my physical and emotional health that I wanted to find a way to share this new found inspiration and motivation with others. 

While I joined the group RAMMS for "runners" my ability is more of a sprint, short distance packed with full energy. Neurologically it is easier to for me to exert full bursts of energy for a short time the way I do when dancing. Not to mention the joy that consumes me while I dance. 

When I heard that Jonathan Roberts from Dancing with the Stars was working on a project for the positive impact of ballroom dancing for individuals with MS, I went to see my neurologist to learn how he felt ballroom dance has impacted  my neurologic health, I was happy to hear his reply. (Click here to see the letter Dr. Gold wrote to Jonathan) Couple his positive response with the copious peer reviewed journal articles I've read on this topic and you have the birth of DAMMS 411- Dance A Myelin My Shoes.

Ballroom dance may not be for everyone and not all people with MS will be able to dance, but if you are able to bare any weight, even with assistance, you may be able to give it a try. Take time to read the peer reviewed research I have listed and even look up more. Then make sure to talk to your doctor to see if this is an option for you. 

I can't wait to start hearing positive stories as more people with MS get the opportunity to experience the effects of dance on your neurologic/overall health.

1. Link to RAMMS
2. Link to Run Wine Finish Lines
3. Link to Sponsors page