“When we give MS the attention that it deserves, it helps us expand the research and quality of life for Veterans and others with MS, and helps with their access to care.”
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Shayna G. was on a routine morning run in Monterey, California, when her life took an unexpected turn. The Nebraska native and National Guard soldier was training at the Defense Language Institute (DLI) when she suddenly couldn't lift her right leg. "It didn't hurt. I didn't twist it, I didn't do anything," she recalled. "I just couldn't lift my leg."
That moment marked the beginning of a long journey toward a diagnosis that would change her life: multiple sclerosis (MS). What followed was a year and a half of medical appointments, tests, and uncertainty. "They did a million different tests," Shayna said. "A few of them, in hindsight, were indicative of what was going on, but they dismissed a lot of the results because I was 23, 24. They said, 'You're too young for any of this to matter.'"
The Army ultimately separated her in 2008, citing degenerative arthritis in her hip—the best explanation they could offer at the time. But her symptoms persisted. It wasn't until she was living in Korea with her husband, stationed there, that she finally received her MS diagnosis. A neurologist, determined to get answers, pushed for the necessary tests. "He said, 'Let's start with the biggest stuff and work our way down,'" Shayna explained. "He diagnosed me on his last day on base, after a year of testing."
For Shayna, the diagnosis was just the beginning. MS, a disease that affects the central nervous system, is unpredictable. Some days, she felt fine. Other days, her symptoms would flare up unexpectedly. "It really is the transient properties of it," she said. "You need a crystal ball to know what's going to happen."
Despite the challenges, Shayna considers herself fortunate. She credits early detection and aggressive treatment with allowing her to maintain her mobility. "My neurologist told me early on, 'By the time you've hit five years, you can pretty much guarantee you will have spent some time in a wheelchair,'" she recalled. "I'm at 13 years now, and while I have a wheelchair, I’ve never had to use it."
Treatment options for MS have expanded significantly since her diagnosis. "When I was first diagnosed, there were only five treatment options. A few years ago, there were 15. Now, there are over 30," Shayna said. Finding the right medication is often a process of trial and error, and some treatments come with heavy side effects. "One medication increased my risk of cancer by 10%," she noted. "It's a serious balancing act."
Through it all, Shayna has found support in Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). She was introduced to the organization by a National Service Officer during a routine VA appointment. "I didn’t even know what PVA was at the time," she admitted. "But he explained it, told me I was eligible, and that was it—I signed up on the spot."
Since then, PVA has played a vital role in her life. Initially, it helped her navigate her VA benefits, increasing her disability rating from 30% to 70%, and eventually to 100%. But beyond benefits, it provided a sense of community and purpose. "I really am involved in everything they do," she said. "I don’t golf, but other than that, I try to participate in as much as I can."
As a board member of PVA’s Great Plains Chapter, Shayna is focused on making events more accessible for members who don’t use wheelchairs. "So many PVA events are focused on wheelchair sports, and that’s fantastic," she said. "But MS is unpredictable. Some days I can walk fine, other days I can’t. I want to make sure that no one feels like they don’t belong."
She also serves as her chapter’s point of contact for women Veterans and members with MS, working to ensure that everyone feels included. "Our board is great about asking, 'What do our women Veterans need? What can we do for them?'" she said. "I’ve never felt like I was treated differently as a woman Veteran, which I think is phenomenal."
Shayna’s involvement with PVA extends beyond her chapter. She recently attended the Women Veterans Empowerment Retreat (WVER), where she connected with other women in PVA and shared ideas for increasing engagement. "There are some feisty women in that group, and I love them," she said, laughing. "One of the older Veterans told us, ‘There’s only so much you can do with honey. Sometimes you have to put your foot down and tell them: I’m not asking, I’m telling.’"
For Shayna, advocacy is not just a responsibility—it’s a passion. Every May, she travels to Washington, D.C., to advocate for Veterans' rights. "Right now, I have the mobility and energy to travel easily, but I understand the struggles my fellow PVA members face," she said. "I want to make sure their voices are heard."
Despite the unpredictability of MS, Shayna remains optimistic. She continues working full-time for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and dedicates much of her free time to PVA. "If I ever have to retire early because of my MS, I already know where I’m going to spend my time," she said. "I know that I’ll be needed and valued, and that’s incredibly reassuring."
For Shayna, PVA isn’t just an organization—it’s a lifeline. "I love being involved," she said. "If I could do it all day, every day, I would. And honestly, I already do."