Melinda Livermont’s Unstoppable Fight Against MS

Melinda Livermont, founder of Mighty Strong MS, recalls the pivotal moment when she first lost her sight — an event that would mark the beginning of her journey with multiple sclerosis (MS). She had recently moved and was experiencing severe migraines while working at a medical center. One day, while assisting in the optometrist’s office, she unexpectedly walked into a brick wall. At first, she didn’t understand what had happened — everything simply went dark. A quick assessment by the optometrist led to immediate tests, and within hours, she was on a flight to a major medical center after scans revealed lesions on her brain.

The sudden loss of vision was terrifying, but Melinda quickly shifted from fear to determination. When doctors confirmed she had MS, her first thought was not just about herself but about her children and her responsibilities. “What do we do next?” she asked, ready to face the challenges ahead. The initial treatment plan included high-dose intravenous steroids, marking the start of her lifelong journey in managing MS.

Two weeks after her diagnosis, Melinda returned home and began treatment with an infusion therapy she continues every six months. While the treatment has helped slow the progression of MS, her vision has only partially returned — she explains that she can only see from the nose up, as the lower half remains lost due to optic nerve damage. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, she embraces it as a gift, allowing her to focus on the most expressive and beautiful part of a person — their eyes, which she believes tell their life stories.

Despite ongoing challenges, including memory issues, occasional falls and persistent pain, Melinda remains proactive in her health. She follows a strict routine that includes physical therapy, healthy eating and natural pain management. She avoids traditional pain medications, preferring anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric and dark chocolate, and maintains an active role in her MS community.

Beyond her personal battle, Melinda is deeply involved in MS advocacy, both as a patient and a community leader. She emphasizes the importance of being an informed and vocal patient, comparing it to being a protective parent — always questioning treatments and working with doctors to find the best approach. Her care team has been instrumental in her care, but she also believes in learning from other patients with MS and their experiences.

Through Mighty Strong MS, she has created a platform for education, empowerment and connection. This is especially important as a recent survey conducted by Genentech among people living with MS, caregivers and the general public found that 9 out of 10 respondents faced significant barriers to care.

Melinda encourages others to embrace their own resilience — or as she puts it, “grit” — in facing MS. Despite the hardships, she remains committed to making her journey sustainable, inspiring others with her unwavering determination to live life on her own terms.