More Than a Diagnosis: My Story

My name is Chris Gerard, and I live in Duluth, Minnesota. I am a father, an MS warrior, a songwriter, an advocate, an employee at True North Goodwill, and someone who believes that every day gives us another opportunity to make a difference. Multiple sclerosis is part of my story, but it is not the title of it.

MS has changed the way my body moves. I use a power wheelchair, and walking is one of my greatest physical challenges. Still, I refuse to measure my life only by the steps I can take. Movement comes in many forms. Sometimes it is lifting weights at the gym. Sometimes it is working, writing a song, planning an event, helping another person, or simply choosing to show up when staying home would be easier. That is why the phrase “Motion is Lotion” means so much to me.

My two sons, Quintin and Konnor, are among the greatest reasons I keep moving forward. Being their father has taught me about responsibility, love, patience, and strength. I want them to see that difficult circumstances do not have to decide what kind of person you become. Life may change the road in front of you, but you still get to choose how you travel it.

I am also proud to be involved with Team MoLo MS, including helping build its presence in Minnesota. Team MoLo MS brings people together through movement, encouragement, advocacy, and community. My goal is to help people with disabilities feel seen, included, and valued. Nobody should feel forgotten simply because their body works differently.

Everyone deserves a place at the table.

Another important part of my life is organizing events that combine strength with purpose. Through projects such as Lifting for a Cure, I have worked to bring gyms, businesses, supporters, and community members together around the fight against MS. These events are about more than raising money. They create conversations, build connections, and remind people that hope becomes stronger when a community carries it together.

Creativity also gives me a voice. I enjoy writing songs that blend rap, country, rock, and other influences. My music tells stories about survival, gratitude, determination, fatherhood, disability, and refusing to surrender control of my life. Every lyric is another way of turning struggle into something meaningful.

I do not pretend that every day is easy. Some days require more patience and effort than others. But I remain grateful, determined, and focused on what I can still create.

I am not waiting for life to become perfect before I live it.

I am Chris Gerard. I have MS, but MS does not have me. I am still working, creating, advocating, loving my family, and moving forward—

one determined day at a time.

--Chris Gerard

Team MoLo MS, Director of Patient Advocacy