Trey Fortner and Potter are part of Shannon Hoelzel’s strong support group as she fights multiple sclerosis with a positive attitude
PERSEVERANCE=Real Heros: Meeting one of life's big challenges
"At first Shannon Hoelzel just felt tired. Really tired. The kind of tired that doesn't go away, not even with eight hours of sleep. Next she started to get migraines and then her vision started to blur and double, even when she didn't have a headache.

Not knowing what was wrong or not being taken seriously when she knew something was wrong was even harder than hearing the diagnosis: multiple schlerosis.

Hoelzel, 27, who grew up in Plymouth and graduated from Armstrong High School, was diagnosed two years ago. When doctors gave her a MRI and found lesions indicative of MS, they followed with a spinal tap. Other possible illnesses, such as lupus, were ruled out, and doctors said her symptoms were indicative of MS. That day, Dec. 22, 2004, is etched in Hoelzel's memory.

"It is not really what I asked Santa for, but it was a relief," she said.

Now taking medications to help her deal with the illness, Hoelzel's naturally optimistic outlook is back in full force. She's working, and she's making plans to get the degree she didn't complete before, when fatigue sidelined her plans.

Hoelzel also is trying to lead others with MS into taking a positive approach to their illness and to take care of themselves.

"Every day is a new experience," she said. "Of course, I have my 'down' days. I find brownies and ice cream take care of them."

As a person with MS, Hoelzel needs to have an annual MRI. She also needs to keep stress down and make sure she gets enough rest.

"I'm blessed I don't have walking problems," she said. "Everybody has their burdens to bear, and everybody needs some support.

"I had to try so hard not to hold life by the throat. I had to realize the only thing I can control any more is my reaction and my perspective. I leave the rest to God."

When Hoelzel was diagnosed, she didn't know anyone her age with MS. That has changed.

"There's an instant connection," she said. "They understand what you're going through. They are people I wouldn't have met if I didn't have MS. Being able to represent them in the media is so great."



There are 400,000 diagnosed cases of MS in the U.S., and 7,500 in Minnesota and western Wisconsin alone, Hoelzel said.

Instead of sitting home feeling sorry for herself, Hoelzel believes in making plans for the future and setting goals for herself. Some goals are simply fun ones, such as hiking in the Grand Canyon this summer, and others involve life changes, such as going back to school.

"As my dad says, 'Whether you think you can or can't, you're right about it,'" she said. "Everybody has a burden. Nobody would know mine is MS."

Hoelzel is doing what she can to educate the public about MS, and she is working to raise funds to finance research that will some day lead to a cure for the elusive illness.
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