Published: April 5, 2017 | Updated: May 14, 2019
Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is something Uriel Hernandez-Trujillo does every day. But he isn’t letting the neurological disease stop him for living the life he loves.
Hernandez-Trujillo’s journey with MS dates back to when he was just 8 years old, riding the school bus, heading toward Lincoln Elementary Performing Arts School in downtown Louisville. When it was time for him to change buses, he was unable to get up from his seat — his legs were paralyzed.
Emergency medical services rushed him to Norton Children’s Hospital, where he underwent many tests to determine the cause of the sudden paralysis. A neurologist suspected hydrocephalus at the time. Three years later, Hernandez-Trujillo would be diagnosed with MS by a Norton Neuroscience Institute MS specialist.
Are you or someone you love struggling to understand an MS diagnosis? Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center offers educational, therapeutic, support and exercise programs. Our staff can also assist with:
The resource center’s services are available at no cost to you or your family. The goal is to tailor support services so that you receive the personal attention you deserve to address your physical and emotional needs. For more information, call the Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center at (502) 599-3230.
Throughout his childhood and adolescent years, Hernandez-Trujillo struggled with fatigue and numbness — side effects of MS — and he had difficulty concentrating on his schoolwork. During his senior year of high school, he finally was able to manage his MS without experiencing countless relapses, thanks to aggressive treatments and medical care through Norton Neuroscience Institute.
Now in his second year of college and working toward a degree in business, Hernandez-Trujillo knows that taking care of himself is important. Like most of us, he struggles to balance school, work and family responsibilities at age 20.
“I enjoy hikes with my friends and staying active, but with school work I struggle to stay motivated,” he said. “When I am exercising I take extra care to not get overheated, which is a real concern with MS. My legs can start to go numb; it is very scary.”
Hernandez-Trujillo also enjoys playing the guitar and spending time with his family. He is one of four boys and is grateful to his parents for everything they have given him.
“My parents keep me motivated,” he said. “I want to take care of them as much as they have taken care of me.”
To keep his MS in check, Hernandez-Trujillo undergoes an intravenous infusion every month. This type of medication treatment is working well for him.
“Luckily, it has worked for me and I only have to take it once a month,” he said. “I am blessed that this medication is available in order for others and myself to enjoy a healthy life.”
Select an appointment date and time from available spots listed below.