Move It or Lose It | Episode 143 Part 1
Guest: Dennis White
Host: Kathy Chester
Theme: Still Standing: Marine MS Warrior Stories
Release Date: February 18, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode, host and MS warrior Kathy Chester sits down with Dennis White, a former U.S. Marine and Desert Storm veteran, to discuss his journey with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) — from his early days in the military to his experiences navigating the healthcare system as both a veteran and a person with MS. This candid and spirited conversation delves into the links between autoimmune diseases and military life, the realities of MS diagnosis and daily living, and Dennis's determined advocacy for his own health, including his battle to receive adaptive technology from the VA.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Military Background and “The Journey Begins”
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Dennis’s Marine Corps Service:
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Joined in 1989, influenced by a family tradition of fitness and a desire to travel (01:29–02:36).
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Deployed to Okinawa, Japan; contracted mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus), now known to be linked with higher MS risk (04:08–04:21).
“As you know, the Epstein Barr virus is connected to multiple sclerosis.”
— Kathy Chester [04:21]
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Life After Service:
- Left military in 1993, lived in Ohio for over two decades before returning to Michigan during the pandemic (06:23–07:12).
2. MS Diagnosis & The Emotional Journey
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Onset and Symptoms:
- Early MS symptoms included leg weakness exacerbated by heat and exercise; sought help at the VA before being referred to an MS specialist (07:57–08:59).
- Official diagnosis in 2014 after MRI and spinal tap.
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Diagnosis Process:
- “I was kind of in denial when I first got diagnosed. It was something I didn’t want to accept.”
— Dennis White [08:11] - Experience with Tecfidera (a DMT), which caused difficult stomach side effects (10:59–11:10).
- “I was kind of in denial when I first got diagnosed. It was something I didn’t want to accept.”
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Coping After Diagnosis:
- Researched alternative therapies and diet changes (inspired by Dr. Terry Wahls' work), in part out of fear from negative medication experiences shared online (11:23–11:52).
- Struggled with physical fitness, gaining weight post-military, and the realization that symptoms were more than just "getting out of shape" (12:16–12:52).
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Ongoing Acceptance:
- Discussion of the unpredictable, recurring grief process that comes with progressive disease:
“I’ve always found that it's not just a one and done of the acceptance and the grieving part, because through the years we have different things that change with our multiple sclerosis.”
— Kathy Chester [13:59]
- Discussion of the unpredictable, recurring grief process that comes with progressive disease:
3. Living with MS: Family, Work, and Adapting Life
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Work and Mobility Challenges:
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As symptoms worsened, Dennis transitioned from physically demanding hospital IT work at McLaren Hospital to a remote IT position with a Boston-based medical company (18:03–19:09).
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Shared challenges of work, mobility, and family, highlighting the importance of remote work for those living with MS (19:15–20:05).
“It’s probably the best IT job I’ve ever had in my life.”
— Dennis White [19:09]
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Family Decisions:
- Decision to move to Michigan driven by desire for family support, especially when MS symptoms began affecting daily life (16:17–17:18).
- Candid discussion about his daughter's struggles adjusting during the pandemic after their move (20:05–20:23).
4. Innovation and Advocacy: The MyoCycle Battle with the VA
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Discovery of the MyoCycle:
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After a biking accident due to leg weakness and the need to remain active, Dennis researched adaptive devices and found the MyoCycle, a functional electric stimulation (FES) bike (22:03–23:04).
“It's really amazing—helps with your spasticity. It strengthens your legs, it helps with blood flow… multiple advantages.”
— Dennis White [24:51]
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Device Mechanics:
- The MyoCycle uses eight electrodes per leg and four on the glutes to deliver electrical stimulation that helps move and strengthen muscles during cycling; resistance and intensity are adjustable for progressive training (23:16–24:51).
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VA System Challenges:
- Despite being FDA-approved and widely beneficial for neuro conditions, Dennis struggled for years to get the device covered by the VA. His request was initially denied with the reasoning:
“We do not supply bicycles to veterans.”
— VA denial letter, recounted by Dennis White [27:50]
- Despite being FDA-approved and widely beneficial for neuro conditions, Dennis struggled for years to get the device covered by the VA. His request was initially denied with the reasoning:
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Persistence Pays Off:
- Dennis shared how he had to confront VA officials, educate providers, and advocate persistently for the device, highlighting the lack of awareness and systemic hurdles veterans with MS face (27:55–28:24).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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“Once a Marine, always a Marine.”
— Dennis White [03:50] -
“It is that acceptance. And then… it’s not just a one and done… through the years, we have different things that change with our multiple sclerosis.”
— Kathy Chester [13:59] -
“Being a Marine as well, it’s like, wait, what? We still get this? What is this?”
— Kathy Chester [08:21] -
“When I got diagnosed, I probably weighed almost 300 pounds…”
— Dennis White [12:16] -
“I thought, maybe I was just out of shape. So I started going to the gym…but by the time I got done, I was limping out of the gym.”
— Dennis White [12:23–12:45] -
“I dove off the bike and landed on the grass, but the grass was wet, so I just…belly flopped right off the ground.”
— Dennis White [22:33] -
“This is an FDA-approved device for people with multiple sclerosis…not something I saw on Instagram.”
— Dennis White [28:20–28:24]
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Time | Segment | |:---------: | --------------------------------------------------------- | | 01:29–02:36| Marine Corps beginnings and physical preparation | | 04:08–04:21| Contracting mono and introduction to Epstein-Barr | | 07:57–08:59| Symptom onset and MS diagnosis | | 10:59–11:10| Experience with Tecfidera medication | | 11:23–11:52| Coping strategies and researching alternatives | | 12:16–12:52| Fitness struggles and misattributed symptoms | | 16:17–17:18| Move from Ohio to Michigan, family decisions | | 18:03–19:09| Transition to remote work | | 22:03–23:04| Biking accident and discovery of MyoCycle FES bike | | 23:16–24:51| Explanation of how the MyoCycle works | | 27:50 | The VA’s initial denial and Dennis’s advocacy | | 27:55–28:24| Confronting the VA and the battle for disability tech |
Summary & Takeaways
This episode is a testament to resilience, humor, and advocacy in the face of adversity. Dennis White’s journey from Marine to MS warrior to adaptive technology advocate reveals:
- The interconnectedness between military service, viral exposure, and autoimmune risk
- The complex, emotional road to MS diagnosis, acceptance, and ongoing adjustment
- Realities and challenges of living and working with MS, including the need for flexible employment
- The vital importance of movement, adaptation, and fighting systemic barriers to access appropriate care and equipment for those with chronic illness, especially veterans
For more information on adaptive devices like the MyoCycle, check episode notes or visit Myelin’s website (as cited by Dennis).
Next Episode Preview:
Stay tuned for Part 2, where Dennis and Kathy continue their discussion on life hacks for MS warriors, advocacy wins, and message of hope for listeners walking a similar path.