Move It or Lose It Podcast | Episode 143 Part 2

Title: Still Standing: Marine MS Warrior Stories with Dennis White
Host: Kathy Chester
Guest: Dennis White
Date: February 25, 2026

Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode, host Kathy Chester welcomes Dennis White, a Marine Corps veteran and multiple sclerosis (MS) warrior, for the second part of his remarkable story. The discussion focuses on Dennis’s persistent fight to access therapeutic devices through the VA, his participation in promising clinical trials (like TMS therapy), and his advocacy for other veterans with MS. Through Dennis's journey, the episode highlights the vital role of movement in managing MS, the bureaucratic hurdles of veteran healthcare, and the power of refusing to give up.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dennis’s Fight for the Mile Cycle FES Bike—Persistence Pays Off

• Dennis describes his battle with the VA to obtain the Mile Cycle, an FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) bike that dramatically improved his leg strength:
  • Clinical Trial Experience: He participated in TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy at Ohio State and was encouraged to try the Mile Cycle during his six-week clinical trial.
    • “I did seven sessions on the mile cycle, and my leg strength improved by 60%.” – Dennis (01:34)
  • Repeated Appeals & Advocacy: After multiple denials by the VA, he learned the appeals process and involved doctors and his congressperson to finally secure a 12-week trial of the device.
    • “Basically, you have to file if you get anything denied by the VA, you have to file an appeal.” – Dennis (02:40)
    • Third appeal goes to an external board: “Your third appeal goes outside of the VA to a board, and the board looks at it, and they approve it or disapprove it.” (06:02)
    • “I got the mile cycle in April of 2024 and I rode that thing every day...until I no longer needed a cane or a walker.” (06:27)
• Impact: Persistence and documentation (therapist letters, progress tracking) are key when dealing with the VA’s system.

2. Movement as a Lifeline

• Kathy emphasizes that physical activity is essential for MS patients:
  • “Movement is our biggest defense...when we decide, like, we've just quit, we're not going to move, well, that's your death sentence.” – Kathy (06:52)
• Dennis’s commitment to movement, even when faced with setbacks, set him apart and enabled his dramatic improvement.

3. Advice for Navigating the VA and Accessing Care

• Dennis discusses the importance of utilizing patient advocates within the VA and networking with other vets:
  • “At the VA, they have patient advocates...they help veterans fill out the paperwork for that.” (02:46)
  • Enlist support from doctors: “The key is to have your doctor advocating for you...” (31:01)
  • Involve political representatives when needed.
• VA services are not uniform:
  • “Just because one VA does something doesn't mean they all do.” (30:13)

4. Alternative Devices & Strategies for MS Patients

• Cost Barriers: The Mile Cycle is expensive (~$13,000), limiting access for non-vets or those not on disability.
  • For non-veterans, Dennis notes some insurance providers may help, and suggests finding physical therapy centers with similar equipment. (09:02)
• Other Devices: Discusses the H Wave, vibration plates, and the Pulse Device for pain and muscle stimulation.
  • “What I found that helps the most with MS is anything like any kind of stim...is very beneficial.” (12:38)

5. TMS Therapy & Its Benefits

• Explains what TMS is (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), initially tried for MS at Ohio State during a clinical trial.
  • “What they do is they put this thing on your head and they target...certain parts of your brain, and it kind of wakes up that area...” (22:56)
• Outcomes include reduced mental fatigue and improved daily function:
  • “It completely got rid of my mental fatigue. Like, I Was not mentally exhausted every day.” (24:30)

6. Camaraderie, Community & Mindset

• Dennis's Marine Corps training provided grit and perseverance:
  • “I think a lot of my attitude and everything was instilled in me when I was in the Marine Corps.” (20:09)
• On the importance of mindset:
  • “You have to have the right mindset...I'm just gonna do, I have to make the best of my situation.” (17:45)
• Dennis helps guide other vets online and through support groups, sharing resources and encouragement.

7. Advice to Newly Diagnosed/Discouraged MS Veterans

• Dennis advocates for fighting through the system, seeking community, and exploring new hobbies/adaptations:
  • “It's hard because the way MS affects everybody differently...I just have a mindset where, yeah, it sucks, but...I have to make the best of my situation.” (17:45-18:08)
• Don’t give up, even if denied—keep appealing and seeking support.

8. Building Community & Sharing Knowledge

• Dennis discusses his efforts to create a website/blog (“MyMS Adventure”) to share his MS journey and resources for others.
  • He regularly responds to inquiries from other MS patients seeking advice on the Mile Cycle.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Persistence against denial:
  • “The fact that it worked—I was like, I'm gonna fight to the death for this.” – Dennis (05:22)
• On movement as non-negotiable:
  • “When you decide...we're not going to move...that's your death sentence, really.” – Kathy (06:52)
• On bureaucracy:
  • “[VA official] told me his exact words were, ‘Just because one VA does something doesn't mean they all do.’” – Dennis (30:13)
• On helping others:
  • “I'm always trying to pass on things that I've learned about MS to other people.” – Dennis (20:51)

Timestamps for Notable Segments

• Clinical Trial Experience & First Use of Mile Cycle: 00:38 – 02:28
• Navigating VA Appeals: 02:55 – 06:27
• Proving Efficacy & No Longer Needing Cane/Walker: 06:35 – 07:56
• Device Cost & Access for Non-Veterans: 08:33 – 09:25
• Broader Applications for Veterans: 09:25 – 12:10
• Alternative Therapies (Stim, Vibration Plates): 12:38 – 13:31
• Advice to Discouraged Patients: 17:21 – 18:57
• Marine Corps Mindset: 20:09 – 20:28
• Advocacy & Community Building: 14:55 – 15:41, 20:45 – 21:22
• TMS Therapy – Description & Benefits: 22:56 – 25:59
• Challenges with VA Inconsistency: 29:47 – 31:22
• Contact & Community Info: 32:55 – 33:36

How to Connect with Dennis White

• Instagram: @DennisWhite (simply “Dennis White” on all social platforms)
• Website (in progress): Myms Adventure

Episode Tone & Takeaways

Both Dennis and Kathy are candid, determined, and encouraging, leaning on the spirit of solidarity within the MS and veteran communities. The tone is humorous at times, grounded in real struggles but also hope—and an insistence on finding solutions. The episode is a motivational guide for patients at any stage of their journey, stressing advocacy, movement, and support networks.

Key Message:
Never give up on fighting for the care and resources you need—the process may be arduous, especially for veterans, but documented persistence, community, and movement can be life-changing. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help.