Modified by MS: Matthew Price’s Journey

Sometimes, the first signs of MS don’t shout, they whisper.

For Matthew Price, it started during what should’ve been a normal night out with his family.

“During the movie, my face felt droopy. When we got to the car, I asked my wife Rebecca to look at it. She agreed it did look like one side was drooping a bit. I was a little concerned, but by the next day, it had resolved,” recalls the 56-year-old from Spring Hill, TN.

Like most of us would, he booked an appointment just to be sure. Maybe it was a stroke scare, Bell’s palsy, or even dental-related. But when tests came back without answers, life rolled on, work, family, responsibilities, and the moment faded into the background.

A few years later, Matthew accepted a new job in Florida, stepping into a demanding director role at a resort. That’s when things began to shift again.

“During the year, I noticed I couldn’t put my arm on my desk without it feeling like it was on a block of ice. I also noticed I occasionally tripped as I went up and down the stairs.”

This time, a neurologist ordered MRIs and gave him a diagnosis that changed everything, multiple sclerosis.

“The doctor told me it wasn’t every day that he told a 36-year-old man he had MS. I didn’t really know what it was at that point and not much was communicated by that doctor. He gave me medication and I rushed back to the office for a work meeting. I just kind of went on like nothing had happened.”

“I had to make adjustments.”

For a while, things were manageable. Matthew kept working full-time, raising his four daughters, and staying active — biking, moving, pushing forward. The medication kept the MS in check until a serious allergic reaction forced him to stop treatment.

“Due to the amount of career stress, by 2013, my symptoms had progressed to the point I needed to use a cane.”

That moment led to years of trial and error with new medications, including a trip overseas for an experimental treatment that still supports him today.

“I had to learn acceptance.”

Like so many living with MS, Matthew’s hopes for recovery were sky-high.

“I thought I could start running and doing things I couldn’t do before. Realistically, the new treatment did halt the MS progression, but my physicality stayed the same.”

When his symptoms made full-time work impossible, Matthew was forced into early retirement. The sudden change hit hard. But through that storm came purpose.

During the 2020 lockdowns, feeling isolated and craving connection, he started a small Zoom meetup for other men living with MS. What began as a simple check-in evolved into something powerful, the Men with MS Get Together support group.

“I had never led a support group or even been a part of one. In 2022, the National MS Society reached out to add us to their resources list. A men-only group is rare, as MS is generally three times more likely in women versus men. We meet every Monday at 6 pm ET. Many times throughout the year, I bring in doctors who share medication updates, research and answer questions. The group is a safe space where men can support each other with discussions about symptom management and relationships. It’s a beautiful thing to see how the group connection has impacted those in attendance.”

Seeing the positive impact, Matthew and Rebecca took things further. Together, they launched Modified by MS, a nonprofit supporting not just men, but women, couples, families, and anyone newly diagnosed.

“We minister to everyone (men, women, newly diagnosed, couples and families) dealing with the disease. These groups exist to connect and encourage others while providing resources so they can live the best life they can. Our motto is, ‘Not broken. Not defeated. Just modified.’”

We proudly have our Stronger Together Reunion July 2026, This is open to all MS Warriors and their families. Visit modifiedbyms.net for more details.

“Become an advocate for your MS journey and know you are not alone.”

Today, Matthew’s condition remains stable. He keeps movement and an anti-inflammatory diet at the heart of his daily routine. “I like to say MS is life-impacting, not life-defining.”

With Rebecca by his side and a growing family, four daughters, four sons-in-law, and six grandkids, Matthew’s reason to stay strong is crystal clear.

“Family time is so important to me. I want to be the best husband, father and Poppy I can. To do that, I have to take care of myself. No one else can do that for me.”

Credit: Story shared with permission from Matthew Price and Modified by MS. Portions of this story were originally featured in Health Monitor magazine and adapted for the Modified by MS blog.