Rediscovering strength: Dallas' journey with MS and boxing

After Dallas was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), she found a renewed passion for boxing, a sport that not only empowers her physically but also supports her mental wellbeing. Thanks to the MS Go for Gold Scholarship, Dallas is back in the ring and has just completed her first fight since her diagnosis.

Dallas recalls the moment she found out she had MS as a pivotal point in her life. 'I got diagnosed nine days before Christmas. So, Merry Christmas to me.'

Initially, she faced denial about her condition, struggling to accept her identity as someone with a disability.

'I thought, I can’t be that person,' she admits. However, she soon realised the importance of acknowledging her condition, especially when it came to navigating public spaces. This included applying for a disabled parking permit and using a cane when walking.

'I also got one of those MS ID cards that identifies me as someone with MS... it has actually come in really handy. I’ve been abused by strangers before for parking in disabled spots and I’ve always been able to whip the card out and say, see?'

Her journey to diagnosis was fraught with challenges, including dismissive attitudes from medical professionals.

'I asked my doctor to test me, and he laughed at me, despite my mother having MS,' Dallas says.

After years of symptoms and frustration, she finally found a doctor who listened and ordered an MRI. The results confirmed her fears.

'They told me, you have brain lesions and you’ve got MS.'

Going for gold

'I had been boxing for about 15 years but when I was diagnosed with MS I sold all my gloves and basically gave it up. It was only when I was introduced to the amazing supportive gym that I go to now that I began to believe in myself again,' Dallas says.

Dallas had to leave her job as a personal trainer after her diagnosis, which together with being unable to box, made her feel as if she had lost who she was.

Dallas says, 'I found myself doubting my ability in the gym and everything I know about boxing because of my MS.'

During her struggles, Dallas discovered the MS Go for Gold Scholarships. She applied under the category of Living Your Best Life, with the hope of returning to boxing Now, Dallas will spend her scholarship funds on a series of 20 personal training sessions, boxing equipment and a dedicated boxing camp

Having watched the Paralympics for the first time as a person living with MS, Dallas became inspired to begin working towards her own exhibition fight. 'I watched the Paralympians, and I realised that I too can strive for greatness – that my MS shouldn’t prevent me from realising this dream. It’s made me really motivated to keep trying to be the best I can be. Even on the days I feel I can’t do it anymore, I just keep on punching!

'My dream was to have another exhibition boxing fight with the current gym that I’m associated with,' she said.

When she received the scholarship, it felt like a sign from her late godmother.

'My godmother had just passed away and I was pretty upset... then there was the email: "Congratulations, you have received the MS Go for Gold Scholarship." I couldn’t believe it. I was so happy. I felt like my godmother had sent me a sign, or made this happen for me.'

Not just a hobby, a way to manage her symptoms

Boxing has become more than just a sport for Dallas, it’s also a vital part of her MS management.

'Definitely, boxing helps with your symptoms,' she says.

The physical training has strengthened her upper body, which is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing falls.

'I’ve been able to manage my MS more because I’ve been training consistently.'

Dallas emphasises the mental benefits as well.

'Boxing not only helps you physically but mentally, makes you feel empowered,' she says. This empowerment is something she strives to instil in others as a trainer.

Facing challenges head-on

As she prepared for her recent fight, Dallas acknowledges the daily challenges she faced.

'Every day I was like, why am I doing this? Why am I here?' she admits. Yet, she knows that not pursuing her passion would lead to regret.

Her training regimen has adapted to her needs, focusing on exercises that accommodate her symptoms.

'I can’t run, I can’t do mountain climbers... but you just have to know your limitations and adjust accordingly,' Dallas says. This adaptability has been key to her success to date, allowing her to continue pursuing her love for boxing while managing her condition.

For those newly diagnosed with MS, Dallas says, 'Don’t feel like this is the end of the world. Remember that this is something that you can work with.'

She encourages others to surround themselves with a supportive care team and to find activities they love, even if they need to modify them.

'If you can’t do exactly what you love... then find something similar to it and do that instead,' she suggests.

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