Meet Your Neighbor: Dana Roca forms support group in Fremont for MS sufferers

Melissa Baker
·2 min read

FREMONT - In November, Dana Roca, an ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, formed a support group specifically for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and those suspecting they have the condition.

The purpose behind the Fremont gatherings is to provide an environment where people can find solace in knowing they are not alone in their battle against MS.

Roca works to support others, national organization

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering around nerve fibers, known as myelin. The relentless destruction of myelin disrupts the smooth flow of electrical impulses along the nerves, resulting in a range of challenging neurological symptoms.

Dana Roca has lived with multiple sclerosis since 2009. She is an Ambassador for National Multiple Sclerosis Society and is an avid spokesperson on MS awareness. She has started a support group in Fremont.
Dana Roca has lived with multiple sclerosis since 2009. She is an Ambassador for National Multiple Sclerosis Society and is an avid spokesperson on MS awareness. She has started a support group in Fremont.

“When I found out I had MS, I was at home, and I found myself not able to move my body, and I froze, I couldn’t move,” Roca said. “I waited in a hospital bed not knowing what was wrong with me, I was scared.”

After a series of tests and being transferred from one hospital to another, Roca found herself at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. It was during this process she discovered her disease.

Roca wants others with MS to know their options

"I felt terrified and had this overwhelming feeling of potentially facing death," she said.

She felt the urge to initiate a movement aiming to enhance people's comprehension of their medical conditions, encouraging early testing and treatment.

Dana Roca is joined by Fremont Mayor Danny Sanchez at the 2023 MS Walk. The event this year will be held May 11 at Conner Park.
Dana Roca is joined by Fremont Mayor Danny Sanchez at the 2023 MS Walk. The event this year will be held May 11 at Conner Park.

As an ambassador for MS and personally experiencing its challenges, Roca said she believes it is her calling to provide assistance and guidance to people, emphasizing the presence of available support and resources for coping with this disease.

The MS support group meetings take place on the second Monday of the month, and the next one will be held at the Hayes Memorial United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12.

“I want to spread awareness and let people know that they don’t have to keep their diagnosis to themselves," Roca said. "You don’t have to be alone, at these meetings, its family, a support group, and a new way to live.”

Roca has been working tirelessly to find ways to donate to and support MS, and one of the upcoming events is the WALK MS taking place at Conner Park in Fremont on May 11.

Dan Roca sets up a sign to provide information about the MS Support Group in the county.
Dan Roca sets up a sign to provide information about the MS Support Group in the county.

No matter the age, everyone is welcome to participate. There will be entertainment for families to enjoy. Roca has put together a lineup of activities, including face painting, DJs and door prizes.

For information about the MS Support group email danaroca8@gmail.com or visit https://nationalmssociety.org.

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Dana Roca has her own challenges, but works to aid others facing MS