Ned Fulmer Shares His MS Journey and Inspiring YouTube Challenge
Ned Fulmer never envisioned himself navigating the challenges of multiple sclerosis (MS) as he does today.
“Lying in that hospital bed, I had moments where I genuinely feared I might never walk again or enjoy life's simple pleasures,” the 38-year-old Fulmer shared exclusively with Us Weekly, anticipating his Sunday, November 23, YouTube announcement of his MS diagnosis. “Though I hadn't started a family then, having children was a deep aspiration. I believe this experience has profoundly taught me to cherish every moment.”
Fulmer received his MS diagnosis in 2013.
“My initial symptoms were numbness and tingling sensations in my hands, which then extended to my arms, chest, and back,” he recounted to Us.
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Fulmer consulted a physician who advised him to come back if his condition worsened. He subsequently visited the hospital for an MRI as the “sensations began to spread” to his chest and back, noting that he awoke one morning unable to “summon the strength to stand or walk.”
“The onset was incredibly overwhelming and abrupt,” he elaborated. “Previously, I was perfectly capable, enjoying running and sports, very much physically active, so the sudden onset of weakness, making it impossible to move my legs in certain directions, was truly astounding.”
While Fulmer described the therapies he underwent as “remarkable,” he also mentioned their “quite aggressive” nature, citing steroid injections and a plasma exchange.
“Gradually, my condition improved. Then, one particular day, I discovered I could once again move my legs freely, which felt nothing short of miraculous,” he expressed. “About a year later, achieving that level of understanding and stability brought immense relief.”
Currently, Fulmer manages his condition with an oral medication taken twice daily, finding it “significantly easier to handle” compared to injectable treatments.
“My persistent sensory symptoms, such as numbness and tingling in my fingers, are thankfully mild enough that I can largely disregard them,” he stated. “They tend to intensify occasionally due to factors like extreme temperatures, alcohol consumption, stress, or insufficient sleep. These are all aspects I actively try to manage. I'm confident many others living with MS will understand this.”
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Fulmer further mentioned that his symptoms are currently “stable,” enabling him to engage in activities with his two sons, Wesley, 7, and Finn, 4, such as enjoying a bounce house and participating in backyard soccer and football matches. (Ned shares his children with his estranged wife, Ariel Fulmer, confirming their separation in September following his extramarital affair.)
Within his YouTube video, Ned embarks on a journey to walk as many miles as possible to benefit the National MS Society. For each 10 miles completed, he contributes $1,000 to the charity. He is also inviting fellow creators to participate in the challenge and surpass his distance. Ultimately, Ned's objective is to enhance awareness for MS and “motivate others to persevere.”
“One can never truly know the silent struggles another person may be enduring internally,” he conveyed to Us. “I deeply empathize with individuals impacted by this or any other less visible illness, given the significant fear, a fear I've known myself, that people bear.”
