My Story

by Marie Pontini

My name is Marie, I'm from Montreal, QC and I'm 41 years old.

I was diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis in February 2016 (RRMS).

I have an aggressive form of MS and I'm part of the rare 30% of MSers with severe cognitive impairments (executive dysfunction, dysautonomia, etc.)

Within a few months, my condition degraded very quickly, forcing me to stop my career. I have been using a wheelchair since January 2017 and a power wheelchair since October 2017.

I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hyperflexible type) in 2017. I lost 165 pounds within that year, due to Gastroparesis and digestive tract system paralysis. I had 28 surgeries under complete anesthesia.

I have extreme levels of neuropathic pain for which doctors don't have anything to offer me anymore. In 2018, being overwhelmed by the pain and as a way to express my frustrations, I started bodybuilding very intensively for competitions. I did my first competition in November 2019.

Through bodybuilding, I found a way to empower myself over the situation. I like to say that "I choose the pain of the gym to fight the pain of my body". Not because it lowers my pain levels, quite often the opposite, but because of that pain, I CHOSE it. Bodybuilding also gives me a feeling of fulfillment, personal achievement, and harmony with my body.

My condition improved and I was able to walk for the first time again in September 2019. I've been stable since. I walk inside my apartment daily with a good balance and with no assistance. Now MS goes unexpectedly and is still a degenerative illness. It could eventually go back to where it was at my worse so I’m grateful every day to be doing well.

For me, having a mobility aid means freedom! I realized early on that, in the process to accept my diagnosis, it was very important that I learn to appreciate my mobility aids.

I’m extremely proud to be a Canada Quantum Rehab ambassador because my power wheelchair gives me the possibility to express myself and show who I am and express myself to the world Their products are completely customizable to the user and their looks too!

I’m very happy that with this wheelchair, it makes me proud to have a mobility aid and be who I am, no matter my condition. I also know that my wheelchair can evolve as my needs will change and that's really reassuring for me. I appreciate the advanced options that are available with this wheelchair and how it makes my daily life much easier!

Through my Instagram page @mariepontini I aspire to motivate, promote physical activity, resiliency, personal acceptance and self-love, healthy nutrition, and chronic illnesses awareness.