LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) — March is a time to raise awareness and support for those living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition affecting more than two million people worldwide. In the WAVE region alone, about 5,000 individuals are living with the disease.
LaVonya Jones, an assistant principal at Indian Trail Elementary, is one of them. While her challenges may not be visible at first glance, her office reflects the source of her strength.
“They are not just inspiring to the students, but to me,” Jones said.
Displayed throughout her office are Barbie dolls representing iconic women in history—figures she says remind her of resilience and determination.
“The persistence, the perseverance,” Jones said. “Just how they made it through challenges and said, ‘I am not going to let that get me down.’ Every single woman up here has had a challenge.”
Sixteen years ago, Jones faced a life-changing moment. While teaching a college class, she suddenly lost vision in one eye.
“I went blind in one eye,” she said. “So, I had optic neuritis. I was standing in front of class teaching at the University of Phoenix and asked what was going on with my eye.”
Doctors warned they had less than 48 hours to restore her vision. After testing, she was diagnosed with MS.
“Multiple sclerosis is a neurological immune disorder,” said Jocelyn McGuire, a nurse practitioner with Norton Healthcare. “The immune system attacks the central nervous system, wearing down the nerves in the brain and spinal cord.”
Symptoms vary depending on which nerves are affected. For Jones, it began with her vision, which was eventually restored. She now describes MS as her body working against itself.
“My MS is more of the fatigue side. I can really get exhausted easily. It is heat sensitive, so sometimes I can’t go outside with the kids,” Jones said. “One time I was folding laundry and couldn’t even bend over to pick up the last sock.”
Despite the challenges, Jones is marking 16 years since her diagnosis this March. She hopes her story encourages others facing similar struggles.
“Don’t quit. You got to let your light shine… you have to be determined,” she said.
Her journey has included daily treatments costing hundreds of dollars each month. When her condition worsened, she turned to her faith and support from Norton Healthcare, including the Hussung Family Multiple Sclerosis Center, which has helped patients since 2013.
McGuire noted that while MS was once thought to primarily affect young white women, it can impact anyone and may progress more severely in some populations.
For Jones, her journey is reflected in the collection she keeps nearby—symbols of strength that remind her she’s never alone.
“I just turn around and say, ‘okay, they got my back,’” she said with a smile.
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