For years, John King has been a familiar face on CNN, guiding viewers through the intricacies of American politics, especially during election nights with his insightful analysis using the iconic “magic wall.” What many didn’t know was that behind the composed demeanor and sharp intellect, King was navigating a personal health challenge: multiple sclerosis (MS). Recently, King bravely shared his diagnosis publicly, revealing he has been living with MS for 13 years. In an interview, he discussed his journey with MS and his reasons for choosing to speak out.
Unveiling the Invisible: The Path to Diagnosis
King’s experience with MS began long before his official diagnosis in 2008. For about a decade, he attributed subtle symptoms to fatigue, stress, or minor back issues. These early signs included numbness and tingling in his legs, a sensation of heaviness, occasional clumsiness, and grip issues. Doctors initially considered nerve damage from disc problems as a possible cause, further delaying the recognition of MS.
The turning point came during a presidential convention in the summer of 2008. King experienced a significant escalation of symptoms, with numbness and loss of control spreading to his hands and upper body. A convention site paramedic recognized the potential signs and suggested MS. Following a series of tests, King received the confirmation: he had multiple sclerosis.
Facing the Diagnosis: Fear and Hope
Receiving an MS diagnosis understandably brought fear and uncertainty. King acknowledged the initial shock and the daunting reality of the disease’s potential severity. However, his medical team offered reassurance. Based on the long history of his symptoms, doctors were optimistic that King had relapsing-remitting MS, the most common form of the disease. They conveyed hope that with appropriate medication, the condition could be effectively managed, allowing him to maintain his quality of life and career.
Living Day-to-Day with MS: Adapting and Thriving
When asked “How are you?”, King’s response is both honest and insightful: “I’m great and I know I’m lucky, but MS is with me every day.” He openly describes the ongoing challenges. Persistent numbness in his legs has been a constant for years. More recently, he has experienced issues with his right side, particularly his hand, and occasional falls. Daily life requires planning and conscious effort for actions many take for granted, such as standing, holding objects, and navigating stairs. Headaches are also a factor.
Despite these daily hurdles, King emphasizes adaptation and resilience. He shares his ability to snowboard, even without full sensation in his feet, as a testament to the body’s remarkable adaptability. Remarkably, in the 13 years since his diagnosis, MS has only forced him to miss one day of work. This underscores his determination and the successful management of his condition.
Speaking Out: A Public Health Imperative
For over a decade, King chose to keep his MS diagnosis private. His decision to speak out was driven by growing frustration with public discourse surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. King’s MS medication compromises his immune system, placing him at higher risk from the virus. He felt compelled to address the “freedom versus science” debate, particularly concerning mask-wearing, which directly impacted individuals like him.
Witnessing “outrageous” statements about mask-wearing on air prompted King to share his personal story spontaneously. He explained that his disclosure was motivated by gratitude for those who choose to vaccinate and wear masks, emphasizing that these actions protect not only themselves but also vulnerable individuals like him.
“One thing MS quickly teaches you is that there are so many things that are invisible to us.” – John King
Image: CNN anchor John King candidly sharing his experience with multiple sclerosis.
A Message of Resilience and Understanding
King’s message to others facing MS centers on recognizing the “gifts we get from the challenges.” He acknowledges the daily frustrations but highlights the incredible adaptability of the human brain and body in the face of adversity. He points out that the resilience and tenacity developed through fighting MS are valuable assets applicable to other life challenges.
For those without direct experience with MS, King stresses the invisibility of the condition and its varied impact. He encourages empathy and understanding for individuals who may be facing unseen struggles. He reminds us that everyday tasks can be significantly more difficult for someone with MS and that invisible illnesses are far more common than often realized.
In closing, King expressed deep gratitude to scientists and healthcare professionals on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also posed a challenge regarding the spread of misinformation, urging for better communication strategies to combat public health threats and ensure support for critical scientific endeavors. John King’s openness about his MS diagnosis serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of awareness, empathy, and the unseen battles many individuals face daily.
