Daniel Bishop is a resident assistant at the University of New Hampshire. He is a friend, a son, a student, a person who has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and perhaps most importantly-- he is a fighter.
Trim and 5 feet 7 inches tall, Bishop may appear unassuming relative to his peers, but the positive impact that he is making is by no means small and those close to him recognize that is a dynamic force to be reckoned with.
“I may be a little guy, but MS gave me the chance to show just how much heart I have,” said Bishop. “This was my opportunity to make a difference.”
Multiple Sclerosis, or MS is a chronic neurological disease that affects the central nervous system. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease and is often unpredictable in its severity. Symptoms of MS can range from mild numbness in limbs to paralysis. Each person with the disease is likely to experience different symptoms.
After learning of his diagnosis in October 2008, Bishop did not sulk, he did not waste time feeling sorry for himself, instead he decided to take action and raise awareness about the disease.
“MS can be very unpredictable. People see me being active and so they don’t make the connection. It really is a mental struggle. One day you’re fine, the next day you’re not,” said Bishop. “I’m 19, but I don’t always feel that way.”
According The Multiple Sclerosis Society,
In the United States today, there are approximately 400,000 people with multiple sclerosis (MS)—with 200 more people diagnosed every week. Worldwide, MS is thought to affect more than 2.1 million people.
MS occurs when he body’s own defense system attacks myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers in the central nervous system. The damaged myelin forms scar tissue (sclerosis), which gives the disease its name. When any part of the myelin sheath or nerve fiber is damaged or destroyed, nerve impulses traveling to and from the brain and spinal cord are distorted or interrupted, producing the variety of symptoms that can occur.
This past Saturday, Bishop and his team, “Team Shining Always,” participated in the Walk MS event in Nashua, New Hampshire. The team worked hard to raise $5445. Combined with last year’s total, the team has raised over $14,000. This year alone, the Walk MS event in Nashua raised over $100,000. All funds raised go towards helping people who have MS, and their families, through MS education, support, advocacy, services, and research.
Although it started to rain just as the walk began, the weather could not dampen the spirit of “Team Shining Always.” The team name is a perfect way to describe Bishop’s demeanor. Once ignited, his smile beams across his face. It has a way of spreading like a yawn. Once noticed, it is impossible for others not to join.
Residents and staff members of the Upper Quad, the dorm in which Bishop is a resident assistant, made extensive efforts to support Team Shining Always. Over the past few months, the staff has hosted several fundraising events such as, “Pie Your RA in the Face,” Grilled Cheese Sales, Skittle Wars, a pasta dinner, and was ultimately able to reach their goal of raising $1,000.
“I went to all the events. He’s the best RA. We just want to support him,” said one of Bishop’s residents, Mitch Lakeman.
“His [Dan’s] efforts were incredible,” said Upper Quad Hall Director Pamela Scott. “He had so much support from other RAs, hall council members, and UQ residents. After hearing Dan's story and how the disease affects him I really believe that people were inspired and moved to do something to get involved.”
“We are all behind him,” said Kevin Perry, who has been friends with Bishop since high school and was a member of Team Shining Always. “Some things are important.”
Bishop is moved by the overwhelming support that he has received. “I think it’s really a testament to the character that we have here at UNH,” he said. “I’ve never failed to be appreciative. It’s incredible.”
In addition to events such as Walk MS, Bishop has also spoken to several high school audiences about the disease. He does not do it for the attention, or so that others will feel sorry for him; rather he hopes that his story will inspire others to take action to work towards finding a cure.
One can learn a great deal from Bishop. Sitting, wearing his baseball cap and Bishop Guerton Football T-shirt, it is evident that he is wise beyond his years-- perhaps the effect of having to face a serious disease at a young age. A conversation with him forces one to keep things in perspective and to evaluate how we each face adversity. Bishop’s message to others is a resoundingly positive one and can be applied to all aspects of life.
“Whatever comes your way, it is given to you to make something great of it.”
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