Member Spotlight

In 1997, Matt Dobson was enjoying his position as a coach and teacher at Union’s Intermediate High, and was a popular and much loved favorite among the students. In 2000, Matt was diagnosed with a secondary progressive form of multiple sclerosis. Matt’s mother and father, Sharon and Joe, jumped in to learn everything about MS and how best to help Matt. They became active with the Oklahoma Chapter of the National MS Society and volunteered at the annual Tulsa Walk and MS 150 Bike Tour. The “Dobson Team” was there when needed to also help promote MS awareness, and the latest treatments for multiple sclerosis.

One of the most common traits of multiple sclerosis is the unpredictable nature of its symptoms. Further, there are the possible side effects of the MS treatments. However, Matt was open to trying what might work best for his form of MS, and Tysabri was recommended. Using Tysabri meant that daily injections were no longer needed as the Tysabri was administered every four weeks, so Matt began the Tysabri infusion treatments.

On April 30, 2010, with only a 1:1000 chance, Matt learned that his most recent complications were PML [progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy], which is caused by the JC virus. PML, a brain disease, can be deadly, as Matt and his family soon learned. Matt was only the 18th person with MS in the USA to suffer from PML . He was taken immediately to St. Johns for two weeks of blood cleaning.

The PML caused Matt to loose cognitive abilities, as well as use of his right leg, so Matt had to end his teaching and coaching career. This was followed by a two-month stay in Dallas as the MS specialists tried an experimental drug to combat the PML. Matt was placed in ICU as he became even sicker from the side effects of this drug. However, the up side is that the drug finally worked and Matt  is now cured of the PML.

Left with right side paralysis and cognitive issues, the “Dobson Team” was encouraged when they saw the Tulsa World article with Gaylard and Ben Sartain. Sharon commented, “We didn’t know about The Center, but it has made such a difference for us!” Joe and Sharon bring Matt, who became a Center Member last December, to participate in the Fitness Center, as well as Speech Therapy and Neurobics.

Matt says he likes everything about The Center, but Neurobics is his favorite. He said it has helped a lot, and the more he became involved, the more improvement he could see. Matt can now distinguish colors, numbers, right from left, and can even enjoy phone conversations. He has shared with family and friends that “every day I do something better.” Sharon and Joe add that, as caregivers, “The Center was a big relief, as we felt we could never do enough.”