ABOUT MS ABILITY ALLIANCE
OUR MISSION & HISTORY
MS Ability Alliance is a 501(c)(3) Charity and our mission is to provide support and resources to local individuals and their families impacted by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS Ability Alliance assists individuals affected by MS by providing equipment and services. These Services and equipment may include but are not limited to: scholarships, co-pay assistance, wheelchair ramps, cooling aids, and mobility aids.
Our organization is powered by dedicated volunteers who generously give their time and skills, all while balancing their own lives with full-time jobs. They do this not for monetary gain, but out of their passion for our mission. The commitment of our team is the heart of our community, and we are deeply grateful for their unwavering support.
JOSIE &
STEPHEN
Back around 2016, Joe and Esther (husband and wife to Josie and Stephen respectively) were connected by a wonderful woman who had just bought a car through Stressless Cars. This woman knew both of them and because she knew they were both caregivers for loved ones with Multiple Sclerosis, she told them they had to meet! They met over coffee, shared experiences, tips & tricks and right then created a very special bond. Stephen and Josie joined them for a comedy show at Giggles and it was evident that we all felt comfortable around each other and it was going to be the start of a long friendship.
As time went on, both Stephen and Josie battled with ER visits, hospitalizations and rehab stints. Through all this Esther and Joe were each other's support through the difficult times. Stephen and Josie battled courageously and eventually made it back home.
Fast forward to 2020 and Joe was looking for his dream car - a Dodge Challenger Hellcat. Josie urged him to get it and Esther got him a deal of a lifetime on the perfect car - only issue was it was in New Jersey. Esther managed to figure out a way such that we drove down in a vehicle and drove back in the Challenger. It was a long ride full of anticipation and excitement, but the conversation made it seem like next door. The ride home included stops in NYC, Krispy Kreme & Katz Deli!
The four of them regularly go out on road trips or over Esther & Stephen's house for her famous Spinach Pie & Charcuterie. "We look forward to many more years of a wonderful friendship, and we hope through this charity we can help others struggling with this terrible disease."
JOSIE BENASSI
Josie Benassi was officially diagnosed with MS in October 2009 when she was 38 years old. Her first symptoms age 15 was optic neuritis where she had lost significant vision in one eye. After multiple tests (MRI, CAT scan, Spinal Tap), she was told that "it was dormant." She got re-evaluated every three months until her vision returned to normal and then eventually everything went back to 'normal'. Losing her vision was probably one of the scariest and most vivid experiences she has had.
Fast forward 20+ years and although she had other symptoms like numbness and balance problems, she never thought anything of them. It wasn't until after a family outing at a public skating rink did she realize something was seriously wrong. Josie had been a very active person (figure skating, track & field, biking, etc.) and she found herself having difficulty balancing on skated and holding onto the boards for support. A visit ti the neurologist and MRI quickly confirmed her official diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis. She really wasn't surprised when she received the official diagnosis because deep down she knew something had been going on.
In an effort to stay active, Josie's husband Joe bought a used tandem bicycle and gave it a go. Josie loved being back on a bike and the couple rode several thousand miles until it became more difficult for Josie to get on and off. A close friend (and fellow board member Troy DiNapoli) donated a more accessible tandem bike from DaVince Tandems and this allowed them to continue riding for several more years. Ten years and almost 10,000 miles later, bike riding is not currently an option for Josie but she hopes she can someday get back to it.
Stephen’s life changed forever in November 2009 when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It began with difficulty walking, something he and his loved ones initially thought was back pain or a torn meniscus. After a procedure and a cortisone shot brought only temporary relief, a neurologist confirmed the diagnosis no one expected: MS.
For someone who lived such an active life, adjusting to MS was incredibly challenging. By 2012, Stephen was fully wheelchair-bound, able only to stand briefly for transfers. In 2017, he needed a wheelchair full-time, and in 2019, a car accident further limited his mobility, taking away the use of his arms.
Despite the obstacles, Stephen’s determination and unwavering spirit have been nothing short of remarkable. Through hospital visits, setbacks, and countless challenges, he has shown incredible resilience and a deep commitment to being present for his family. His strength and courage inspire everyone who knows him, proving that even in the face of adversity, hope and love can shine brightly.
STEPHEN DeSISTO
Be Part of the Change.
Get the Latest News & Updates