Fashion, MS and a 28-year moment I’ll never forget

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I never could have imagined that exactly 28 years after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, I’d find myself on a runway in Fort Lauderdale, Florida—modeling adaptive clothing, no less.

And I certainly never imagined I’d be modeling adaptive clothing with my husband. But that’s exactly what happened on November 14, 2025. Just. Wow.

It was quite surreal for me to roll out onto the runway in front of hundreds of people and model an absolutely gorgeous 3/4 Black and White Cuban Wearable Art Coat that was part of a collection designed by Nancy Volpe Beringer, who specializes in adaptive fashion.

This unforgettable moment took place in the Sunshine State at the Second Annual MS Focus in Fashion hosted by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. This organization has supported, educated, and uplifted so many in the MS community, including Dan and me.

But this was far more than a fashion show. This event celebrated resilience and possibility, and taking part in something that highlights disability and accessibility made the experience even more meaningful for us. 

When I was diagnosed, I didn’t picture this future. I didn’t picture the power chair, the daily challenges, or the unexpected detours MS would introduce into my life.

And I definitely didn’t picture a fashion show.

Yet there I was rolling down the runway—lights shining, music playing, people cheering—and feeling something I didn’t expect: I felt empowered. Not in a cliché way, but in a deeply personal, quietly triumphant way, the kind that comes from realizing that life still can surprise you in beautiful ways.

One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was modeling clothing designed by Nancy Volpe Beringer. Yes, that Nancy Volpe Beringer, the runner-up in Season 18 of Project Runway.

She is so much more than a designer. Nancy is a visionary who truly understands that adaptive fashion should be functional, dignified, stylish, and accessible. Seeing her passion up close, knowing she created pieces with people like me in mind, made the whole experience even more special.

And then there was Dan, swoon 😉

I absolutely LOVED how Dan convinced his runway escort Kimba Schnickelfritz to play along with and enhance his idea for how to show off the easy-to-fasten and unfasten the magnetic buttons on the shirt he was modeling.

He looked incredibly handsome in his outfit from MagnaReady—adaptive blue jeans and a crisp dress shirt with magnetic closures—and sporting an orange-clad cane from Fashionable Canes. Watching him model with confidence and ease made me feel so proud.

Together, we weren’t just A Couple Takes on MS showing off apparel in a fashion show. We were representing people living with visible and invisible disabilities, caregivers, partners, and anyone who has ever needed clothing to meet them where they are.

The whole experience reminded me that life with MS is complicated and often hard, but it’s also full of moments you never see coming. Moments that surprise you, lift you up, and remind you that your story is still unfolding in ways you’d never expect.

And on that runway in Fort Lauderdale, mine unfolded in the most unforgettable way… 28 years to the day after I was diagnosed with MS.

I was honored to join so many incredible people to model adaptive clothing at the MS Focus on Fashion event. Click the above image to watch and enjoy the entire fashion show.
After the excitement of the runway and I changed out of the coat I modeled, Nancy was gracious enough to pause for this pic and chat about her collection.

Source: acoupletakesonms.com