From the moment I was diagnosed in November 2017 with Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO), I have told family, friends and loved ones that “I got this.” And while there certainly have been some ups and downs along the way, it is on that foundation of fight that I will live the rest of my life.

NMO is a rare autoimmune disease, but I am fortunate that I am under the care of excellent doctors at both Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia and at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. I am also beyond fortunate to have had the grace and support of family and friends, most notably from my wife and two children.

Since my diagnosis, I have endured hospital stays, high doses of steroids, plasmapheresis treatments, and other medications and procedures. So, while there will always be some uncertainty ahead of me based on the nature of the disease, I will continue to do whatever it takes.

That is why I am so excited to launch MLA Communications. Getting back to the work I love will be an important element of my continued recovery. Will it be challenging? Absolutely. Will it be like it used to be? Absolutely not.

But that’s OK.

What it will be moving forward is something even more special. That’s because if the past 20 months have taught me anything, they have taught me to wake up each and every day embracing all the blessings in my life and chasing even harder the passions that help to define all that I am.