Meet Ann Romney!
Ann Romney
Ann Romney was born Ann Lois Davies, on April 6, 1949. If you follow politics and in particular the recent presidential campaign, you probably know she is the wife of Mitt Romney. He is a businessman and was one of several Republican Party 2012 presidential hopefuls.
Ann Romney’s journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of resilience, determination, and hope. If you’ve ever wondered how someone in the public eye manages life with MS, her story is a powerful example of facing challenges head-on while they continue to live a full and meaningful life.
As we mentioned earlier, the wife of Mitt Romney, Ann has been in the spotlight for decades. But beyond the campaign trails and public appearances, Ann has faced a deeply personal battle—one that many of us with MS can relate to.
She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998. Ann’s journey with MS has been filled with ups and downs, moments of fear as well as uncertainty. Because of this, she has made a commitment to finding ways to live well despite the disease.
She has been open about her struggles, sharing how MS initially left her feeling weak, exhausted, and unsure of what the future held. But instead of letting it define her, she searched for solutions, explored alternative treatments, and found ways to regain strength and purpose in her life.
Her personal story is one of hope, and whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with MS for years, you can learn from her. There’s something inspiring about seeing someone push through daily challenges and continue to live life on their own terms.
Let’s take a closer look at Ann’s journey, how she’s managed her MS, and the ways she’s advocated for research and awareness.
Ann Romney’s Diagnosis and Early Struggles
Ann’s MS symptoms started gradually—a feeling of numbness, fatigue, and weakness that she couldn’t quite explain. Like many of us, she wondered what was happening to her body and feared the worst.
When she was finally diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she described the first year as horrible. It was a year filled with uncertainty, fear, and frustration. The idea that she might never feel better was overwhelming, and she struggled to accept the reality of living with MS.
Her husband, Mitt Romney, was also trying to process the diagnosis. At the time, he was preparing for the 2002 Winter Olympics, and the stress of being apart from Ann was just too much. He asked her to join him earlier than planned because he needed her by his side.
Their relationship has always been a partnership, and Mitt has been a strong source of support for Ann throughout her MS journey.
Alternative Treatments and Finding Strength
Ann didn’t just rely on traditional medicine—she explored alternative therapies to help manage her symptoms.
One of the biggest game-changers for her was equine therapy—using horseback riding as a way to regain strength, balance, and mobility. She has spoken about how riding horses helped her rebuild muscle strength, improve her coordination, and even boost her mental well-being.
She also tried reflexology, acupuncture, and dietary changes, all in an effort to reduce inflammation and improve her overall health.
While MS is unpredictable, Ann found that staying active, eating well, and exploring different therapies helped her feel stronger and more in control.
Advocacy and Research:
The Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases
Ann didn’t just focus on her own health. She also wanted to help others living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases.
In 2014, she and Mitt established the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. (Link will open a new window). The center focuses on accelerating research and treatments for MS, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, as well as brain tumors.
She has spoken about how collaborative research is leading to new discoveries, including potential treatments for Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. Her goal is to bring hope to those living with neurological conditions and push for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Final Thoughts: Living Well with MS
Ann’s story is a reminder that MS doesn’t have to define your life. Yes, it brings daily challenges, but it also teaches you resilience, adaptability, and strength.
She has shown that finding the right treatments, staying active, and surrounding yourself with support can make a huge difference in how you manage your multiple sclerosis.
If you’re struggling with symptoms like fatigue and pain, or feelings of uncertainty, know that you’re not alone. There are resources, treatments, and communities that can help you navigate life with MS.
Ann’s journey proves that while MS may be part of your story, it doesn’t have to be the whole story. You can still live well, find joy, and push forward—just like she has.
Click here to go to Part 2 to learn more about the alternative treatments Ann Romney uses.
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