Ambitious Women Thriving with Chronic Conditions: Jessica March

Written by Jessica March, Senior Director, Marketing – Immunology Rare Disease

At the age of 28, I began experiencing tingling in my toes, blurry vision, and fatigue. I had just completed the Honolulu marathon and was training for a 100-mile bike ride to raise money for cancer. I was also working a lot and spending the evenings finishing my MBA.

I remember thinking of the symptoms and making excuses for them like, “Maybe I am training too hard” or “Maybe my bike shoes are too tight.” I could never imagine I wasn’t physically well. In November of 2009, I woke up one morning completely paralyzed from the waist down – and I was terrified. I felt like my body was in a straitjacket and I cried for days.

The first doctor I saw was a general community neurologist who gave me a spinal tap and told me I had fibromyalgia. I knew that diagnosis wasn’t right, so I proactively got my results from the hospital, did my own research, and found that the results were consistent with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Then, I sought out an MS specialist who is internationally known for clinical research, teaching, and fantastic patient care – Stephen Krieger at the Corinne Goldsmith Dickenson Center for MS at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. I have been with this care team ever since.

My Journey with Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

In addition to medication, my treatment includes overall wellness. I attend a weekly MS support group and have yearly cognitive exams with an MS neuropsychologist.

My advice to other women living with MS would be that the best treatment includes nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health support (in addition to disease-modifying therapies).

My Career Journey

My career started as an intern at a pharmaceutical company, and it turned into a 20+ year (and counting) career! I selected this path by accident, but it turned into a true passion of mine to help other people obtain access to life-changing treatment options. I feel that being a patient and caregiver makes me a more strategic and practical healthcare marketer.

Working while living with a chronic condition, I really have to prioritize energy. I spend a lot of time planning ahead about how I will use energy, eat healthy food, and also how I will make an effort to get the best sleep possible. Sometimes, I am required to work all day and then attend events in the evenings. Those days are the hardest to manage while also caring for two young children with special needs. I strive to balance work and life by prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries to manage stress and prevent burnout.

What “Chronic Boss” Means to Me

To me, being a Chronic Boss means taking charge of managing a chronic condition with resilience and determination. It involves balancing daily challenges, seeking effective treatments, and maintaining a positive attitude while advocating for oneself. It also includes finding ways to thrive despite the condition, such as pursuing personal goals, managing symptoms proactively, and building a supportive network. Ultimately, it’s about being empowered and proactive in one’s own healthcare journey.

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