Managing MS through PCA Choice: Jonathan’s Story
Jonathan navigates daily challenges with assistance from PCA Choice services
A veteran from Saint Paul who served as an engineer, Jonathan once held the highest physical training score in his unit. But his life shifted dramatically when he suddenly lost vision in his left eye. An MRI revealed Jonathan had multiple sclerosis (MS), which impacted his physical abilities, speech, memory, and cognitive function—making even the simplest of movements a mental and physical challenge.
Now, more than a decade after his diagnosis, Jonathan talks about his experience with the support provided by Accra’s PCA services. From helping with basic daily tasks like cooking, vacuuming, and showering, to being a consistent presence on his hardest days, Accra has become a vital part of Jonathan’s life. “What I need is kind of a life-or-death situation,” Jonathan explains. “Some days, I don’t know how I function—but I’ve always been able to count on Accra.”
Hi, my name is Jonathan Spika. I live in St Paul. I'm a huge, huge nerd. I have lots of stuff for Dungeons and Dragons. I'm a veteran. At my peak, I could do 88 push ups in two minutes, 88 sit ups in two minutes, and run two miles in 12 minutes and 20 seconds. I had the highest PT score, and then all of a sudden I went blind in my left eye, and the eye doctor said, "Yeah, you're way too young for this to be happening. I would suggest you getting an MRI." I got an MRI, and from that, they were able to diagnose me with MS on that.
I've been disabled for over 10 years. MS affects my memory. It affects the way I talk, some of my cognitive skills, my understanding skills, so when I get ready to get up, I have to say, Okay, move your right foot, move your left foot. Move your right foot, move your left foot. I have to think about every move.
Accra gives me workers to help with like cooking and cleaning, vacuuming, light housework and preparation of meals, helping me shower.
What I need is kind of a life or death situation. Some days, I don't know how I function, but I've always been able to count on Accra.