Carla Basante lives with multiple sclerosis and is a longtime participant in Kessler Foundation research to help people living with MS remain engaged in their communities, workplaces, and homes.

Carla has participated in 12 research studies. Her latest examined the effects of exercise on mobility and cognition while wearing a robotic exoskeleton. “The exoskeleton is an amazing piece of technology,” says Carla. “Wearing it improved my balance, stance, gait, and posture, all areas which can decline with MS.”

Carla remembers how hard she worked, physically and cognitively, in the exoskeleton. “You can’t take your next step until your balance, stance, gait, and posture are in sync. I felt like my brain might explode as I worked to position my body correctly for every step. At the end of a session, I was exhausted, but I also felt strengthened and empowered.”

The coordination to walk correctly remained with Carla post-training. “Back home, my muscle memory kicked in,” she explains. “I found myself automatically working mentally and physically to ensure smoother steps, as if I were still wearing the exoskeleton.”

For Carla, research participation is key to improving her quality of life with MS, but it’s also how she gives back. “I learn a lot from Kessler Foundation researchers on how to adapt, but the research that I participate in isn’t just for me; it improves the lives of everyone living with MS. Thank you, donors, for your support of Kessler Foundation research to help all of us with MS live more fully.”