Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore Reveals She Has Multiple Sclerosis

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland first lady Dawn Moore revealed for the first time this week that she's living with multiple sclerosis, according to a statement from the governor's office.

Moore, whose husband Wes Moore became Maryland's governor in January, said she was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease in her late twenties, which "completely changed her life."

Dawn Moore also revealed her illness is currently in remission, according to her statement.

"Through my journey, I learned that everyone has a different course when living with the disease. I believe it's important that we all share our survival stories to help change the narrative about living with multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases," Dawn Moore said. "As first lady, I will continue to work with organizations that support all Marylanders living with multiple sclerosis and their families."

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, according to the National MS Society. While the exact cause of MS is unknown, the disease causes the immune system to attack the body's central nervous system and can cause nerve damage and, in severe cases, paralysis.

Dawn Moore discussed her diagnosis in an on-camera interview with Fox 5 DC's Angie Goff. The interview is scheduled to air Thursday.

The first lady told Fox 5 that she decided to go public with her diagnosis because "If I can help somebody along the way, I want to be able to do that," Moore said.

In a statement, Gov. Wes Moore declared March as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in Maryland.

"I am so proud of my wife for her courage to speak out about living with multiple sclerosis," Gov. Moore said. "I have been by my wife's side since the beginning of this journey, and I continue to support her as she uses her platform as Maryland's first lady to advocate for all Marylanders living with a disability.