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Basketball player Chris Wright, 32, has opened up about his journey withmultiple sclerosis(M.S.)
Jeffrey Phelps / Getty Images
in aninterviewwithESPNthis week, including the first symptom he experienced.
According to the outlet, the former Georgetown University point guard is the first person with M.S.
to play for the NBA.
The right side of his body was numb.
I fell to the floor, Wright told ESPN.
Wright was eventuallydiagnosed with M.S., with several doctors telling him his basketball career was done.
But he decided that was not an option.
He would walk, run, and play the sport he loved again.
I just said, Were going to figure this out, he said.
With an aggressive treatment plan, which included immunosuppressive medications, he began to move again.
[Relearning] was the hardest part, but it happened quick.
According to theMayo Clinic, M.S.
is a rare neurological disease affecting the brain and spinal cord, which makes up the central nervous system.
This can lead to permanent nerve damage.
Some people might completely lose the ability to walk, while others might experience drawn-out periods of remission.
One of the most common symptoms is numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, as Wright experienced.
This will usually occur on one side of the body at a time.
In 2012, after Wright retrained in his movements, he began playing for the D-Leagues Iowa Energy team.
Making the NBA solidified it for me.
I did it [and] it wasnt supposed to be done.
This is a live universe and Im living testimony to that, he said.
He now plays for Italys Derthona Basket, which is currently fifth in the Series A tournament.
In the future, Wright looks forward to coaching a college program.
I dont feel like Im losing a step, Wright said.
I want to keep playing, I want to win.
