IN THE NEWS

Teen Cares For Mom With MS, Sheds Light On Caregiver Journey

Kids his age are often shocked to learn Tylor Lopez is his mother’s caregiver. “They think it's kind of crazy,” says 14-year-old Tylor, who lives with his mom, Alison, in Los Lunas, New Mexico. “We have a good balance. I don't just take care of her, she takes care of me, too. I want to help give her the amazing life she's given me."

Alison, age 46, was diagnosed in 2018 with multiple sclerosis (MS). The chronic and progressive central nervous system disorder affects the brain and spinal cord, and in Alison’s case has slowly robbed her of her ability to walk. Primarily relying on a wheelchair for mobility, she requires assistance from Tylor with daily tasks including getting in and out of bed and going to and from the bathroom.

Tylor and Alison say they have a healthy balance of caregiving between each other. (Courtesy: Alison Lopez)

“We’re Team Lopez,” says Alison, who worked as a flight paramedic until the progression of MS caused her to stop. Now, she homeschools Tylor. “If I see a need, I do it if I can. Tylor does the same. We’re partners, and we do whatever has to be done.”

Alison was diagnosed and is regularly treated by Carrie M. Hersh, DO, a neurologist who specializes in MS and neuroimmunology at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas, Nevada. When Dr. Hersh learned from Alison that Tylor is serving as her primary caregiver, she worked with her colleagues and the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America to get him useful information and resources to support him in his role.

During Alison’s annual visit to the center, Tylor met with Justina Selim, an occupational therapist with expertise on the impact of MS on family members. She taught him customized interventions and approaches to help Tylor on his caregiving journey.

“We have to keep the caregivers in mind, especially one as young as Tylor,” says Dr. Hersh. “They often play a critical role in supporting individuals with MS to be independent and improve their quality of life. But it’s also important to recognize the caregivers’ needs and provide them with the resources and support they require to manage their responsibilities, while maintaining their own well-being.”

Alison is no stranger to caregiving herself. Tylor was born at 25 weeks gestation and weighed less than one pound. Alison was by his side for the entire four months he spent in a hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.

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