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What is Multiple Sclerosis, and How Many People Are Affected by It?

As one of many chronic diseases, multiple sclerosis impacts the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, and currently has no cure. Unfortunately, the exact cause of MS has not yet been found, but research has determined that something triggers the immune system and attacks the central nervous system (CNS). After this attack, the body’s myelin is damaged, causing a communication cutoff across the brain. This damage causes unpredictable symptoms like tingling, numbness, memory problems, mood changes, pain, paralysis, and more.

There are three main disease courses of MS: Relapsing-Remitting, Primary Progressive, and Secondary Progressive. Relapsing-Remitting MS is the most common form at diagnosis, causing affected individuals to experience periods of relapses followed by periods of remission. Some individuals with RRMS may eventually develop Secondary Progressive MS, where neurological disability gradually worsens over time. Clay Walker himself has suffered from relapsing-remitting MS (more on that to come).

But Walker isn’t alone in his fight with multiple sclerosis, whether it’s the Relapsing-Remitting, Primary Progressive, or Secondary Progressive form. Approximately 1 million people in the U.S. have multiple sclerosis (MS), according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which conducted research back in 2019 to get a better understanding of how many people suffer day-to-day from this disease. MS organizations estimate that 3.1 million people worldwide are suffering from this disease.

For more predicted stats, visit nationalmssociety.org.

Clay Walker’s Story: The Life of a Country Artist, Family Man, and Multiple Sclerosis Patient & Advocate

In 1996, 26-year-old Clay Walker was diagnosed with MS after experiencing facial spasms, a lazy right leg that felt numb and “asleep”, an electric-shock feeling down his spine, double vision, and numbness in his hands.

After being told that this disease would upend his life, Walker thought he would no longer be able to walk, would be confined to a wheelchair for four years, and in eight years, he’d be dead [2]. Despite his first neurosurgeon telling him this, Clay Walker defied the odds. By immediately seeking additional counsel and help from other doctors, Walker has had almost 20 years of stability. Now in his 50s, Walker has proved it’s possible to live a life not defined by a chronic disease, but by the life you choose outside of it.

Walker’s life has led him to release 11 studio albums and win multiple platinum awards over the length of his career, including four Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) platinum album certifications and two gold album certifications.

He doesn’t plan to slow down either. His most recent full-length album, Texas to Tennessee, was recorded in both his home state of Texas and his new home in Tennessee. In the 2021 album, Walker reflects on his storied career and how he ended up in Nashville, TN. Since the album, Walker has released additional standalone singles and continues to tour.

The Turning Point for Clay Walker and His Multiple Sclerosis – The Relapse and Learning How to Live With It

More Than a One-Man Show: Walker’s MS Support Team, On and Off the Stage

In 2025, Walker reported that his MS had relapsed (People.com) and that he faced a new wave of complications. To help combat living with this chronic disease, Walker’s wife Jessica quickly became his caretaker, playing a major role in her husband’s health. As wife and caretaker, Jessica maintains a healthy diet and lifestyle for her family [3].

When Jessica can’t join Walker on the road during his hectic tour schedule, they depend on Walker’s bandmates to become his secondary caregivers. Whether it’s Jessica or his bandmates, Clay Walker has an army of support around him, all devoted to keeping him strong, provided for, and doing what he loves: advancing his musical career.

“Although there are over 90 million [caregivers] nationwide, it can be a lonely position at times. Knowing that you can reach out and create your own support team is really important,” Jessica told FoxNews.com.

The Road to Managing MS: Walker’s Treatment Journey

Clay Walker has recently been open about his multiple sclerosis treatments over the years, including Copaxone injections, Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) infusions, and a Baclofen pump surgery.

During the early stage of his diagnosis, Walker took Copaxone, a prescription subcutaneous injection used to treat relapsing forms of MS. These self-administered daily injections helped maintain his long relapse-free period. However, after experiencing a severe sensory attack in 2020 that caused numbness from the chest down, he switched to Ocrevus, an infusion (IV) therapy that’s given twice a year and is administered into a vein via the patient’s arm.

During an interview with Lone Star Plate [4], Walker recalled his sudden attack after being relapse-free for 20 years. “That was a shocker for me and my wife. And, you know, we have four kids, and we didn’t know what was going to happen. I couldn’t feel anything from my chest down… I just lost all feeling, and that lasted for several months. That was a very dark time, very stressful for her as well. And I came through that with the help of my doctors in Houston… I started this new therapy that every six months you take as an IV—it’s called Ocrevus.”

In March 2025, Walker underwent surgery to implant a Baclofen pump, a device that delivers a muscle relaxant directly into the spinal fluid. Since implantation, it has modestly improved his mobility by delivering continuous doses to relieve muscle stiffness and ease his severe spasticity.

But while Walker knows that these treatments cannot cure MS completely, he still chooses hope over fear.

Clay Walker discusses his multiple sclerosis journey and treatment experience in an interview with Lone Star Plate Podcast.

“You know, every day for someone with MS is an unknown, and I don’t wake up in fear every day…That’s where the charity comes from. That’s where Band Against MS comes from. Our goal is to stamp out MS, to eradicate it. You know, I have no other goal than that with the charity.” [4]

The Establishment of The Clay Walker Foundation (a.k.a. Band Against MS)

Clay Walker’s charitable initiatives and efforts in the fight against multiple sclerosis.

In 2003, Walker established The Clay Walker Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting MS, funding research, and finding solutions to everyday struggles. Through this organization, Walker and his team have dug into the hard questions, hoping to help families in their battle with the disease and serve as key leaders in educating, informing, and helping people live the lives they deserve.

Since its establishment, the organization has hosted numerous events and fundraisers, including the Band Against MS Gala and the Clay Walker Charity Classic at Pebble Beach.

The Band Against MS Gala celebrates the nonprofit’s progress in research and fundraising for people living with MS. It is a night full of musical entertainment, special guest appearances, a seated dinner, and a live auction.

His other signature event in connection with the gala is the Clay Walker Charity Classic at Pebble Beach. This annual golf tournament stretches over multiple days and is designed to further support Walker’s nonprofit in the fight against multiple sclerosis. It is hosted at world-class courses at Pebble Beach Resorts in California, including Pebble Beach Golf Links, Del Monte Golf Course, and the Spyglass Hill Golf Course. The event features multi-format golf competitions, like a 36-hole championship and the “Clayboy Cup” team shamble.

Multiple Sclerosis Won’t Have the Final “Verse”

While the chronic autoimmune disease alters the way one lives, it is imperative to note that it doesn’t have to define your life completely. As a community, WeInfuse and many others are determined not to let multiple sclerosis have the final say. By showing up and staying committed each day, we can fight back against the disease, one step at a time.

To Clay Walker and everyone else who is affected by MS, know you are not alone. WeInfuse is proud to support the infusion teams that help deliver care to MS patients across the country.

For advanced care and awareness, check out these additional resources and foundations regarding MS treatments, stats, and more:

Keeping Care on Beat: WeInfuse’s Role in MS Infusion Therapy

While WeInfuse never works directly with a patient, we proudly support the teams behind the care and dedication. We believe that by helping infusion providers streamline their operations, they can better care for the patients who seek their guidance and services. For us, it will always be a win-win outcome.

WeInfuse has proudly served 1400+ infusion centers, including MS treatment locations, over the span of 10 years, and we don’t plan to slow down. We believe infusion teams are the heartbeat of a patient’s journey, and we strive to help them create a better tomorrow for people who suffer with MS or any other chronic autoimmune disease that requires IV care.

For more information about our software services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Reach out at weinfuse.com/about/contact-us/ to get started.

Main Sources Used

Author: Brittany Casadiego, WeInfuse Marketing Lead

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