Patient Stories

A love story began decades ago at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. There, Hilary and Amy Debelak met, eventually marrying and building a life together that has now spanned almost 30 years. Together, they have raised two children and forged a friendship as strong as their marriage.

“My wife walks on water,” Hilary says with a smile.

In January 2011, at 39 years old, Hilary’s world turned on its head when he received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) at UC Health’s Waddell Center for Multiple Sclerosis. The symptoms had been pointing to MS for a while, he recalls, but when the MRI results came in, showing lesions lighting up his brain and spinal cord "like the 4th of July," the reality set in.

Like many who receive a life-changing diagnosis, he felt a whirlwind of emotions—fear, shock, uncertainty.

“You don't know whether to cry, laugh, or give up,” he said. “But my wife—standing just 5’2”, but strong beyond measure—turned to me and said, ‘Don’t worry. This is not going to happen to you. One way or another, I will drag you out of the house. We are not staying inside; we are living our lives as best as possible.’”

Her words became and remained their guiding light, as things would not get easier with a dual unrelated diagnosis of muscular dystrophy in 2021.

Hilary said, “If somebody asks me how am I doing, it’s [really] how am I doing today? I will not be doing as well tomorrow. MS and muscular dystrophy (MD), another condition I live with, are both progressive diseases without a cure. They cannot be stopped.”

Despite this, they have refused to let MS and MD define their lives, and through the unpredictability of the diseases, they focus on making the most of each day. But MS and MD don’t just affect him—it impacts the entire family.

“When you’re diagnosed with something like this, the whole family is diagnosed,” he reflected, recognizing how his wife and children had to adapt to the new normal without the same support he was receiving. “I see doctors. I take medications. But there are no doctors for my wife and kids. They’re going through this, too.”

Driven to Help the MS Community

Driven to help others in similar situations, Amy and Hilary embarked on a mission. After realizing an opportunity to help bridge the efforts of national organizations and local patients, they launched their nonprofit organization, Strikeout MS, to support patients with MS in their community. Knowing little about running a nonprofit, they educated themselves, learned the ropes, and set out to provide greater support for integrative health programs that complement traditional multiple sclerosis treatments.

Integrative health may seem like a newer field, but its roots run deep, drawing from ancient practices worldwide that emphasize whole-person care. Modern integrative therapies are grounded in evidence-based approaches implemented alongside a patient’s primary treatment plan. These therapies focus on enhancing overall well-being, addressing key areas like stress management, optimal nutrition, and physical activity. For patients with conditions like MS, integrative care can help alleviate symptoms such as chronic fatigue, pain, and sleep disturbances, providing a valuable complement to traditional medical treatments.

In 2021, Hilary's care team connected him and his family with the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Cincinnati, one of only 11 Osher Centers in the world, with therapies conveniently housed directly within the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute.

During a one-on-one lifestyle medicine consultation with Dr. Mladen Golubic, Medical Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at UC, Hilary and Dr. Golubic reviewed his health journey and goals. Together, they prioritized managing chronic pain, enhancing mobility and sleep, and embracing a healthier lifestyle focused on nutrition. Hilary then incorporated regular practices like yoga, Tai Chi, and mindfulness meditation into his routine, both individually and in group settings, including participation in virtual group medical visits designed for patients with MS.

"Hilary's deep curiosity and holistic approach to life fit perfectly with the key principles of Integrative Medicine, which emphasize the mind-body-spirit connection, active patient involvement in their own care, and the nurturing of strong therapeutic relationships between patients and healthcare providers," said Dr. Golubic.

The application of integrative health has transformed Hilary's life, but some healing approaches like yoga therapy, art therapy and Tai Chi aren't covered by insurance yet.

“If people have to pay $25 for these things, and they are unable to work, they’re not going to show up,” Dr. Golubic said. So, they made it their mission to help offer these therapies at little to no cost, ensuring no one had to choose between care and financial hardship. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of people like Hilary, most of these services provided by the UC Osher Center are now available at no cost.

“It doesn’t matter what the disease is,” Hilary said. “Whether it’s breast cancer, diabetes, or MS, these diagnoses come with a lot of energy—sometimes negative. You have to decide which road you’re going to go down. We decided to bottle up all that energy and put it towards something positive.”

Since 2015, Strikeout MS has raised more than $250,000. Their signature event is an annual gala that brings together patients, families, and healthcare providers working together to change the lives of the MS community in the Cincinnati area.

"Hilary Debelak is an inspiring individual who, while battling serious medical conditions such as MS, MD, and scoliosis, has dedicated himself to supporting others in need," said Dr. Aram Zabeti, Director and Endowed Chair at the Waddell Center for Multiple Sclerosis.

“In 2023, we paused as my spine became deformed from scoliosis (a symptom of MD) and had to be rebuilt from my T5 down to the pelvic area. After almost 11 hours of surgery and three months of rehabilitation, the Strikeout MS gala was back in the fall of 2024.”

Each year, Strikeout MS features the stories of multiple sclerosis patients, MS healthcare providers, and local baseball stars. This year’s event, held at the TPC Golf Club, featured Teddy Kremer, who shared his life story of hope and inspiration.

Building Partnerships for Holistic Multiple Sclerosis Care

Over the years, their efforts blossomed into a thriving partnership with the UC Foundation and the UC Health Waddell Center, bringing life-changing support to multiple sclerosis patients in the Cincinnati area. Their commitment extends beyond MS, welcoming anyone with neurological conditions who could benefit from the programs.

“I like to say I’m a full-service neurological All-Star,” he jokes. “I know everyone at UC’s Gardner Neuroscience Institute. I’ve been through all the rehabs and know I’m in good hands.”

"With his family's support, he launched Strikeout MS, a nonprofit organization committed to aiding those affected by MS. Through remarkable fundraising efforts, Hilary and his family have made generous donations to our center, supporting integrative medicine and wellness programs. Often not covered by insurance, these services are vital for managing chronic illnesses like multiple sclerosis. This support enhances patients' medical care and quality of life, fosters a stronger community, and advances mental health resources and innovative care for our region," Dr. Zabeti said.

A Story of Resilience and Love

Through it all, Hilary remains focused on the positives. Despite his struggles, he seeks to be the best patient, husband, father, and friend. And as he often says, he couldn’t have done it without his wife, whom he praises and appreciates at every chance. This is more than just a multiple sclerosis patient story; it’s a story of love, resilience, and the power of community. It’s a testament to the strength of Hilary’s spirit, the unwavering support of family, and the life-changing impact of an academic health system dedicated to holistic care. At UC Health, we believe in standing with our patients and their families, not just with treatment but with compassionate, comprehensive healthcare.