Travel + Leisure’s Traveling as column is a series of interviews with travelers to learn about their unique experiences. Robin Cohen has lived and traveled with multiple sclerosis for over 25 years. This disease causes the nerves to lose their protective layer. The documentary “Indomitable Spirit” is about her indomitable spirit.How I Roll.” Here’s her story…
In more than 25 years, I went on a hike in Sky Londa outside of San Francisco, where redwoods often protruded out of the earth. After a few kilometers, I began to trip. My girlfriend said to me, “Your foot has started to drag.” You’re not usually like that.
When I returned to my home, I saw the doctor. I was diagnosed with oligoclonal ringing. This can be an indication of multiple sclerosis. It was at first just a foot drop. I had to live with it for a long time. Then it developed further.
The protective layer of the cord is slowly being eroded. Communication is affected by the exposed wires the more. My hips are affected. Since the neurons can’t reach my legs, they are spastic. It feels like I am lifting 1000 pounds when I move them. They won’t bend if I ask them to.
MS can be of different degrees. The primary progressive type, the most severe, slowly gets worse with time. Despite my best efforts to regain mobility, I do not think I will ever be able to. Each day is different but still within the parameters. Sometimes, everything goes smoothly, and other days I feel out of sorts. I use the swimming pool to walk and to try to mimic my movements without buoyancy.
I tried to walk with a cane but couldn’t make it from 51st Street to 52nd. It was difficult for me to keep pace with my children. My daughter suggested that I find an alternative because we could not depend on taxis. I, like most people, was hesitant to get a scooter. I was afraid I would become dependent on a scooter, but it actually freed me. I’ve become quite mobile using a mobility scooter. I do yoga and swim. Thank you.
It took a while to get past the stigma. It was still a very young age for me to feel disabled. I had only been 38 years old. It was sometimes just a feeling that people were turning their backs to me in restaurants where the tables were crowded because they didn’t wish to move. You need a certain amount of mental balance to set a boundary for dignity.
Robin Cohen
I have always loved to travel. I traveled quite a bit by myself during my college years. After college, I traveled less, but after meeting my husband Mitch we went again, because he enjoyed it too. Travel brought me joy and lightness.
We went to Belize We’d go to the Festival Fringe before it became popular. We would go to the Festival Fringe. Scotland Every August. Taxis are great in this difficult city, with its hills and rocks. Each one of them has a slide which turns into a ramp. I can get from the sidewalk into the middle seat of the taxi, and there are two seats at the back.
However, there are some challenges. Most airlines are very accommodating. I drive the scooter to the jetway myself and board the aircraft. I use the sides to help. Many aircraft do not have the handle that drops from the ceiling to help you step out.
Some airlines used do this, but not as often anymore. I’m fighting for the seat. Since many people do not like to change seats, I cannot depend on other people to do so if they are already booked. It’s a privilege to be able to choose seats. extra legroom Not everyone with a handicap can use the restroom.
Booking hotels is only possible if I know that the property will be accessible to people with disabilities. It’s difficult in Europe, particularly the Italian coastline, where the hotels are located up and down steep rocky hills. You can either take the elevator down to the sand or don’t bother going to the sand. It is important to research.
I also have to plan ahead for restaurants to see if they have steps inside. I need to figure out the best way to climb them. Travel and city planning takes a great deal of energy because you have to be aware of what you are up against in order to avoid stress.
All my trips have been great. The kids and I were able to go on a trip together. St. BartsWe used a beach buggy, and I rolled down to the sand. Now I am over the stigma of it all and we had an amazing time. In Capri, where it’s hilly, I had some young guys carry me up a flight of stairs—40 steps up a cliff. Many memorable moments have occurred because people are generous when you reciprocate.
Robin Cohen
I sometimes pack my scooter and other times don’t. I use a wheelchair. I won’t let anything get in my way. In China I was using a cane to walk and a limp. The Shanghai World Fair 2010 required me to use a wheelchair. I was able even to stand on The Great Wall. That was an amazing experience.
I’ve had some funny experiences, too. When I travel with someone, they often ask me “Is my companion comfortable?” That really gets me—I’m right there.
After losing my husband Mitch I took a flight from Florida to New York. First time I was alone on a flight to see my children. I had a carry-on bag and a crossbody. I got off my scooter, removed my crossbody bag and put it on the seat of the scooter. Then, I took two steps to the front to give my carry-on over my seat to the flight attendant. When I got back to my scooter I couldn’t find my bag. The person who monitors the jetway cameras wasn’t present, so I had to choose between flying this flight and staying on board to file a claim.
So I filed a claim and got off. The camera showed that the guy in front of me had picked up my bag and put it inside his coat. Can you believe it? You’re right, I was just thrown off my scooter. The thing is, you can’t get upset—there’s no point. The past is the past. It is vital to have a positive mental attitude.
Skiing is one of the newer things I would like to do. I’d love to travel to Switzerland and Australia. It’s a longer flight, so I am a bit nervous.
It’s impossible to travel without humor. Since I know who I am, I feel very confident. I can be happy just by riding my scooter through the streets, especially in a new city like Paris or London. Cities excite me.
You have to be careful, everyone says. But I enjoy it. Travel is like a nice bright light—it brings life and youthful energy into you.
