Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Tucker.
Hi Monica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. My name is Monica Tucker. My journey began in January 2017, when I was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). At first, it felt like my world had been turned upside down. MS is unpredictable, and it brought challenges that were physical, emotional, and even financial. But over time, I realized my diagnosis didn’t have to define me. It could inspire me to create something bigger than myself.
In November 2021, I co-founded The New Face of MS® with a simple but powerful mission: to show the world that MS does not have “just one face.” We are all “The New Face of MS”. Each time someone is diagnosed, they join the MS journey; and every story is unique, powerful, and deserves to be heard. I wanted to break down stereotypes, raise awareness, and create a space where warriors and caregivers could feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Our broader mission is to empower, educate, and unite the MS community by raising awareness and promoting positivity, while showcasing the strength, resilience, and daily achievements of those living with MS. In May 2023, we achieved our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, which allowed us to expand our reach and impact.
As the work grew, so did the vision. I realized that while The New Face of MS® focuses on awareness, community, and positivity, there was also a pressing need for direct support. That’s how the Disabled Dreamers Network was born. An advocacy initiative under our nonprofit that provides financial assistance to individuals living with disabilities. Whether it’s helping with daily essentials or supporting someone’s dream, our goal is to empower, uplift, and remind people that disability does not erase ambition…it FUELS it!
Today, both organizations stand as movements of compassion, advocacy, and hope. My journey is still unfolding. But with every step forward, every warrior I meet and every dream we help bring to life, I’m reminded of why I began. MS has taught me resilience, but building these nonprofits has given me purpose.
I am also a proud member of Alpha Eta Phi Multiple Sclerosis Sorority, Incorporated, a sisterhood dedicated to providing a supportive community for women living with MS. The sorority fosters personal growth, advocacy, and awareness, offering a safe space where women can connect, share experiences, and empower each other. Additionally, I serve as an MS Ambassador with the National MS Society, helping raise awareness, educate the public, and support others navigating this journey. Being part of these organizations has been instrumental in my path, providing both support and inspiration as I continue to advocate for the MS community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and building a nonprofit is like navigating a road with shifting lanes. You never know what challenge or opportunity lies just around the corner. The journey isn’t always straight. There are curves, hills, and roadblocks, but every mile teaches a lesson, and I think that’s true for most journeys worth taking.
Living with MS brings its own unpredictable challenges. Some days, fatigue, pain, or uncertainty makes it hard to focus on anything else. Balancing self-care and personal life with the demands of advocacy and leadership remains a constant challenge. On top of that, starting a nonprofit added another layer of complexity, as fundraising, building awareness, and creating meaningful programs demand time, energy, and resources, sometimes more than I thought I could give.
Of course, there were moments of self-doubt. When I questioned whether I could make the impact I envisioned. Yet each challenge also taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of community. I leaned on fellow MS warriors, caregivers, supporters, and volunteers, who reminded me that none of this work happens in isolation. Every hurdle became an opportunity to grow, learn, and strengthen the mission of both The New Face of MS® and the Disabled Dreamers Network.
Fighting stereotypes and misconceptions about MS was another challenge, along with helping others understand the importance and impact of our work. These experiences reinforced that meaningful change is rarely easy, but it is always worth the effort.
Through the struggles, I have learned that obstacles don’t define the journey…they shape it! They have helped me refine our programs, connect more deeply with the people we serve, and remain steadfast in our purpose, to empower, uplift, and unite the MS and disabled communities, while proving that challenges can be transformed into opportunities for impact.
As you know, we’re big fans of The New Face if MS ®. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I co-founded The New Face of MS® alongside my husband, Alvin Tucker, turning my personal journey with MS into a shared mission. What started as a desire to break down stereotypes and raise awareness has grown into one of the largest MS storytelling platforms in the MS community. Our website, www.thenewfaceofms.com, is filled with stories from courageous warriors who are willing to share their experiences with the world, creating a space where every journey is seen, supported, and celebrated. We are all “The New Face of MS”. Each diagnosis adds a unique story to this vibrant, ever-growing community.
Through The New Face of MS®, we empower, educate, and unite the MS community by showcasing the strength, resilience, and daily achievements of those living with the disease. Our work goes beyond awareness; it’s about amplifying voices that are often unheard and helping others see that MS does not define a person, nor does it limit their potential.
The Disabled Dreamers Network, an advocacy initiative under our nonprofit, provides direct financial assistance to individuals with disabilities, supporting both daily needs and personal dreams. What sets us apart is our dual focus: we combine storytelling, awareness, and community-building with tangible action that empowers and uplifts those we serve. All donations and proceeds from our merchandise and fundraising go directly back to helping our community. Throughout the year, we supply gift baskets and thoughtful “dream drops” to show our community that we are thinking of them, and during the holidays, we host an annual “Tree of Hope” to celebrate and uplift our warriors and their families.
I am most proud of the culture and identity of our brand. The New Face of MS® isn’t just a nonprofit—it’s a movement of compassion, advocacy, and hope. Every program, every story, and every initiative reflects our commitment to proving that living with MS or a disability does not erase ambition. For readers, I want them to know that our organizations are about possibility, resilience, and connection. Together, we are helping individuals reclaim their power, pursue their dreams, and share their stories with the world.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a mix of creativity, curiosity, and adventure. I loved to draw and explore all things artistic, and I was fascinated by computers and technology. My father was a programmer in his spare time. He taught me a lot, and in turn, I developed a love for tinkering and figuring out how things worked. I was a thinker and a creator, constantly dreaming up new ideas.
At the same time, I loved helping others and found joy in making people smile or lending a hand whenever I could. As a friend, I was always trustworthy and loyal, willing to help out in times of need. I also loved games, including board games, puzzles, solitaire, and backgammon, anything that challenged my mind or allowed me to connect with others. I also had a wild side. I loved the thrill of amusement parks, fast cars, riding bikes, and even had a go-kart growing up, which fueled my love for adventure.
Looking back, those early passions of creativity, curiosity, compassion, loyalty, and a sense of adventure have carried through into my adult life and shaped how I approach the nonprofits I lead, always balancing imagination, purpose, and joy in the journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.thenewfaceofms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenewfaceofms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenewfaceofms/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-face-of-ms
- Twitter: https://x.com/thenewfaceofms1
