Yes Way! A Joyful Walk for MS

Last Saturday, Anette Hogan did something she hadn’t done in 20 years—she walked.

At the Annual Walk MS Orange County in Costa Mesa, Hogan stood upright and walked nearly half a mile with the help of the EksoNR, an exoskeleton, robotic device designed for people with mobility challenges. For years, she had attended the event in a wheelchair. This time, she crossed the finish line on her own two feet, surrounded by cheering friends and supporters of “Team YesWay!”.

Developed by Ekso Bionics, the device assists movement by adapting to each leg’s strength, helping users achieve a balanced walking gait. For people living with multiple sclerosis, brain injury and similar conditions, it enables repetitive motion that can support strength, coordination, and confidence over time.

Despite its promise, access remains limited. Hogan travels twice a week to Pomona for therapy, as the EksoNR (the only exoskeleton approved for MS patients) is not available in Orange County. Insurance coverage is restricted to a certain number of sessions per year, leaving many patients unable to afford continued care.

Still, the impact goes beyond the physical. Days before the walk, Hogan shared, “Walking again—with support, determination, and a purpose bigger than myself—means everything to me.”

As she reached the finish line to resounding applause, her joy was unmistakable and shared by family, friends, and a community united in support of those living with MS.

“My hope,” Hogan said, “is that sharing my journey encourages others and helps expand research and access, so more people living with this disease can experience meaningful progress.”

To support research and patient services, visit the National MS Society. To learn more about the device, contact Ekso Bionics.