Howard’s Team – Introducing MS Champion Mitch Cannady

Howard’s Team is so pleased to welcome Mitch Cannady to Howard’s Team. Mitch joined Howard’s Team in 2025 and received the Rookie of Year Award for Howard’s Team SoCal. To learn more about Mitch, read his story below.

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My name is Mitch Cannady. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when I was 41 years old. I was in the middle of running a software company, married with two young kids. Life was busy, I was an active person and enjoyed what outdoor Orange County had to offer including sailing, windsurfing, and mountain biking. 

I had no mobility issues for the first 7 years, but I did have face pain. I went from being a pseudo athlete to devices on my legs, to walking with a cane and then permanently in a wheelchair, all within 3 years. It was a challenge for myself and my family.

It took me around 6 months to find out I had MS. One of my first symptoms was unfortunately, walking in a parking lot and falling forward and landing on my face. Sometime afterwards, I felt pain possibly caused by an ingrown hair in my beard (I had thought).  This pain eventually felt like dental pain.  I made an appointment with my dentist and after some time, he could not find where the pain was coming from and determined the pain wasn’t coming from my teeth. I was told to see a neurologist. After many tests and an MRI scan, he told me I had MS and trigeminal neuralgia. 

I had no mobility issues for the first 7 years, but I did have face pain. I went from being a pseudo athlete to devices on my legs, to walking with a cane and then permanently in a wheelchair, all within 3 years. It was a challenge for myself and my family. 

I reached out to MS Society approximately a year ago. When I met Renata Sahagian, she asked me to consider being a member of the community counsel board for both San Diego and Orange County. I was introduced to Howard’s Team, and eight months ago I started biking and completed my first Bike MS ride in October 2025! 

My first ride (with my recumbent bike) was phenomenal. The people, the excitement and the overall experience were wonderful. I was very nervous about my first ride; it was 75 miles over two days. I was so proud to have finished the race. My kids and best friend followed me in the car the entire way, it was the best encouragement! This will be on my calendar as a yearly event.  

Looking back, I would have joined the MS Society and Howard’s Team sooner if I had known the benefits (social, emotional and physical). You have all been a great source of strength and encouragement. 

I would like to end with a special shoutout to Devin Callahan and Rob Evans. “You guys were my anchors!”