Howard’s Team – Introducing MS Champion Susan “Susie Q” Bradley
Howard’s Team is so pleased to welcome Susan “Susie Q” Bradley to Howard’s Team. Susie joined Howard’s Team in 2024. To learn more about Susie, read her story below.
===
My name is Susan “Susie Q” Bradley (Priddy), and I was diagnosed with MS in 2013 at 24 years old after experiencing random symptoms like speech difficulties and weakness on my left side. It took emergency room visits, lots of imaging and numerous tests—including evaluations for Alzheimer’s and brain cancer—before I finally received my diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Following my diagnosis, I researched and opted for a more “whole-body” approach to attacking my disease (i.e. food as functional medicine, and maintaining as much physical activity as my body would allow), and in 2014, I decided to make a big move from Virginia to San Diego, California, to have access to better MS treatments, and year-round mild and comfortable weather.
In 2019, I experienced a relapse that while it took away function that I’m still about 90-95% back to baseline – even seven years later as I type this in 2025 – it did connect me with an incredible neurologist who supported the direction I wanted to take with my care. At that time, I was using a cane and struggling with balance, but as I slowly started regaining function, I decided to start biking with a e-bike to, “Just keep moving.” That has become my mindset, no matter the distance, no matter the activity, to keep moving.
I decided to start biking with a e-bike to, “Just keep moving.” That has become my mindset, no matter the distance, no matter the activity, to keep moving.
In 2024, I had a neighbor who introduced me to Bike MS, and he quickly became a source of inspiration in my life (and still is). I was welcomed with open arms by Howard’s Team, and one of the team members even recently gifted me a new bike! It was such a blessing to be embraced by this amazing community and to be able to share both my life and my struggles with people who truly understand. As I often say about MS, “You don’t get it until you get it.”
Since then, I’ve set new goals, pushed myself through training, and challenged my limits. I’m honest with myself about what I can and can’t do and always try to listen to my body—even when I don’t want to. There are days I need to walk my bike, use pedal assist, or stop a ride early. But it’s all worth it. I believe if you don’t use it, you lose it—so I’ll keep going. Moving, talking, and walking are all blessings, and I don’t take them for granted.
I do this for myself, and I do it for my two boys, who are 3 and 8 years old. On the tough days, I explain that I’m having a “wonky” day, and they understand. I receive annual infusions, and although I usually need about a week to rest and recover, I bounce back and get on with life. It’s not always easy – the balance of mourning the loss of certain functions, but also being grateful for everything I can still do – but it’s surely worth it.
There have been so many wonderful stories, funny moments, tough lessons, and incredible relationships formed along this journey. In my free time, you’ll usually find me on the Coronado Loop; Fiesta, Harbor, and Shelter Islands; or in my home yoga studio—if you see me, come say hi!
Just keep moving!
