Wild's Harding begins battle with MS

Awful. Hope it takes it easy on him.

I know folks who have this disease and it can be a horrible burden. I'll pray that Josh can do well and that advances in treatment and a cure can be found. For him and thousands of others. News like this underscores what's really important in the world.

I've always been a big fan of Harding, and have always wanted the Leafs to get him.

This news sucks. MS is such a crappy disease. Hope he will okay and be able to continue to play hockey and live a long and healthy life afterwards.

Our neighbor has this. and she was glad they caught it very early.The earlier they catch it the more they can slow its effects with medication. I hope that is the case here also.

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:44 AM ET  11.29 by dannylimes

Awful. Hope it takes it easy on him.

I agree with your sentiments, Danny. I've seen firsthand with my Grandfather what this wicked disease can do, he was diagnosed at 30, and succumbed to it in 2005, at just 66 years of age. It's an awful condition to have to see someone suffer through, although with certain treatments and physiotherapy he may have a good 40 years of quality life ahead of him, and, after you hit 20, another 40 years is at least the expectation. I hope and pray that one day a cure can be found for this, as with all diseases, but for now, all one can do is work through it until palliative care.

To Harding and his family, all the best, it'll be one tough road ahead.

Go get em Josh...

QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 10:09 AM ET  11.29 by The Aussie Caniac

I agree with your sentiments, Danny. I've seen firsthand with my Grandfather what this wicked disease can do, he was diagnosed at 30, and succumbed to it in 2005, at just 66 years of age. It's an awful condition to have to see someone suffer through, although with certain treatments and physiotherapy he may have a good 40 years of quality life ahead of him, and, after you hit 20, another 40 years is at least the expectation. I hope and pray that one day a cure can be found for this, as with all diseases, but for now, all one can do is work through it until palliative care.To Harding and his family, all the best, it'll be one tough road ahead.

MS is honestly my biggest fear illness-wise. It strikes from absolutely nowhere and man does it make its presence known when it wants to. Wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy.

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 10:27 AM ET  11.29 by dannylimes

MS is honestly my biggest fear illness-wise. It strikes from absolutely nowhere and man does it make its presence known when it wants to. Wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy.

No, nor would I, it's despicably cruel and indiscriminate in how and when it affects you. They say it's not hereditary, but it is always a worry in the back of my mind...

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 10:27 AM ET  11.29 by dannylimes

MS is honestly my biggest fear illness-wise. It strikes from absolutely nowhere and man does it make its presence known when it wants to. Wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy.

Man, do I ever feel bad for this kid. Based on history, he hasn't been dealt a very good hand. I don't know anyone that's had it but I wish him all the best. Based on the prognosis (balance, fatigue and blurred vision), will he even be able to play in the NHL? I hope he draws a couple of aces from the deck so he can play and live a long life.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:23 AM ET  11.29 by Slapshot

I know folks who have this disease and it can be a horrible burden. I'll pray that Josh can do well and that advances in treatment and a cure can be found. For him and thousands of others. News like this underscores what's really important in the world.

+1000

A close friend of mine even had that controversial stent treatment done. Paid big bucks outside their own medical plan to travel to Mexico for the procedure.

She was aces for approximately 4 months. Then started to slip. And currently is worse than ever.

Her medicinal herb sessions are the high point of her day as she sits in her wheel chair.

Hang in there Josh.

I am from Regina where Josh was born and raised. My niece went to high school with Josh and remained in touch with him once he hit the big time. She said he is still the same down to earth guy she grew up with, except he now wears more expensive clothes! The age old question..."why is it always the good ones?". Stand tall, Josh.

Unfortunately this will probably be more than a "bump in the road." I have known a number of folks with MS ranging from nearly symptom-free to unable to walk with decreased cognitive function. Not a lot of effective treatments out there either. I have ridden in few MS 150 mile bicycle fundraisers. The one near Cleveland now raises over $1 million each year. Hang in there, Josh.

Best of luck to you Josh. I know that in some cases, it can be a slow developing disease and people can manage it for years living a normal life. Here's to hoping that is the case.

Ditto to all your comments with well wishes......this news is awful.....hopefully a cure will be found before it gets too bad on him.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:23 AM ET  11.29 by Slapshot

I know folks who have this disease and it can be a horrible burden. I'll pray that Josh can do well and that advances in treatment and a cure can be found. For him and thousands of others. News like this underscores what's really important in the world.

Thoughts and prayers for this kid too. Forget about hockey, this is about life.

When you have your health, you have NO problems..........thoughts and prayers with you....

You have to remember that while he is young (28), he basically had a real good run of normal life at a high level.

It's not like he was born unable to do anything ever. I have one of those living with me. Trust me, that is much, much worse.

And not to be miserable but save the prayers. My parents have prayed long and loud for my son to absolutely no avail....

QUOTE(#19):

Originally posted 05:02 PM ET  11.29 by Hank Kingsley

You have to remember that while he is young (28), he basically had a real good run of normal life at a high level.It's not like he was born unable to do anything ever. I have one of those living with me. Trust me, that is much, much worse.And not to be miserable but save the prayers. My parents have prayed long and loud for my son to absolutely no avail....

Your Son is blessed with a Great Dad though !