SYRACUSE -- NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) chief meteorologist Dave Longley made a surprising announcement about his personal health on tonight's newscasts: he's been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. His story is the basis for a report called "Living with MS," which aired on the ABC affiliate this evening.
Longley announced on his Facebook page that he "was diagnosed with MS 6 years ago." He goes on to explain, "I've decided to 'come out' to show people that they're not alone in their fight against this disease."
In tonight's televised report, Longley explained how he started noticing "little things" about six years ago -- things like his hand trembling and his handwriting getting worse. At his wife's suggestion, Longley mentioned his observations to his doctor. Tests were performed and the diagnosis was made.
Longley said on Facebook, "we are fortunate to have such great help available to us." On television, Longley's neurologist said treatments for MS have improved greatly over time, and as with many other ailments, catching the symptoms early allows for the best course of treatment.
As of right now, there's no cure for multiple sclerosis, but the disease -- which attacks the body's nervous system -- can be treated with medicines that reduce some of the symptoms, and perhaps delay other symptoms. For example, the NewsChannel 9 report says Longley receives a monthly dose of a medicine that helps combat the fatigue some MS patients experience.