Because I Can: A Story of Strength With MS

For multiple sclerosis (MS) patient, advocate and filmmaker Allié McGuire, a simple phrase — “because I can” — sparked a powerful journey that would ultimately become her new documentary, ”Because I Can.” The film, premiering at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers Annual Meeting this May, is more than a personal story; it’s a movement rooted in resilience, connection and redefining what’s possible after diagnosis.

McGuire, who is also the co-founder of AwareNow, traces the origin of the film to her 45th birthday. After being diagnosed with MS four years earlier, she had given up running due to symptoms like vision loss, fatigue and balance issues. But when her lifelong best friend called to say she would run the Philadelphia Marathon in her honor “because I can,” it shifted McGuire’s perspective. Inspired, she asked herself a simple but transformative question: “What can I do?” That answer led her to lace up her running shoes again and begin training, not for a marathon, but for an 8K.

What started as a personal challenge quickly grew into something much larger. Initially, McGuire planned to casually document her journey, but as the story evolved, so did her vision. Collaborating with an Emmy Award-winning director, the project expanded into a full-length documentary that captures not only her experience but also the diverse realities of others living with MS. The film features individuals from different backgrounds, including a disability advocate, an actress and an artist, highlighting how the condition uniquely affects each person.

At its core, “Because I Can” is about representation and connection. McGuire hopes viewers will see themselves reflected in the stories, recognizing that while MS (and life) may limit certain abilities, everyone still has something they can do. Whether that means running a race, taking a short walk or simply getting through a difficult day, every effort matters.

She also emphasizes an important message for newly diagnosed patients: Give yourself grace. Living with MS comes with unpredictability. Some days are harder than others, and that’s OK. McGuire encourages patients to focus on what’s possible in each moment, rather than what has been lost.

Beyond awareness, the film is designed as a tool for advocacy. Following its premiere, McGuire plans to take it on a national tour, using screenings as a starting point for conversations within communities. Her goal is to create spaces where patients feel seen, heard and empowered, and where their experiences can help shape better care and understanding.

Ultimately, “Because I Can” reminds audiences that while there are things we cannot outrun, we don’t have to face them alone.