Living with Confidence: Blanca Lobo’s Journey with MS, Community, and Style
Blanca Lobo was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) seven years ago, advancing to secondary-progressive MS two years ago. Since then, she’s used the Cionic Neural Sleeve and navigated increasing mobility challenges with resilience and self-discovery.
Watch Blanca’s full interview on the CIONIC podcast and read on for more highlights from her interview.
A Moment of Awakening: Finding Community & Acceptance
In 2024, searching for community and others like her living with MS, Blanca did what any young, tech-savvy person might do, and looked to social media for support. In early 2024, Blanca experienced a turning point while scrolling through Instagram during a painful recovery from walking too much. She encountered posts featuring young individuals using canes and wheelchairs. This inspired her deeply—realizing she wasn’t alone moved her to seek out the disability community and inspired her to begin sharing her own story and become an advocate in the community.
Connecting Through Representation
Blanca sought out voices that reflected her own experience—women living with disabilities who could offer guidance and empathy. She found encouragement in those communities and realized that her journey didn’t have to be solitary; it empowered both her and her family to accept her evolving reality.
Role Models Who Spark Change
One person she admires is Samantha, who lives with a bone tumor disease and recently shared her experience getting a pain pump. Blanca found her posts particularly informative, equipping her to ask better questions and engage more confidently in conversations with her healthcare provider.
Prioritizing Independence & Stability
Blanca defines productivity as a form of empowerment. Her goals focus on contributing through work, while managing pain—especially nerve pain from prolonged sitting—and celebrating milestones like moving from a two-story home to a single-level residence to preserve her autonomy.
Discovering the Neural Sleeve
As Blanca researched mobility aids, she learned about the Cionic Neural Sleeve online. Her doctor confirmed it was available through her PT clinic and recommended it. Applying for the device was straightforward, and once fitted, the impact was both noticeable and immediate.
Experiencing Real Impact
Using the Neural Sleeve, Blanca noticed improvements in her walking pace and leg movement. The device stimulates key muscle groups—quadriceps, hamstrings, calf, and shin—helping her gait feel more natural and reducing strain on her lower back.
Style Meets Mobility: The Power of Adaptive Fashion
As a fashion-forward and style-conscious woman, Blanca continued to embrace fashion as a form of self-expression after her diagnosis. Blanca’s journey into adaptive fashion started with a cane that reflected her personality. She realized that tools like mobility aids don’t have to diminish self-expression. Coordinating her Neural Sleeve and outfits rekindled her confidence and reshaped how she embraces her identity.
Shattering Stigma & Raising Visibility
Despite lingering moments of ableism in public, Blanca continues to live fully—going out, shopping, and enjoying spaces without apology. She emphasizes that sharing her experience can help others feel less isolated and challenge societal perceptions. “My disability doesn’t stop me,” Blanca shared on the CIONIC podcast.
A Message for the Disability Community
Blanca extends heartfelt gratitude to every voice—past and present—who’s shown up for the disability community. She welcomes new creators and advocates connecting online and encourages continued storytelling. “Count on me for anything you need,” she offers, illustrating her commitment to mutual support.
How to Connect
Follow Blanca on Instagram and TikTok at @adaptivemsvibes— ready to advocate, inspire, and uplift.
Learn more about the Cionic Neural Sleeve and how, like with Blanca, it can support you in your mobility journey. Get started today by visiting cionic.com.
