Braiden Epp is tackling Multiple Sclerosis head-on.
The former Prince George Spruce King, West Kelowna Warrior, and Cariboo Cougar was diagnosed while working for the City of Nanaimo.
He was driving a work truck when his arms and legs fell asleep behind the wheel.
The 24-year-old received his diagnosis following a trip to the Emergency Room along with two MRIs.
Former Spruce King Braiden Epp was beloved by teammates and fans for his grit and heart. Now, Epper has a new battle. He's been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
May 30th is the Virtual MS Walk and Epp wants you to help the cause!
DONATE TODAY –> https://t.co/vMsSug69Kt pic.twitter.com/oTkZQKfJH7
— Prince George Spruce Kings (@SpruceKings) May 27, 2021
Epp told MyPGNow.com the past month has been an emotional roller coaster.
“The lows are a lot harder on my body. At one point, I was not able to move or have any energy to open up a straw to have an iced coffee that’s when I was thinking this was not good for me.”
Epp’s health started to take a turn for the worse about a month ago after noticing some bumps on his body and it got worse than there.
“Then that slowly turned into having some difficulties walking, breathing, and just getting really fatigued. And then I went out to ref a hockey game in Port Alberni and I was having a lot of difficulties skating on my feet, which is difficult for me because I have been skating my whole life.”
“I kept pushing through trying to shrug it off and then a week later I went to ref another game and this time I fell down right away and couldn’t get back to my feet so that was a big concern for me.”
Meet @BCHockey_Source HP official @BraidenEpp, who began officiating after a successful playing career with the @BCHockeyLeague & @BCHockey_U18. Braiden is sharing his personal journey & raising awareness for MS. Join Team Epp! https://t.co/1kG3qsUNyz #morethandroppingpucks pic.twitter.com/FWtkt0kozn
— BC Hockey Officials (@BCHockey_Refs) May 28, 2021
Epp is taking part in today’s (Sunday) Virtual MS Walk.
So far, his campaign has raised over 24-thousand dollars.