Higher Calling: How Hoag’s MS Program helped one patient gain control of her diagnosis and her future
In 2019, Brittany Quiroz found herself among the nearly one million people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the United States. She recalled experiencing early warning signs of the disease while building her music career ten years prior.
“Because I was so incredibly busy touring and performing, I assumed my body was just really tired,” she said. “When your schedule is packed and there is so little time to see a doctor, you try to validate the reasons your symptoms aren’t worth looking into.”
The signs, however, became harder to ignore. Eventually, Brittany was experiencing bladder incontinence, balance issues and muscle weakness. Everyday tasks like putting on clothes had become arduous.
“One day I was trying to put my underwear on, and I couldn’t lift my left leg, which was pretty frightening.”
A sudden and hard fall down a flight of stairs led to an official diagnosis.
A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, MS is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking nerve fibers, disrupting signals between the brain and spinal cord. This results in a multitude of mild to debilitating symptoms and complications including vision loss, difficulty walking and swallowing, muscle weakness, seizures, mood changes, incontinence, and fatigue.
Because there is no cure for MS, learning to manage the diagnosis is key.
Determined to find answers, Brittany came to Hoag and became a patient of Dr. Yasir Jassam, MD, Director of Hoag’s Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Program. A pioneering neurologist whose groundbreaking research is transforming the landscape of MS treatment, Dr. Jassam works closely with his patients to identify goals and create personalized care plans that map the journey to achieving them.
“Dr. Jassam is hungry, and that’s the kind of specialist you want,” said Brittany. “He is always researching up-and-coming technologies and treatments on my behalf while considering my own research and ideas as well. When it comes to managing my diagnosis, he leaves no stone unturned, which is so important because the symptoms of MS are always evolving, and though research has come a long way, why stop now?”
As of 2025, Hoag’s Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Program has completed several clinical trials and continues to be at the forefront of state-of-the art technologies. Dr. Jassam is also spearheading an advanced new initiative—the development of the world’s first blood test for MS. Fueled by the support of Hoag Innovators, a dynamic group of philanthropists driving cutting-edge advancements, this ambitious project aims to change the future of MS diagnostics by identifying the disease long before symptoms appear.
Thanks to the Program, Brittany is managing her illness through a treatment plan tailored to fit her needs. Now a testimonial motivational speaker, singer and songwriter, her diagnosis has given her something she had been searching for: A purpose.
“Before I was diagnosed, I had reached a point in my career where there just weren’t any more opportunities for growth,” she said. “I had continued to work as a musician, but it wasn’t fulfilling my heart. I knew God wanted to use me for something greater, so I continued to pray for His guidance. When I received my diagnosis, I knew immediately that advocating for MS awareness and inspiring other patients like me was all part of His plan. It was the green light that said, ‘game on, let’s go.’”
