Stories and Viewpoints

Discover Viatris

By: Niki Kapsambelis

October 21, 2025

In the two decades since Josue was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, one of his most challenging adjustments has been learning to ask for help.

Josue, who works in supply chain at a Viatris manufacturing site, has always been the kind of person others turned to for assistance. In his spare time, he and his father travel to other countries to volunteer their time to assist people in need.

But when he needed to ask for help at work – even for something like opening a door – Josue hesitated.

Over time, MS has impacted the strength in his legs. A significant relapse in 2021 means he uses a power chair at work as well as a cane. Moving from the parking lot to the office or into the bathroom or cafeteria was a challenge.

“Now, I understand that many people want to help me. But in the beginning, I didn’t understand that,” Josue said. After the relapse, he realized that explaining his needs would allow his colleagues to better understand how they can support him. “That’s the new Josue: I need help,” he said.

The company adapted the site to make it more accessible for a power chair, including the gym, where Josue can now work out. The exercise helps him feel good not only physically, but also mentally.

“The mind is very powerful,” Josue said, recalling how – after he was first diagnosed in 2007 – a friend told him, “you need to learn how to be happy with MS.” Knowing that he has the support of his family and colleagues is a powerful tool in that process.

Josue’s experiences as a person who has MS have also influenced how connected he feels to his work.

“I really love the way Viatris shares what they are doing with people who have different conditions; they take it seriously,” he said. “I feel good in my job.”

During the course of his journey with MS, Josue’s perspective about accepting help also evolved.

“When I had the relapse, it was difficult to accept, allowing others to help me,” Josue said. “At that moment, people with medical conditions should know it’s OK to ask for help, there are many supportive people who will gladly watch out for them.”

Among those who have shown that support is Alex, who has known Josue since they attended university together. Both started with a Viatris legacy company at about the same time. The two men sit near each other and are friends both inside and outside of work.

Following Josue’s relapse, Alex began to notice that his friend was struggling to walk, even with his cane. He quietly adapted his schedule to accompany Josue to different parts of the building so he would have assistance navigating any barriers. Eventually, people who would see one would ask where the other was.

“He knows a lot about the manufacturing areas,” Alex said of Josue. “His contribution is important to the company, and we support him because as a company, we try to encourage people to be teammates. We help whoever needs help to meet the goals we have as a team.”

But there are also personal reasons why Alex steps in: “For some perspective, I put myself in Josue’s shoes,” he said. “If I’m the person who has MS, I’d like to have somebody help me.”