Yes Way! A Joyful Walk for MS

Anette Hogan crosses the finish line on her own two feet at the Annual Walk MS Orange County event.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate skeletal and muscular structures of a human leg encased in an exoskeleton device, conveying the device's integration with the body and its potential to restore mobility.An exoskeleton device enables a multiple sclerosis patient to walk again, restoring mobility and hope.Costa Mesa Today

Anette Hogan, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for years, walked nearly half a mile with the help of an EksoNR exoskeleton device at the Annual Walk MS Orange County event in Costa Mesa. After attending the event in a wheelchair for years, Hogan was able to cross the finish line on her own two feet, surrounded by cheering friends and supporters of 'Team YesWay'.

Why it matters

The EksoNR exoskeleton device, which is the only one approved for MS patients, has the potential to significantly improve mobility and quality of life for those living with MS and similar conditions. However, access to the device remains limited due to insurance coverage restrictions and lack of availability in certain areas.

The details

The EksoNR device assists movement by adapting to each leg's strength, helping users achieve a balanced walking gait. For people living with multiple sclerosis, brain injury and similar conditions, it enables repetitive motion that can support strength, coordination, and confidence over time. Hogan travels twice a week to Pomona for therapy, as the EksoNR is not available in Orange County.

  • Last Saturday, Hogan walked nearly half a mile with the help of the EksoNR exoskeleton at the Annual Walk MS Orange County event in Costa Mesa.
  • For years, Hogan had attended the event in a wheelchair.

The players

Anette Hogan

A woman living with multiple sclerosis who was able to walk nearly half a mile with the help of an EksoNR exoskeleton device at the Annual Walk MS Orange County event.

Ekso Bionics

The company that developed the EksoNR exoskeleton device, which is designed to assist movement and support strength, coordination, and confidence for people living with mobility challenges.

National MS Society

An organization that supports research and patient services for those living with multiple sclerosis.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Walking again—with support, determination, and a purpose bigger than myself—means everything to me.”

— Anette Hogan

“My hope is that sharing my journey encourages others and helps expand research and access, so more people living with this disease can experience meaningful progress.”

— Anette Hogan

What’s next

To support research and patient services, visit the National MS Society. To learn more about the EksoNR device, contact Ekso Bionics.

The takeaway

The story of Anette Hogan's inspiring walk at the Annual Walk MS Orange County event highlights the potential of assistive technologies like the EksoNR exoskeleton to improve the lives of those living with mobility challenges. However, the limited access and insurance coverage for these devices remains a significant barrier that needs to be addressed to ensure more people can benefit from this transformative technology.