Inspiring Multiple Sclerosis Tattoos

Thank you

We sincerely appreciate everyone who took part in the MS-inspired tattoo contest. Choosing finalists was incredibly challenging, especially because every single person who entered shares something powerful in common: you are brave warriors who refuse to let MS diminish your spirit. Many participants incorporated the Orange ribbon ms tattoo into their designs, turning a simple symbol into a bold statement of resilience, awareness, and hope.

Discover award-winning MS blogs for a shot of inspiration »

There’s Hope

I’ve been living with this disease for 11 years. I continue to believe that a cure will be discovered within my lifetime. Holding on to hope is essential when facing a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis.

—Mary Arbogast

Life’s a Journey

I received my diagnosis three years after my mom passed away. Facing MS without her physical presence was incredibly painful. Still, I know my strength comes from her. Battling what they call MS isn’t simple, but I remind myself daily that I can endure it. My mom, family, and friends stand beside me. My tattoo reflects the whimsical beauty of this path we call life. MS is a chapter in my story — not the entire book.

—Lacey T.

Spreading Awareness

I chose this tattoo for my mom, who lives with MS. She is my foundation, and I would do absolutely anything for her. Her journey is inspiring, and she overcomes challenges every single day. Please continue to share and promote awareness of MS, including symbols like the Orange ribbon MS, which represents solidarity within the multiple sclerosis community.

—Kennedy Clark

Have Faith

I hold onto faith that I will be okay. Although there is currently no cure for MS, I truly believe that one day there will be. Advances in research and treatment continue to bring renewed optimism to those of us living with this condition.

—Kelly Jo McTaggart

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

I decided on an orange ribbon intertwined with a purple infinity symbol to represent my ongoing battle with MS and fibromyalgia. The phrase “keep s’myelin” underneath reminds me to laugh, stay positive, and avoid stressing over the small stuff. The orange ribbon reflects the Orange ribbon ms color, a meaningful emblem of MS awareness and advocacy.

—Mary Dudgeon

Strength, Perseverance, and Hope

I gave myself this tattoo of a demyelinated nerve cell for my birthday to commemorate my diagnosis date. I wanted something unique, and I chose the placement carefully because of the spine’s relationship to nerve concentration and lesion location. For me, it stands for resilience, determination, and hope in the face of multiple sclerosis progression.

—Kristin Isaksen

Saving Your Spoons

After my diagnosis in 2014, I described my tattoo idea to my artistic 13-year-old daughter, and she transformed it into this beautiful artwork. The lion, my favorite animal, symbolizes the strength I need across many areas of life — especially when managing fatigue and carefully conserving energy, or “saving my spoons,” each day.

—Lovey Ray

Survivor

MS may have taken certain things from me, but it has also given me so much — including meaningful friendships. It has strengthened me. I survived domestic violence, and now I stand as a survivor of this invisible adversary known as MS. My butterfly tattoo represents transformation. Butterflies endure painful changes before emerging beautiful and strong. My name is Diana Espitia. I am a survivor.

—Diana Espitia

Medical Alert

It’s pretty straightforward — my tattoo serves the same purpose as a medical alert bracelet, ensuring that others are aware of my condition in case of emergency.

—Jason Griffin

Remembering

The date of my diagnosis — permanently marked as a reminder of the day my journey with multiple sclerosis began.

—Anonymous

Keep Pushin’ On

After my diagnosis with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), my son created the design for our tattoos. The words “fight,” “overcome,” “believe,” and “persevere” reflect how we confront my MS every day. Living with MS presents real challenges, but these words motivate us — and I hope they encourage you, too. As a firefighter/paramedic turned fire inspector living with MS, I hope this tattoo honors both the fire service brotherhood and fellow MS fighters. Remember: “It is what it is, keep pushin’ on!”

— Dave Sackett

For Mom

I chose this tattoo to express my love and support for my mom, Ann. The Bible verse reflects her strength as she copes with MS each day. I selected a ribbon butterfly for its elegance and symbolism. The letters MS appear in the wings, and my mother’s name is written within the ribbon. I cherish both my tattoo and my mom deeply.

— Alicia Bowman

Just Breathe

Although my diagnosis devastated me at first, I refused to let it define my entire existence. When a tattoo shop offered ribbon designs with proceeds supporting research, my husband, two sons, and I all decided to get MS tattoos for a meaningful cause. A family that gets tattoos together truly stays together — they are my everything.

Life is beautiful, and it reminds me daily to “Just Breathe.” So many individuals live with MS, each experiencing different symptoms and disease courses, yet we are united as one supportive community.

— Londonne Barr

Staying Strong

I was diagnosed with MS in 2010 after years of uncertainty about what was happening inside my body. Receiving the diagnosis felt bittersweet. At first, I tried to deny it, but eventually I understood I needed to confront it directly.

I personalized the traditional ribbon because I wanted to show that MS is interwoven with my identity. The ribbon appears frayed at the end — much like fabric wears over time — symbolizing how parts of me may feel worn by this disease. Still, my core remains unshaken and strong.

— Emily

Guardian Angel

This is my MS guardian angel tattoo. I was officially diagnosed in 2011, although I had experienced symptoms long before that. I genuinely believe I am being watched over, and this angel reminds me of that — especially during difficult moments.

I trust that a higher power is at work and that everything unfolds for a reason. I wasn’t cursed with this disease; instead, I was entrusted with it because I am strong enough to carry it.

—Kim Clark

Courage

I wear my MS tattoo as a daily source of inspiration. It provides the courage I need to move forward each day. The angel wings rising above my ribbon help me feel uplifted when times are hard. Truly, these wings have given me more strength and hope than I ever thought possible while living with multiple sclerosis.

—Nicole Price