Dan and Jennifer Digmann’s love story is one of resilience, devotion, and the power of direct care. Their journey together is deeply intertwined with their experiences living with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system.
Dan was diagnosed with MS on Valentine’s Day in 2000. Initially, he managed the relapsing-remitting form of the disease while balancing his job and personal life. However, MS is unpredictable, requiring adjustments. Dan found community through the National MS Society and led a self-help group.
In 2002, Dan met Jennifer at an event in Frankenmuth, their connection was immediate.
“I went into work that Monday morning and said, ‘Stacy, our graphic designer, he asked me how my weekend was, and I said, Stacy, I met the woman I’m going to marry,” Dan said.
Despite both having MS, they chose to navigate life together. Jennifer’s condition progressed to the point where she required assistance with daily tasks, making it difficult for Dan to manage everything alone.
“Dan is my primary caregiver,” Jennifer said. “He helps with all activities of daily living… But I don’t say that in a bad way. It’s just I’m lucky that he could help assist me with all of that.”
Dan’s commitment to Jennifer never wavered, but he knew he needed help. This led them to the MI Choice Waiver Program, which provides in-home care services to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to live independently while receiving necessary support.
“People say caregiving is a burden, but really, it’s a blessing,” Dan said.
One of the most significant aspects of their life is the role of direct care workers. Jennifer’s caregiver, Jen, has become an indispensable part of their household.
“Without direct care, I don’t know how I would maintain the energy to do the cooking, the cleaning, the shopping,” Dan said.
Having a caregiver allows Dan to focus on being a supportive husband. Jennifer and Dan see direct care workers as lifelines.
“Like Jennifer said, her direct caregiver, Jen, is like her hands,” Dan said. “So, it’s like she’s helping her do the things that Jennifer can’t do for herself.”
Beyond their personal experience, Dan advocates for improving the direct care workforce, which faces challenges like low wages and high turnover rates.
“Michigan has all the opportunity in the world to be a leader in direct care workers,” Dan said.
Dan argues home care is more compassionate and cost-effective. Institutional care can be isolating, whereas in-home care improves quality of life, he said.
“Why wouldn’t a person want to live their life, in a home-like quality of life that you get being there, then we can contribute to the greater community?” he said.
His advocacy extends to policymakers, urging them to prioritize funding and policies that support home-based care programs.
Jennifer also found strength in connecting with others who have MS, sharing her journey, and learning from those who understand what she’s going through.
“I look back at all of our direct care workers and just that we wouldn’t be where we are if we didn’t have them,” Jenifer said. “And I’m so thankful for that.”
As they continue their journey together, Dan and Jennifer remain hopeful that their story will inspire change. They believe in a future where caregiving is valued, supported, and recognized as essential. Through their love and advocacy, they are making a lasting impact on the MS community and beyond.
“Direct care workers deserve so much…they touch every aspect of my life, and they deserve fair pay,” Jennifer said. “You take care of direct care workers; you take care of me.”
Learn more about Dan and Jennifer’s advocacy efforts here.
