Her indomitable spirit is the subject of the documentary short “How I Roll.”
After a few miles, I started tripping.
I was with a girlfriend who said, Your foot is starting to drag.
Travel photos of Robin Cohen with her husband and daughter.Credit:Courtesy of Robin Cohen
Thats not like you.
At first, it was strictly foot drop, and I lived with that for quite some time.
But then it started developing further.
Robin with her son and husband Mitch.Courtesy of Robin Cohen
Its kind of like a cord whose protective layer is slowly eroding.
The more the wires are exposed, the more they impact communication.
For me, it happens from the hips down.
Robin’s car electric scooter lift.Courtesy of Robin Cohen
My legs are spastic since the neurons arent getting there.
So, when I move my legs, it feels like Im lifting 1,000 pounds.
If I want to bend them, they dont cooperate.
There are varying degrees of MS.
I have the most severe kind, called primary progressive, which slowly gets worse over the years.
Even though Im working hard to get my mobility back, I dont think I ever will.
Every day is different, but within parameters.
Some days, everything clicks to the best of my abilities; others, Im out of sorts.
I started with a cane, but I couldnt get from 51st to 52nd Street.
It was hard for me to keep up with my kids.
My daughter suggested I find another way because we couldnt depend on taxis.
Like most people, I was resistant to getting a scooter.
Ive learned to be quite mobile with a scooter.
I swim, do yoga, and go to the gym.
For that, Im filled with gratitude.
It did take some time to get over the stigma.
It takes some good balance in your mind to create a boundary of dignity.
Ive always been a traveler.
I traveled a bit on my own during college.
There was a lot of heaviness in my early years, but travel brought joy and lightness.
We went toBelizeearly on before it became popular.
Wed go to the Festival Fringe inScotlandevery August.
It’s a difficult city with the hills and rocks, but the taxis are fantastic.
Every single one has a slide that comes out into a ramp.
But there are challenges, especially with flying.
Most airlines are pretty accommodating.
I drive my scooter to the jetway and board the plane myself.
I use the sides of the plane to help.
I do have to fight for the seat.
If theyre booked, I cant depend on others to switch since many people dont like to.
When I book hotels, I have to know its a handicap-friendly property.
Some have elevators down to the beach, or you don’t go to the beach.
You definitely have to do the research.
Still, all my trips have been wonderful.
When the kids and I went toSt.
Barts, we used a beach buggy and I rolled to the sand.
Now, Im over a lot of the stigma and we had the best time.
People are gracious when youre gracious back, so there have been lots of memorable moments.
Sometimes, I pack my scooter; other times, I dont and use a wheelchair.
I dont let anything stop me.
I was even able to stand on the Great Wall, which was powerful for me.
I’ve had some funny experiences, too.
That really gets meIm right there.
I was flying by myself for the first time to see my kids.
I had my carry-on and a crossbody bag.
When I went back to my scooter, I didn’t see my bag.
So, I got off and filed a claim.
Can you believe it?
Right off of my scooter.
The thing is, you’re able to’t get upsettheres no point.
This is why your mental attitude is important.
There are new advances, and I’d love to try new things, like skiing.
I’d also love to go to Switzerland and Australia.
They require longer flights, so I’m a little nervous about it.
You cant travel without a sense of humor.
To be honest, I’m very secure now with who I am.
Everyone is like, you have to be careful.
But I enjoy it.
Travel is like a nice bright lightit brings life and youthful energy into you.
