Texas MS 150: Two ConocoPhillips employees share why they ride

Andy Flowers and Caroline Barrett will be among the ConocoPhillips employees participating in the Texas MS 150 2024 on April 27-28. While multiple sclerosis (MS), has impacted their lives in different ways, both are united in their fight against this neurological disease. Read on to learn why they ride.

BY GUS MORGAN

‘You’ve got to have a positive attitude’

It’s been over 27 years, but Andy remembers the day his wife’s mobility took a turn for the worse.

At the time, Andy and his wife, Rena, were living in Houston, about a year after their daughter, Annie, was born.

“I remember coming back to the house — we had a two story — and Annie needed changing, but the supplies were upstairs, and Rena couldn't climb the stairs to get them. She was very upset.”

That concerning occurrence, in addition to earlier motor-control incidents and other mysterious symptoms, prompted the couple to find out what was causing Rena’s health issues.

After evaluating Rena’s medical history and reviewing diagnostic tests, doctors diagnosed Rena with MS, a neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system.

“As it turned out, it was probably the case Rena had exhibited symptoms as young as 17.”

While the diagnosis pinpointed the problem, it came with an emotional toll, ushering in the fear of the unknown.

“We weren’t sure what would happen next.” 

Rena was starting to experience what’s known as the secondary progressive stage of MS, a stage characterized by gradually worsening symptoms and disability over time.

“Ever since then, the disease has been building and affecting her more and more. She’s been through virtually every treatment that has come on the market.”

As Rena uses a power wheelchair to get around, she has to deal with accessibility challenges. But Andy said they overcome many of Rena’s logistical issues by planning ahead or through workarounds.  

“We just get on with things. You’ve got to have a positive attitude. We’ve got great things going on in our lives, and we’re grateful for that. Our daughter is our biggest inspiration.”

Annie is all grown up now, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at CU Anschutz. She recently started her career at Craig Hospital in Denver, specializing in traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord rehabilitation. 

“She came along on many doctor and hospital visits with her mum over the years, including many inpatient visits to TIRR in Houston, all which sparked her interest in neuro rehab. She’s never seen her mother walk.”

Andy, who leads the data analytics team at ConocoPhillips, has been riding in Bike MS fundraisers for 25 years, devotedly supporting the MS Society’s programs, treatments and research.

“Rena and I embrace whatever shows up in our life with a positive attitude — laughing, smiling and going on adventures — whatever it takes!”

‘I am the one in control, not MS’

Two weeks after her 17^th birthday, Caroline noticed something alarming: the left side of her body was going numb and had impaired function.

Looking in a mirror, Caroline attempted to smile, but the left side of her face didn’t move.

“I thought I had a stroke."

Caroline’s mother rushed her to the hospital. Doctors ordered tests, including an MRI on her brain and spine.

The next morning, Caroline awoke to a neurology team, who showed her the imaging results.

“I saw what looked like little bright lights scattered around my brain."

Caroline’s neurologist explained those spots were lesions.

As the neurology team worked to piece together a diagnosis, Caroline recalled experiencing previous bouts of numbness and impaired mobility, dating back to when she was 13. She also recalled experiencing another strange phenomenon: a distorted sense of taste, where “everything tasted like mud.”

On the day she was set to be released from the hospital, Caroline’s neurologist diagnosed her with Pediatric Relapsing and Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.

Caroline tried to make sense of her diagnosis, wondering how the disease would impact her future. 

“It was difficult for me in the beginning. At one point, I wondered if my life was over. I’ve realized now that it wasn’t.”

Not too long after her diagnosis, Caroline received a phone call from her father, Jack, who told her about the MS 150 and its purpose. 

"He told me that he and my stepmom wanted to ride in my honor. Hearing about the ride was a turning point for me. Knowing that other people care about finding a cure for MS meant so much. I didn’t feel as alone in this fight anymore."

While cheering on participants at the finish line in 2016, Caroline noticed some riders wearing “I ride with MS” jerseys. Prior to that time, Caroline thought she could never participate in the ride, believing MS would make it too difficult.

"Seeing those riders inspired me to ride the following year. Completing my first ride changed my perspective of MS entirely. That I am the one in control, not MS. I continue to ride to this day. In the beginning, I rode as a challenge for myself. Now that I’ve proven I can, I'm focused on riding for all those with MS who are not able to."

While Caroline has experienced cognitive and mobility challenges since her diagnosis in 2015, she said MS has not prevented her from living a normal, healthy life.

“Fortunately, I’ve had a better experience with MS than a lot of people have. I think it’s largely attributed to my early diagnosis and being on a treatment that has helped me.”

Caroline, a Texas A&M University graduate, joined ConocoPhillips in April of 2023. She works as a Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) auditor in the finance department.

“A SOX audit is a type of compliance audit. It helps give comfort over having materially accurate and reliable financial reporting.”

Caroline cited ConocoPhillips’ longstanding involvement in the MS-150 and its numerous Employee Networks — including A Better Life For Everyone (ABLE focuses on employees and their family members who have disabilities) — as the reason she felt comfortable sharing her MS story.

“I feel very content with the inclusive culture surrounding ConocoPhillips. I want other people, whether they have a condition like MS or any disability, to feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work, just like I do.”

Caroline isn’t about to let MS define her.

“MS may be a part of who you are, but it’s not all you are.”