TED NOTE: Please do not turn to this talk for medical advice. This talk, filmed at a TEDx event, contains strong claims about multiple sclerosis and lifestyle medicine that lack sufficient scientific evidence for general prescription. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give to TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdf

After a shocking diagnosis that would begin to rob Bob Cafaro of his ability to perform, sheer willpower and changes in his daily life allow him to defy the odds.

Bob Cafaro played chamber music full time and was a faculty member at the University of Virginia until 1983, when he became a regular with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. He then joined the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and, in 1985, became a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra. In 1999, Bob was stricken with a virulent case of multiple sclerosis, which left him nearly blind and without the use of his hands. Defying what doctors told him, he made a full and remarkable recovery and has since written a book, been a member of the Rachmaninov Trio since 2003 and has been passionate in his involvement in volunteering and outreach activities.

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