Michael McCary Returns After Multiple Sclerosis Battle
- The Grammy-winning ‘90s R&B group Boyz II Men reunited on stage for the first time in decades—marking a powerful moment as original member Michael McCary returned after a long, private battle with multiple sclerosis.
- McCary revealed he fell into depression while coping with the diagnosis, which he kept hidden from both his bandmates and family.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the brain and central nervous system that causes numbness or tingling in the limbs, fatigue, lack of coordination, blurry vision, and unsteady gait.
- Although MS does not have a cure, common tools such as wheelchairs, canes, leg braces, and some medical treatments called disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) may improve the quality of life for people living with the disease.
- A study in American Family Physician found that DMTs “have been shown to slow disease progression and disability; options include injectable agents, infusions, and oral medications targeting different sites in the inflammatory pathway.”
McCary, whose deep baritone helped define the group’s signature sound, was seen across social media embracing his bandmates while using a cane. In a video posted to X, he walked on stage and turned to his fellow vocalists with a heartfelt confession:
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McCary’s Silent Struggle
Formed in Philadelphia in 1985, Boyz II Men rose to fame in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s with timeless hits like “I’ll Make Love to You,” “Motown Philly,” and “End of the Road”—a song that became a staple at graduations and emotional farewells.
Amid their career highs, which include a Grammy Award, McCary was waging a private battle. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at just 28, McCary says his symptoms began years earlier—starting with subtle signs that gradually intensified.
“It was like little back spasms at first, and then they would get stronger and stronger. So each time it would get harsher. Once I was about 22, it started going to full scale,” he shared with Essence Magazine.
Despite the growing impact on his health, McCary kept his diagnosis private—even from his closest circle.
“They didn’t know it was MS. They knew I had all of the symptoms of MS, but they didn’t know I had been diagnosed,” he told OWN.
“She didn’t even know. I never told anyone,” he added, referring to his wife of 14 years.
The secrecy and physical toll led McCary into a deep depression, ultimately forcing him to step away from the group in 2003. For more than two decades, Boyz II Men continued performing as a trio—appearing at major events and singing the national anthem at sporting games without him.
The Reunion
Their reunion in Las Vegas marked a full-circle moment for fans and the group alike.
“It finally happened, all four of the original members of Boyz II Men—Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Michael McCary,” Essence shared on Instagram.
“The way they just fell right back into those harmonies, that’s real talent and real brotherhood!”
Fans flooded social media with messages of support and joy.
“I pray he gets to do more shows as much as his health and body will allow,” wrote Instagram user Tasha Hutchison.
McCary’s return wasn’t just a performance—it was a moment of healing, resilience, and reconnection.
Helping Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Resources
Living with Incurable Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis causes the immune system to attack cells that form the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers in the spinal cord. The disruption leads to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.
Once the protective barrier is damaged, the spinal cord struggles to communicate with the body’s arms, legs, and other parts to function normally.
WATCH: SurvivorNetTV Presents: Defying All Odds – A World-Renowned Doctor’s Incredible Journey Through MS
There is no cure for M.S., but M.S. warriors battling the disease do have methods to manage their symptoms.
Common tools M.S. patients use to improve their quality of life include wheelchairs, canes, leg braces, and some medical treatments called disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).
A study in American Family Physician found that DMTs “have been shown to slow disease progression and disability; options include injectable agents, infusions, and oral medications targeting different sites in the inflammatory pathway.”
Research published in Frontiers in Neurology last year says autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) (also called bone marrow transplantation, with autologous meaning a patient’s own cells) used for multiple sclerosis therapy helps “reset the immune system.” Several studies and clinical trials using AHSCT have shown promise.
“In a meta-analysis of published studies using AHSCT for M.S. treatment, the pooled estimated transplant-related mortality was 2.1%, the two-year disease progression rate was 17.1%, the five-year progression rate of 23.3%, and a pooled 83% of patients had no evidence of disease activity at two years. Patients who had the most benefit and the least mortality rate were patients with relapsing-remitting M.S. (RRMS).”
Additional research published by NEJM Journal Watch says that AHSCT helps MS patients reduce relapses better than other forms of MS treatment.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society outlines the different types of multiple sclerosis:
- Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is when an individual experiences a single neurological episode lasting 24 hours or less. CIS is what M.S. is diagnosed as until there is a second episode.
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): The most common M.S. among the million people battling the disease in the U.S., RRMS is marked by sudden flare-ups, new symptoms, or worsening of symptoms and cognitive function. The condition will then go into remission for some time before reemerging with no known warning signs.
- Primary progressive M.S. (PPMS): These individuals have no flare-ups or remission, just a steady decline with progressively worse symptoms and an increasing loss of cognitive and body functions.
- Secondary progressive M.S. (SPMS): This is an almost transitional form of M.S. that progresses from RRMS to PPMS.
Questions for Your Doctor
If you are diagnosed with MS or are concerned you have the chronic disease due to symptoms you’re experiencing, consider asking your doctor the following questions.
- Although there’s no cure for MS, which treatment option to manage my symptoms do you recommend for me?
- Are there any potential side effects of MS treatment?
- What if the treatment to manage symptoms doesn’t work?
- Will exercise or therapy help my symptoms?
- Are there any MS support groups you recommend to help me cope?
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