Still Standing: From HSCT to the World Stage

What Happens After HSCT?

Some people hit pause. Others press play on a whole new chapter.

Meet Hannah Webster — a former marathon runner turned MS warrior who chose to rebuild her life, one rep at a time. After undergoing HSCT, she didn't just recover… she redefined what recovery could look like.

Still Standing: From HSCT to the World Stage

By Hannah Webster

Three years ago, I was lying in a hospital bed with no immune system and a head full of questions. I’d just had HSCT (haematopoietic stem cell transplant) — a treatment that felt like my last hope after years of unknown relapses, fatigue, and invisible symptoms slowly closing in.

I was 42, (diagnosed at 40) a runner, a wife, and someone trying to keep pace with a life that was no longer mine to control. I’d gone from marathons to struggling to walk the dogs. From chasing PBs to chasing answers. MS had started to chip away at the things that made me me — independence, energy, identity.

HSCT gave me the chance to fight back. And fight, I did.

Fast-forward to now, and I’ve just qualified for the 2025 Adaptive CrossFit Games Finals in Las Vegas, competing in the Neuromuscular Major Female category. I still live with MS. I still have foot drop, a dodgy right side, and unpredictable energy levels. But I’m here. I’m training. I’m lifting. And I’m showing up for the version of me that MS tried to shut down.

CrossFit has helped me rebuild strength — not just in my body, but in my mindset. It’s reminded me what I can do, even on the hard days. It’s also given me a new community, a sense of purpose, and a reason to keep showing up (even when my central nervous system would rather stay in bed).

HSCT wasn’t a miracle, but it was a reset. It gave me the stability to build again — brick by brick, barbell by barbell, with a lot of laughter and a fair few tears along the way.

AIMS supported me when I was researching HSCT and deciding whether to take the leap. The community, advice, and advocacy made a world of difference. That’s why I wanted to share this part of my journey — because someone out there might be where I was three years ago: scared, overwhelmed, and unsure if they’ll ever feel strong again.

To them I say: keep going. You might not end up in Vegas — but you will find your version of victory.

If you’d like to follow my road to the Adaptive CrossFit Games, or support in any way, you can find me on Instagram at @hannahjweb.

And to the AIMS family — thank you. For helping me believe in the possibility of what’s next.

🤔 Need clarity, confidence, or just someone who gets it?

AIMS Peer Support Calls are free 1-on-1 sessions with people who’ve walked the HSCT journey themselves. Whether you're feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just need honest advice — these calls offer real talk, not recycled leaflets.

Here’s what people are saying:

• “Warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful.”

• “Insightful, honest advice I could actually use.”

• “Felt heard, supported, and more confident in my next steps.”

• “AIMS does more than talk – they guide.”

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Until next time…

We’re here when the system fails you. When Google confuses you. When the fear creeps in.

Every week, we’ll keep showing up — with clarity, community, and next steps that actually help.

— The AIMS Weekly Team
www.aimscharity.org