MS Stories
Jackie Richards
Just before my 22nd birthday in October 2008, partial facial paralysation was the symptom that sent me to the local GP. For 3 months prior, I had been feeling dizzy, extremely fatigued and had blurred vision that eventually prevented me from driving. Being a young lively 22 year old I had passed these symptoms off as ‘partying too hard’. The visit to the GP was followed by CT scans, MRI’s and finally a visit to the neurologist which was where I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Before the diagnosis, I knew nothing about MS or what the disease entailed. After hours of reading and learning, I was determined to raise awareness and do something to contribute.
I asked my manager what he thinks about having an employee with MS and he actually said he didn’t like that question at all! He said that I am Jackie and I happen to have MS, whereas that question is implying that I am MS. He said that I have less sick days than most ‘normal’ people! For example, the day I was diagnosed I was back at work half an hour later to continue the day and the only time I have ever taken off work for the MS is when I have gone in for steroid infusions. I have heard and read articles in the past where people with MS are quite often very hard workers because they are trying to prove to themselves and their employers that they can do it and that the disease will not run their life.
Melinda Zanello
I remember feeling shocked and scared when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2007 at the age of 34. I thought I was destined for a life in a wheelchair, dependent on other people. I was also concerned that I wouldn't be able to have a family or live a normal, healthy life. Little did I know that her future could be solid and bright and that life for many people with MS can be just as normal as anyone else.
Prior to my first MS exacerbation, I ran a half marathon and trained up to 35 kilometres a week. For me, there was nothing more freeing than the feeling of running at full speed and leaving life's worries behind me. While I don’t run the way I used to, I have found other forms of exercise to enjoy such as boxing, bike riding and swimming. I truly believe that regular exercise, and a healthy diet and lifestyle, are an important part of living with and managing my MS, as it should be for anyone wanting to make the most of life.
In many ways MS has allowed me to make life changes that have made me healthier and less stressed than ever before. If it wasn’t for my MS I’m not sure I would have ever 'got the hint' that I had some life and career changes to make. A Business Development and Marketing Professional with over 14 years experience in the corporate arena, I now work as a Marketing Manager in the Not for Profit sector and my husband and I are now proud parents to our first child, a son called Harry.
I believe that MS had made me a softer, more compassionate person and now know less than 20% of people living with MS will require a wheelchair. As an MS Ambassador, I help raise the awareness of the disease amongst young women in the community and I hope to shed some light on why research and funding is so essential in order to give people with MS every chance for a bright future free from MS.