Finding light: how lead-lighting became Steph's MS therapy

Steph was on a trek in Nepal in 2019 when she experienced facial muscle paralysis, which at first she thought may have been Bell’s Palsy. A local Nepalese doctor was quick to recognise that her symptoms were slightly different to Bell’s Palsy and immediately sent her to get an MRI scan.

Steph was officially diagnosed with MS in mid-2020, during the pandemic. Just after her diagnosis, Stephanie moved to Horsham, Victoria with her husband, with plans to relocate again to Mildura this year.

‘I was one of those Melbournians who moved to the country during the pandemic and wish I had done it sooner! I have fallen in love with the regions!’ Steph laughs.

‘My husband and I holidayed in Mildura a few times and were always impressed by what it had to offer: the river, the food experience, the local wine and of course, Lake Mungo National Park.

‘I joined the local lead-lighting workshop in Horsham initially to meet people in my new community, and I was immediately drawn in.

‘I love that lead-lighting is an old craft which has existed for centuries! It is fascinating to see how the design of a lead-light window reflects the art and trends of the day.’

Lead-lighting has since become Steph's therapeutic outlet. During the past two years, Steph has developed a keen interest in lead lighting, building terrariums, sun catchers and lamp shades.

‘It allows me to decompress and focus on one thing,' Steph explains. ‘Stress can aggravate symptoms and cause flareups, so this hobby has become an important tool for managing my own stress, keeping a balanced lifestyle and stopping MS progression in its tracks.’

Having recently accepted a new job in Mildura, Steph was worried she would no longer have access to the equipment she currently uses at a local workshop.

‘The ability to tap into the creative side of my brain has been vital to my mental wellbeing and consequently management of my MS,’ Steph says.

‘It allows me to decompress, pivot away from my anxious thoughts and throw myself into something that I derive absolute joy from.’

As there is no lead lighting workshop in Mildura, Steph will use her MS Go for Gold Scholarship money to purchase the equipment and materials she needs to create from home. This will be important as her current workshop is in Horsham is more than 300 kilometres and a three-hour drive away!

‘I work full time and at the end of the working day my energy levels are fully depleted. My job gives me a sense of purpose and it’s important to me that I continue working as long as I can however consequently my weekends are used to make a full recovery due to my fatigue.

‘Lead lighting is my emotional outlet. Having my own equipment will allow me to lead light from home and provide me with the flexibility to do it when I feel well enough.

‘These funds have been a huge relief as lead-lighting has become an integral part of maintaining my overall wellness.’