Our clients say thank you

MS Plus client, Derry, recently reached out to thank us for guiding him through the early stages of his diagnosis and the holistic care he received from across our team over the following months. Those first 12 months after diagnosis are a critical time and we are passionate about linking our newly-diagnosed clients with the support they need to live well with MS.

'I want you to know that the support you have provided me over the past two months has helped me so much that it is difficult to think about where I would be today without it.

'I am 32 years old and only received the diagnosis 12 months ago. Initially, it felt like seeking support was unnecessary and should be reserved for those with more severe symptoms.

'Unfortunately, I ended up on a downward spiral shortly after the diagnosis and as I approached November last year, it felt as though my symptoms of pain were being dismissed when I sought help, which created a sense of doubt as I navigated my way through numerous medications.

'Thankfully, I received advice to reach out to MS Plus and enquire about the employment assistance program. From that moment, I am so grateful for the advice and support my team at MS Plus has provided me.

'Each of these team members has welcomed me with open arms and give me a true feeling of what support really means. They have been patient and understanding when I describe the issues I am currently facing and they have provided valuable follow up support every time. The feeling that someone else cares and has a true desire to help me makes this journey a lot less lonely.

'Thank you to Jane, my MS Nurse, who took the time to listen to my symptoms and guided me towards information to give me a foundational understanding of pain associated with MS.

'Thank you to Bridie, my MS Nurse, who showed an enormous amount of empathy and reminded me that it's completely acceptable to be grateful for the services I have received in the past and still want to be even better in the future. I specifically remember the value I got from Bridie providing a list of options of medications that might be helpful but also reminding me that if those options don’t work, there are so many other available so it is important to maintain hope.

'Thank you to Ellie, my Employment Support Consultant & Occupational Therapist who helped me understand the services available, navigated me through applications and arranged service agreements. Thank you also for conducting a home office set up assessment and advising me of options that have helped me function better.

'Thank you to Caitlin, my Exercise Physiologist who has an enthusiastic approach to the value of exercise and has set me up with a manageable exercise plan specifically suited to my conditions.

'I entered 2023 with a cloud over my head waiting for the diagnosis.

'I entered 2024 thinking, “How lucky am I to be living in Melbourne with access to treatments and services like this.”

'Thank you so much to everyone involved. I hope my wife and I can continue to raise more funds in 2024 as a small token of appreciation for what you do.'

Kind regards,
Derry