MS Go for Gold scholarship 2023 stories

Naomi has dreamed of becoming a surgeon since she was a little girl.

‘As a child I loved playing with my doctor’s kit, pretending to be a doctor who helps patients recover from their illnesses. As I grew older, I became even more inspired to embark on this career path. Being a hardworking individual who loves to talk and connect with people and help them in times of need, I knew this was the perfect career path for me,’ Naomi says.

Having migrated from Asia at a young age and growing up in rural NSW, Naomi also has a unique perspective of the issues impacting health in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, particularly within rural areas. She still resides in rural NSW and is studying medicine with a view to working as a surgeon within remote communities.

‘I embarked on a journey to improve the health of rural CALD communities.’

This included volunteering with health advocacy organisations Share the Dignity and the Australian Red Cross and, while studying Medical Science, working in hospital laboratories. Although these roles provided Naomi with valuable lessons about the struggles of these communities, she knew there was more she could do to directly help.

‘Although I knew I was making a difference, I wanted to be directly involved in collaborating with patients and empowering them to improve their health.’

After much hard work, Naomi received an offer to study medicine at Charles Sturt University. However, the fatigue, brain fog, headaches and muscle pain she experiences due to her MS have made studying difficult.

‘I struggle with fatigue every day, which makes it difficult to have the energy to sustain my studies. My fatigue also limits how well I can focus and participate in my physical classes.

‘I have been worried that I may not be able to achieve my dream.’

With her scholarship funding, Naomi will publish a printer, ink and paper to print her lecture notes, which is often necessary due to her sensitivity to light, as well as subscribing to medical education platforms to help her memorise the clinical content.

‘I want to demonstrate to my child the importance of persevering and never giving up on your dreams. I want to advocate for others living with chronic illnesses and help them to achieve their dreams as well.’

Darcy’s interest in golf is more than just a hobby, it’s a passion. He has been honing his skills since he was 10 and would like nothing more than to compete on the PGA tour. However, the very things that attracted Darcy to golf in the first place; the strategic thinking, stamina and persistence required to be the best, are also proving challenging since his diagnosis.

‘I was diagnosed with MS after experiencing optic neuritis. It was quite unexpected and definitely brought a halt to my beloved career and passion for golf. Losing my vision temporarily really shook things up for me,’ Darcy says.

While his vision has mostly returned, Darcy has had to adjust his playing style to accommodate changes in his depth perception. Facing fatigues and heat sensitivity have also proved challenging, while playing what is traditionally a summer sport.

His MS Go for Gold Scholarship winnings will mean Darcy can purchase a motorised buggy, to help him navigate the course with less exertion.

‘My ultimate goal is to live my best life and become the best golfer I can possibly be. I truly believe that achieving this dream would help show people that MS can be managed and that anyone can achieve their dream — despite the challenges it may bring.’

Sonya lives on the northwest coast of Tasmania, near the seaside town of Penguin. Over the summer, a bike path was completed, linking her local area to the nearest township. The path runs for 6km and her son regularly enjoys a ride along the coast into town.

‘I can’t wait to join him, I just need a little extra juice to get there,’ Sonya says.

Sonya was diagnosed in late 2019, just before COVID hit.

‘I found it quite confronting to navigate through my diagnosis during the peak of the COVID crisis. Late last year I began to experience issues with the right side of my body, to the point where I struggled to raise my leg.

‘I have worked hard to manage my symptoms and have built a great support network of health care professionals and of course family to keep this beast at bay and to gain back what was taken from me.

‘While at times the progress has been slow, with hard work and with regular physio, I am now ready to get back on the bike, literally!’

Sonya will now use her scholarship funds to purchase an e-bike.

‘I guess it’s the situation with most parents. I put my son and family first and struggle with purchasing something of this value for my own use.’

‘Being able to spend quality time with my family is important to me and a key part of that is to have a healthy work life balance, where we get out and experience things together.’

‘My dream is to find the ‘old me’ again. I dream of creative expression and have always wanted to try ceramics. I’d love to learn how to throw clay on a pottery wheel and to hand build to create beautiful pieces that can actually be used.’

Fiona’s MS and the fact she has recently moved to a new area, has made her feel isolated and nervous about trying new things.

‘Having moved to Wangaratta and not currently working, I feel [getting into ceramics] would be a wonderful way to engage with the community, while fulfilling a creative dream,’ Fiona says.

Fiona has always enjoyed creative outlets but in the past few years, her focus has been on managing her condition and she found she had lost that side of herself.

Her Go for Gold Scholarship will enable Fiona to attend classes, obtain studio membership and buy materials for more than a year.

‘I am really isolated here and need a hand to get out and get involved in something. As I’m not working at the moment, this money has taken the financial pressure away and given me the emotional push I need to take that leap.’

For Jason, an MS diagnosis meant a career change. Unable to continue working as a carpenter, Jason decided to launch his own business conducting safety checks on electrical equipment. Not long after he began the process of launching the business, he suffered a relapse.

‘After my latest relapse, I’ve been unable to scout new clients, get to the accountant, to pay for anything or even support my family,’ Jason says.

‘I’ve been out of work for the past 12 months. Managing to source a new business plan and career concept, I was hopeful that things were about to take off…until I pushed myself too hard.’

To help get things started, Jason needs to attend training in Sydney, purchase accounting software, a laptop, equipment and a website.

‘This scholarship will ensure I am able to complete the last few things I need to start advertising and to launch my business properly.

‘Achieving my dream of starting a new business to suit my medical needs will provide such a positive change in my life. It will give me confidence and a feeling of pride, to be able to provide for my family once again.’

Working as an 000 emergency call taker for the past 34 years, Rose is no stranger to helping others. Rose has often given up many special moments, including birthdays and anniversaries with her family to support people who are often experiencing the worst day of their lives. Rose has experienced symptoms of MS since she was 20, although the condition went undiagnosed until three years ago.

Recently, due to the progression of her MS, Rose has been moved to lighter duties in a temporary role that required her to take a pay cut.

Rose, who also looks after her elderly mother, would love the opportunity to take a well-deserved break with her husband. As Rose’s colleague Bella — who applied on Rose’s behalf — said, ‘The opportunity to achieve this dream will make a significant difference to Rose’s mental health, as well as her overall wellbeing.

‘Working where she does has come with many highs but also lows as well. Being a 24-hour, 7 day a week service, Rose has given up many public holidays, easters, birthdays and Christmases to help the wider community.

‘The scholarship will give Rose the opportunity to reconnect with her husband and spend some quality, uninterrupted time with him, making lifelong memories,’ Bella says.

Rose will now be able to go on a 9-day cruise, from Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef.

‘Rose has never seen the Great Barrier Reef and would love the opportunity to try and snorkel there while she is still able. This trip will make such a difference to her life and the lives of people around her.’

Having trained in the drama industry and working in the arts for many years, Kim knows how important creative practice can be to a sense of wellbeing and good health. After moving to the country Victoria from the city to help manage her symptoms, Kim found many benefits to her new environment.

‘I found living in the country raised my awareness of the astounding beauty of our natural environment, which I found inspirational,’ Kim says.

‘Armed with the desire to create and finding myself living in the ideal environment to do so, I took classes in painting and drawing.’

An MS-related tremor has impacted Kim’s fine motor skills and it has become too difficult to guide a paintbrush or to draw in the way she wanted. Kim looked into photography instead.

‘Three years ago I purchased a digital camera and joined a local photography group. I loved it and explored every opportunity to learn and develop my skills. The beauty of our landscape, and our skies, both during the day and at night, never ceases to amaze and inspire me. And, where I live is alive with opportunities to capture the most extraordinary images. This drives me, challenges me and gives me a sense of purpose.

‘My current focus is on our night sky. Having an interest in skyscapes, I recently completed some introductory training in photographing the Milky Way. This whet my appetite to learn more, and I am now doing a Masterclass in Milky Way photography.

Kim will now be able to purchase a sturdy tripod, a camera with a more sensitive sensor and wide-angle lens, as well as photo editing software.

‘Having a portfolio of work to sell and exhibit is my goal. My dream for this year is to continue developing my skills and expanding my portfolio.’

Photography has given Kim a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

‘Photography has already improved the quality of my life. It has given me a sense of purpose. It has imbued me with an improved sense of self-worth and general wellbeing, thereby helping me feel less of a burden on those closest to me. I am at my happiest when I am working with camera in hand.’

Paul, a trained journalist, has spent decades working as a writer, both for magazines and newspapers as well as publishing a successful biography. A passionate storyteller, Paul has found it increasingly difficult to write due to his MS symptoms but remains dedicated to helping connect people through shared experience.

‘My dream is to produce a podcast that connects people. Besides being a published writer, I am also a qualified pastor, with a heart for encouraging people who might have thought their loves were done and dusted,’ Paul says.

‘Now on a disability pension, and limited by the rising cost of living, I had no ability to achieve my dream.

‘I am passionate about communicating hope. That could be in the form of an interview with someone who has gone through life’s difficulties and knows what it is to persevere and triumph. I know that as a man with MS, a son of a woman who suffered MS, and as a pastor.

‘Writing is one way. Talking and communicating completes the picture of what I can and should be doing — reaching people with messages of hope and encouragement but I need the right equipment that makes it as simple as possible.’

Paul’s MS Go for Gold Scholarship will enable him to purchase the audio equipment he needs to produce a successful podcast.

‘[The podcast] give me the hope that I can still create, speak and tell stories. It will renew my sense of purpose as a journalist, connecting people with confidence in living, through storytelling and story-making.

‘This dream will hopefully make a difference to listeners across the world, and to me in my life.’

During the past two years, Steph has developed a keen interest in lead lighting, building terrariums, sun catchers and lamp shades. 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 scholarship money to purchase the equipment and materials she needs to create from home.

‘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 leadlight from home and provide me with the flexibility to do it when I feel well enough.’

Jennifer’s dream is to live her best possible life and to do this through exercise.

MS has been a part of Jennifer’s life for 39 years and impacted her stamina and strength in many ways.

Her MS Go for Gold Scholarship funding now means she can buy the recumbent cross trainer she needs to exercise safely at home.

‘My dream is to maximise my health by being able to exercise as often as I can at home, in my own environment. This will help me to minimise my risk of falls, to improve my cardiovascular strength and to generally become as fit as I can be — fighting my MS limitations.

‘[The cross trainer] will make such a difference to my life! I will be maximising my resilience, my health, my endurance and my positive attitude to life!’

Carina will be fulfilling a long-held dream of returning to study a Bachelor of Archaelogy at university thanks to her MS Go for Gold Scholarship. For Carina, returning to study means a new sense of purpose and motivation following her diagnosis.

‘The scholarship represents, not only financial support to set up a foundation to succeed but also the affirmation that my dreams can transcend any limitations that MS might impose,’ Carina says.

Carina wishes to return to study, not just for her own personal growth but also to show her children that anything is possible.

‘As a parent navigating the challenges of multiple sclerosis (MS), my pursuit of higher education is more than just a personal endeavour. It becomes a tangible demonstration of the values I strive to impart to my children: determination, courage and the pursuit of one's passions regardless of the obstacles.’

Carina will use her Go for Gold funding to pay student fees and purchase office equipment, including a laptop; replacing what was lost in a recent flood at their home.

‘With this scholarship, I intend to not only launch myself into my academic goals but also inspire others facing similar challenges that life is just different, not over and to pursue their dreams bravely and relentlessly.’

Bryce’s hobby and passion was woodworking; building small furniture pieces and other assorted items.

After his diagnosis 12 years ago, Bryce — believing he wouldn’t be able to continue with the hobby he loved — moved to a smaller apartment and sold most of his tools.

‘Fast forward to today and I now realise I’m able to achieve anything I put my mind to, including doing the hobby I once loved,’ Bryce says.

Bryce has recently moved into a larger house with a workshop attached that is wheelchair accessible.

‘Although I kept a few of my woodworking tools, there are many I sold, which now need to be replaced so I can chase my passion.’

His scholarship funds will help him to repurchase those important items and start enjoying woodwork once again.

‘Achieving my goal will give me more purpose than I now have; moving away from my sedentary lifestyle to a more active life. I want to demonstrate to my son that things may be difficult but if you try, anything can be done.

‘My wife would also like to get me out from under her feet…happy wife, happy life!’

Leigh was working in the Australian Army as a Combat Engineer when he was diagnosed with MS.

‘I was at the peak of my physical fitness and capacity when MS hit unexpectedly at the age of 27. Due to the condition that career path was no longer an option for me. MS brings with it challenges that far surpass any challenge I ever faced in the army, for example getting myself dressed is the equivalent of 100 pushups,’ Leigh says.

Over the past three years, Leigh has been volunteering with local community groups and events, including facilitating a fortnightly men’s group.

‘This is a space where we get to share and listen to each other with authenticity, curiosity and compassion. This is the highlight of my week.’

Leigh has since decided to take his passion for helping people to the next level and will use his Go for Gold Scholarship to fund a Diploma of Counselling.

‘It is my dream to offer a safe space for people to share what's alive in their hearts.

‘Living with MS, I have become mentally, emotionally and spiritually stronger. Now, I do not define my life by what I physically can and cannot do. I choose to live a joy-filled life, not a symptom led one. Living with MS has also helped shape my perspective to take nothing for granted, savour each moment and live in tune with what my body needs.

‘[What I experience] day to day with MS has increased my compassion and care for myself and others.

‘Creating a career that will be flexible to what capacity I have is important to me. I am confident that counselling will be a wonderful career for me and will offer me a life with deep purpose.’

Laura’s MS Go for Gold Scholarship will enable her to visit her dad for the first time in more than 5 years.

‘My dad moved to Bangkok, Thailand, when I was 16 years old to work for the Australian Embassy. During high school and university, I would visit him in Bangkok, and he would travel back to forth to Melbourne for work. After leaving his job at the Embassy, he moved away from the city and visited less often. The last time I was able to visit him in Thailand was 2012, prior to my diagnosis with MS,’ Laura says.

‘In 2015, he returned to Australia to work, living in regional Victoria with his mum for a few years before qualifying returning to his home and wife in Isaan. That is the last time I saw him.

‘Although we try our best to keep in contact over Facebook, his internet connection is not strong enough for video, so it is unreliable voice calls at most. Seeing, and spending time with my dad face to face is something that I have greatly missed and an experience that would have a lasting impact on us both.’

For Laura and her dad, there have been significant barriers to their ability to travel. Laura’s fatigue, heat sensitivity, loss of coordination and other symptoms have prevented her from working since late 2020 and make travelling difficult. In late 2019, her dad suffered a fall and broke his hip, leaving him with mobility issues that means he is unable to make the trip to Australia.

‘The scholarship would allow me to finally reconnect with my dad and provide me the opportunity to show him exactly how much I love him, in a way that is safe and accessible for us both.’

Andrew has been creating art for more than 30 years, including photography, painting, drawing, multimedia and print making. In February 2022, Andrew was getting ready for an exhibition of his work when floods wiped out his home, including all his artworks, equipment and personal possessions. Shortly after relocating to Sydney to stay with relatives and get back on his feet, Andrew was diagnosed with MS.

‘Since relocation and learning to live with MS I have continued to try to maintain my art practice, which has been reduced to small drawings on paper,’ Andrew says.

His scholarship money will allow Andrew to repurchase art materials, attend art classes and get his website up and running. He now looks forward to creating again, as well as building connections in his community.

‘Attending art classes will put me in the company of people who share my passion for art, so that I can rebuild the sense of community that I once enjoyed.

‘My ultimate goal will be to facilitate art workshops to pass on my knowledge and help others in similar situations, giving back to the community, as well as creating a successful business in the arts.’

Annette is a passionate advocate for herself and others living with disability.

As a quadriplegic, Annette relies heavily on an iPad and phone attached to her wheelchair to manage many aspects of her life that are important to her, including keeping in touch with family, friends and support services, exploring study and employment options and administrative tasks like paying bills.

‘My goals include continuing to have control and choice in the care and support I receive, to advocate for myself and others and to further my study options that may lead to employment,’ Annette says.

‘These goals are important to me, as is being able to continue to do things for myself. All these things rely heavily on me having access to updated and reliable technology.’

Annette, who spends upwards of 10 hours a day using her iPad, has noticed that her current iPad is getting older and out of date and basic functions are now becoming more difficult. Thanks to her MS Go for Gold Scholarship, Annette now has the funding to purchase the latest iPad and continue to do what is most important to her, including raising awareness about issues affecting people living with disabilities in her area.

‘Living in a rural area, we do not have the same opportunities as others and I find I am often contacting Council or similar, to advocate for changes and better accessibility to local facilities. I have been for years trying to bring attention to the lack of wheelchair accessible transport, which significantly affects me.

‘I can now continue to advocate for myself and my support needs, while ensuring I have some control over decisions in my life.’

Louise’s dream is to complete a multi-day hike on the Grampians Peak Trail.

‘I want to immerse myself in the great outdoors and to venture along tracks that one day I may not have the ability to walk,’ Louise says.

Louise believes exercise is essential to keeping her MS in check and is good for her mental health.

‘As a mother of four active children, I want to be a role model to them. I want them to see that MS doesn’t control my life or define who I am. I really feel a sense of achievement when I stand on top of a mountain. Every moment I climb, I do it for my MS warrior friends and I never take that moment for granted.’

Diagnosed in 2020, Louise says her MS has been a wake-up call and has pushed her to look after herself and listen to what her body is telling her.

‘I decided to give it my all. I have looked at my diet, I try to exercise every chance I get and have decided to live the best life I can with MS.

Lousie will now purchase hiking and camping equipment with her scholarship funds.

‘I want to inspire others and to give others something positive to strive for. One step at a time for me.’

Kingsley’s YouTube Channel ‘KPs Kingdom’ is a not-for-profit space where Kingsley shares his MS journey and shows his viewers how to cook healthy, simple meals on a budget.

‘My YouTube channel has over the years become my life, there is rarely a day that goes by that I am not working on it. There are currently over 1,000 recipes on my channel to watch and learn how to cook,’ Kingsley says.

Unfortunately, Kingsley’s equipment became worn out and he was unable to replace it. Thankfully, his Go for Gold funds will help him to purchase a new camera and tripod.

‘Creating content 3 times a week helps with my cognitive function, as it takes a lot of work — from researching a recipe, cooking and filming the recipe, then editing, colour correction and then narrating the video. It keeps me active both physically and mentally.’

He misses the contact he had with his customers, working in retail for more than 30 years, but has found a new connection through viewers’ comments.

‘I show people that even with the amount of progression that I have with my MS, I can cook healthy simple meals on a budget and have fun doing it.

‘This scholarship has allowed me to keep creating content and to try and inspire, not only those with MS or a disability but anyone who can't cook or who needs to eat on a budget.’

Julie grew up in small country town, Rheola, in Central Victoria. Each year the town delivers the state’s longest running mixed sports charity event, the Rheola Charity Carnival — to raise money for two local district health services.

Having a passion for history, Julie decided to document the town’s incredible achievement, to preserve Rheola’s past for future generations.

‘Since 1871, the town has every year (except for COVID) tirelessly raised money for community health services. My passion for the past has led me to document this history,’ Julie says.

‘My ultimate goal is to publish a book on the 150-year history of this event, not only to document the achievements of the town but to be able to share and celebrate this history with people. Achieving this dream will see the completion of 4 years of research and work. It will be my first (and hopefully not last!) published work, dedicated to my passion of history.’

Completing the project proved to be a bigger endeavour than Julie had initially thought. As community interest in her work grew, she realised she would need to put additional resources into the book.

Her MS Go for Gold Scholarship means Julie will be able to cover the cost of a professional editing and formatting service, typesetting, graphic design and printing costs.

‘I want to show that having MS does not stop you from pursing your passions.’

Clare started taking pottery classes in July 2022, as a way to make friends and improve her mental health.

‘From the moment I sat behind the pottery wheel and felt the clay beneath my fingertips, my stress and anxiety melted away. Pottery quickly turned from a hobby into a passion and before I knew it, it became my whole personality!’ Clare says.

When Clare was diagnosed with MS in November 2022, pottery soon became her lifeline.

‘It turned my new hobby into something that provided me with a much-needed source of strength and meaning during the worst time of my life. Despite their imperfections, I adore [my creations], they make me so incredibly happy. I say this because pottery has also helped me to let go of my self-imposed expectation of perfection; to embrace myself and my ‘perfectly imperfect’ body.’

Due to the numbness in her hands, transporting her work to the community kiln without accidentally destroying it has become too difficult.

Clare will use her new funds to purchase a kiln she can install in her own home.

‘This kiln is perfect for my needs and would accelerate my pottery skill development and potential for earning a part time income. I would LOVE to work towards earning an income selling my creations, to continue to raise money for MS by donating my work and to one day establish a pottery studio, where I can teach and share my passion with others.’

Deanna has started writing a children’s book about a person living with MS. Ultimately, she wants this story to be a catalyst for positive change — offering support to people with MS and their families, while encouraging a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Deanna, who also won the Barry Allen Art Prize at this year’s MS Plus Virtual Art Show, says that while MS has presented her with many challenges, it has also made her more determined to overcome her obstacles and make her book a reality.

‘I want to foster a sense of community and solidarity among those facing similar struggles, reminding them that they are not alone on their journey. The book's empathetic portrayal of the challenges associated with MS would also promote understanding and awareness among the general public, erasing misconceptions and stereotypes.

‘Families and children who read the book would gain insight into the experiences of those with MS, cultivating empathy and nurturing a compassionate outlook towards individuals with chronic conditions,’ Deanna says.

Deanna will now be able to purchase an iPad, Apple pen and digital drawing and painting app, Procreate, to enable her to complete her children’s book.

‘Achieving this dream would be transformative on multiple levels. Personally, it would provide a profound sense of accomplishment and empowerment, transcending the limitations that MS imposes on my daily life.

‘For others with MS and their families, I hope the impact would be equally significant. The children's book would serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that individuals with MS can lead fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to society.’

While Kathryn loves to garden, it has become increasingly difficult for her to access due to declining mobility impacting her ability to navigate the uneven garden ground.

‘My garden is so important to me. Without it I do very little physical work or activity, so I get depressed. I just don’t feel like myself without my garden. It grounds me and keeps me mentally calm when I need it,’ Kathryn says.

‘I do worry about not being able to access it on days when the ground is wet and slippery. I have a wheelie walker with bigger wheels to help with the rough ground but it is tiring to push over the bumps.’

Her scholarship funds will help to build a new garden path, so Kathryn can once again enjoy safe and comfortable access to her garden.

‘I like to do my garden rounds every day if I can. I go out and look at buds forming or about to burst; I look under leaves to check for pests; I touch herbs to smell their scent; I pull the odd weed to give to my chickens; I watch the wild birds and stop to listen to their songs; I sit on our bench at the top of the patch to enjoy the view over the river; I work through questions and plans; I admire the colour of the new season’s flowers and I check on the fruit and veggies I grow for myself and my husband.

‘With my new garden path wide enough to accommodate wheels when necessary and flat enough for me to be able to walk without worrying about tripping, I will be able to access my garden on good MS days and bad MS days. My new garden path will lead me to the veggie patch, where I contribute to the household by growing food for my family.’

After 5 years of working hard to save for a house, Rachael and her fiancé finally made this dream a reality, but while they were very excited to finally have their very own home, they soon realised their new backyard needs a lot of work. Rachael would love to grow her own herbs and veggies and to turn the area into a peaceful space she can spend her time on difficult days.

‘I would love to turn this space into a green sanctuary, to line our yard with raised garden beds filled with fresh, organic produce,’ Rachael says.

‘I try my absolute hardest to find joy anywhere I can and for me being at home is my safe space, where I’m most comfortable. It would make a world of difference if this space could include a beautiful garden where I can potter around at my own pace, feel the earth between my fingers and just ground myself a bit more.’

Rachael is excited to be able to purchase 7 raised garden beds, soil and plants to get her garden started,

‘Since my diagnosis, I have done considerable research into foods that can improve your overall wellbeing. I'd love to have full time access to such foods but between the interest rate rises and trying to save for our wedding next year, we don’t have the funds to do it.

‘Having the opportunity to grow them in my own garden will be life changing for me.’

Music has always been a powerful source of comfort and wellbeing for Chris. In his 20s, he achieved success as part of hard rock bands that played at the Falls Festival in 2004, on Rove Live in 2006 and the NRL 2007 semifinal. His music still features on Triple J Unearthed. Chris was diagnosed with MS in 2006 and eventually was no longer able to meet the physical demands of performing on stage.

Chris now wishes to rekindle his love for music by purchasing a guitar, a professional microphone and recording software.

‘Realising my dream would be transformative, not only for my own life but also for those around me. Reconnecting with my passion for music would provide me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that goes beyond the limitations imposed by my MS. It would reignite a spark within me, reminding me of my resilience and capacity for joy despite the challenges I face,’ Chris says.

‘By writing and recording inspiring and motivational songs, I hope to connect with listeners on an emotional level and offer them hope and encouragement. Music has the power to bridge gaps and uplift spirits, and I intend to harness that power to create something meaningful.’

Maria is quite literally ‘going for gold’ with her dream to win a gold medal at the Australian Swimming Championships. She has always loved swimming and shortly before her diagnosis, was training to compete at the Australian Masters Games.

As Maria’s symptoms progressed, swimming became difficult. However, she asked her husband to take her to the pool, just so she could keep feeling the water. After doing a little more in the pool each week, and with a lot of persistence, Maria was able to swim laps again.

‘Just for fun, I started racing people swimming in other lanes. Swimming makes me happy, but racing gives me so much more positive energy and excitement, it’s phenomenal!’ Maria says.

After reading about Paralympian swimmer with MS, Stephanie Millward, Maria started to realise she didn’t need to give up on her dream of becoming an Olympic champion.

‘That inspired me to take my swimming to the next level and try to become the fastest para-swimmer with MS in Australia.’

Maria will now be able to fund the pool access and coaching she needs to make it to the top.

‘On land I am clumsy and slow, yet in the water I am strong and powerful! I hope to be able to afford training more to keep swimming and ultimately, achieve my dream.

‘I want to prove to society that we MS warriors are capable of remarkable deeds!’