MS Go for Gold Scholarship 2024 stories

After giving up her 16-year career as a dental nurse following her diagnosis, Alissa was feeling extremely isolated. After exercise physiology and hydrotherapy helped her to work again, she knew she wanted to find a new sense of purpose.

Alissa’s volunteer role with a local Little Athletics club ignited her passion and talent for coaching and eventually she created her own squad of Race Walkers that she coaches weekly.

Alissa says, ‘Nothing in life gives me greater joy than guiding and witnessing the skill, strength, mental maturity and self-belief grow in my athletes. When they achieve their goals, I’m right there crying and celebrating with them!’

With two athletes in her squad headed to the Australian Track and Field Championships in Perth, Alissa would love nothing more than to be there to support them.

Alissa’s Go for Gold Scholarship now means she can be there to cheer her athletes on, and again feel that sense of accomplishment and community that went missing after her diagnosis.

‘Knowing I’ve been with them from the very beginning and an integral part of their journey to get there — watching them achieve their goals competing at the highest level will bring my dream, and our athlete/coach partnership, full circle.’

Amy never considered herself to be a runner and doubted her ability to ever complete a marathon. However, after starting to train to participate in the MS Walk, Run + Roll 10km race, Amy surprised herself by falling in love with running.

Amy says, ‘I found it incredibly therapeutic. Running remains a challenge, but it serves as a powerful reminder that I am capable of anything I set my mind to.’

Having now completed two half marathons, Amy’s goal is to complete a full marathon before she turns 40.

Due to her MS, Amy often struggles with muscle tension and tightness, which can lead to tingling in her limbs. Previous sauna sessions have helped not only with her physical symptoms but her mental health as well. Amy’s MS Go for Gold Scholarship will help her to purchase an at-home sauna, making it cheaper and easier to access the help she needs to keep running.

Amy says, ‘When you have a chronic illness, having something like running that helps you focus on what your body can achieve is everything. Having young children, I am so conscious of them watching their surroundings and vibing off the energy they receive, so achieving a dream like this can only impact them positively too.

‘I have a friend with MS and we love lifting each other up and seeing each other achieve big goals. I will love being able to share this with her.’

Prior to her diagnosis, Anna worked as a senior criminal prosecutor in the Northern Territory, where she worked hard to improve the lives of those in the criminal justice system. Over the years, Anna collected many real-life stories of courage, human endurance and achievement.

After her diagnosis, no longer able to work as a lawyer and needing to move to a cooler climate, Anna was forced to reassess her life and find a new direction. Anna realised she still wanted to inspire others, and to be inspired, and decided she would like to turn the stories she encountered during her career into a screenplay.

‘It is my dream to faithfully retell these stories, so the world can hear of the indomitable human spirit and take heart from the knowledge that as a community we can overcome individual circumstances and hardship,’ Anna says.

‘I feel that sharing the stories I have been privileged enough to witness will be a critical part of the recipe that helps me to find my purpose again.’

Anna will use her scholarship to set up a studio where she can write, including a desk, computer and software.

‘These stories are the voices we rarely hear. I believe sharing these stories will benefit not only me but anyone struggling to find their sense of purpose and wellbeing.’

Prior to her diagnosis in 2022, Bec was an active parent who enjoyed bike rides and bushwalks with her family. After her diagnosis, Bec struggled to find an activity she could do with her new limited mobility and lower energy levels.

Her son had started archery lessons in 2021 and Bec would take him each week and watch him practice. One of the club members eventually encouraged Bec to try archery herself.

Bec says, ‘So 15 months after I was diagnosed with MS, I tried archery for the first time and it has improved my balance, mobility and strength. Now my 15-year-old son and I shoot together once a week. I would love to be able to enter competitions with my eldest son and have us improve our skills together and bond in a unique way.’

Bec’s scholarship funds will enable her to take lessons and purchase the equipment she needs.

‘I want to show my kids that while I need the mobility aids, they don’t hamper me, they give me the freedom to be independent. If I can work my way up to shooting 70 meters and start club and competition shooting, I can show my boys that while I walk slowly and fatigue quickly, I can still be active.

‘I want to be an inspiration to my children and teach them resilience and goals can make a difference to your life.’

Former swimming teacher and aqua aerobics instructor Belinda wants to get back in the water and get fit, to help her manage her MS symptoms. Belinda is currently swimming 25 metres at a time unaided, but her goal is to reach one kilometre.

Inspired by the recent Paralympics, Belinda is determined to find a way to get back in the pool and regain her strength.

Belinda says, ‘I feel the physical and mental toll MS has taken. I desperately need to get back in the water so I can continue what I’ve started and be an “overcomer”. Watching the Paralympic Games recently was sobering and inspirational. My goal is not for that elite level of fitness, but to be the best version of me and not give up. I want to be a success story!’

Belinda will use her scholarship funding to purchase a 12-month gym membership.

‘My dream is fairly simple, I want to be as healthy as possible…because my broader dream is to help people — to give back — but I must get better first. Everything happens for a reason, and I’m a firm believer my story is not for nothing. I can be a better mother and role model to my two children and maybe my story will inspire or help someone else.’

Bridget’s dream is to help young people with learning difficulties to reach their full potential. Once she finishes Year 12, she wants to train as a special education primary teacher.

Bridget says, ‘I want to give young people a sense of hope about their ability to accomplish things, even when they seem impossible.’

Although she struggles with MS-related fatigue and the impact of autism spectrum disorder on her ability to concentrate in class and complete assignments, Bridget works hard to achieve the best possible results and is determined to start a Bachelor of Education next year.

‘Given that I have firsthand experience of both neurodiversity and MS, I believe I have great appreciation of the challenges some young people face while they are at school. I understand what it is like to need assistance and the difference it makes when someone genuinely wants to help me.’

Bridget will put her MS Go for Gold Scholarship towards her HECS debt.

‘I am passionate about learning and education, and I am looking forward to working with young people to be able to set them up for success in the future.’

An avid knitter, Carolyn often used the craft as a meditation tool, knowing how beneficial it was for stress management. Following her diagnosis, Carolyn now wants to establish a community of knitters, based around a structured program combining knitting and meditation — with the aim to improve hand mobility, cognitive symptoms, reduce stress and improve social connections for people with MS.

Carolyn says, ‘[Before my diagnosis] I had started to plan how teaching someone to knit in a structured course incorporating different styles of meditation could be beneficial for stress management and cognitive development and as a social outlet. I did a lot of research on the cognitive benefits of knitting and how it establishes cross brain pathways. I had in mind a new business at that stage to help people manage anxiety and stress. Now I see many benefits for people living with MS.’

Carolyn plans to use her MS Go for Gold Scholarship to pay for a meditation teaching training course as well as materials for participants, such as ergonomic knitting needles and wool.

‘It will be good to feel like I have achieved something, perhaps more importantly, achieved something that I had dreamed about before my diagnosis but assumed impossible after finding out I had MS.’

PhD student Charlie wants to get back on her bike to raise funds for MS research.

Once the leader of an MS charity riding group, she was unable to continue riding after her first MS episode in 2010. Since then, Charlie supports the other riders by following along in her ute, patching tires and providing snacks and encouragement.

Charlie says, ‘I cried when they all crossed the finish line, having put 90km behind them and raising over $1,500 for MS research.’

After a colleague mentioned he rode an electric tricycle to work, Charlie realised she might be able to ride again — and one day even rejoin the fundraising rides.

‘I didn't know such bikes existed at the time, but I remember thinking, "That's a bike I could ride! And as a bonus, it would boost me along the many hills of my city!" I was sold.’

However, as a PhD student, studying pollination in Australian fruit crops, since early 2021, Charlie can’t afford to purchase an e-trike for herself. Now with her MS Go for Gold Scholarship, Charlie can again experience the freedom of long rides.

‘I can go on bike rides with my husband, travel to the shops to buy groceries and move my body at the same time. I can enter a team of riders in an MS bike event once again, allowing me to give back to an organisation that has done so much for me. I can feel the wind in my hair again, generated by my own velocity.’

After enduring life threatening complications from a medical procedure, Colleen was left with complete paralysis, unable to move or speak and given only a 5 per cent chance of survival. She came through the other side with a renewed sense of purpose.

Colleen says, ‘My own rehabilitation has somehow ignited a drive in me — to help others. I know that there is always hope and that a good attitude can help us all.’

Colleen will use her scholarship to purchase studio time to launch her own podcast, focused on enabling others with MS to share their stories. Her aim is to create a community where others feel safe to share their experiences and reduce the feeling of isolation that can come with an MS diagnosis.

‘By sharing our stories, it's like having a new set of friends — I think a podcast can do that for people with MS.’

Since graduating with a postgraduate degree in brain and mind sciences prior to her diagnosis, Connie has been involved in research focused on the mental health and wellbeing of young people. Through this work she observed many participants’ mental health symptoms were associated with chronic health conditions, including MS. Connie observed that poor mental health may arise either as a direct symptom of MS or indirectly from the uncertainty and unpredictability associated with it.

Diagnosed herself at age 21, Connie is now about to embark on a PhD investigating the diagnostic experiences of individuals with MS.

Connie says, ‘I resonate deeply with this uncertainty, as the experience of unexplained symptoms, both prior to and during my diagnosis, had a profound impact on my life, contributing to feelings of hopelessness. In my PhD research, I aim to improve the diagnostic experiences of individuals with MS, including addressing the prolonged time to diagnosis.’

Connie will use her MS Go for Gold Scholarship to purchase a laptop to help her with her studies.

Elizabeth’s favourite way to rest and recharge is in her garden. She loves to swap produce with friends, family and neighbours, cook plant-based meals for her family and donate to local community seed collection and food drives. Her dream is to create a garden space for herself that enables her to indulge her passion, while managing her MS symptoms.

In a busy household — with four young boys 10 and under and a teenager — Elizabeth is looking forward to creating a space for herself to enjoy, rest and rejuvenate.

Scholarship funds will help Elizabeth to create an enclosed garden, with suitable tools and seating.

Elizabeth says, ‘I have a vision of encapsulating my current vegetable garden with a fence, gate and roofing, allowing my newly planted miniature fruit trees and vegetables to grow. I would also love to update my gardening tools to some ergonomical secateurs that will be kind on my hands and provide a seated space in my garden so I can take breaks frequently.’

No matter what role she was working in, from managing businesses to training staff, Erin’s favourite part was always supporting the potential of others. Now, Erin would like to start her own life coaching business, to really focus on helping people to realise their dreams.

Erin says, ‘I especially want to help young women, who may need someone who isn’t a family member or friend to help them to realise their idea or goal. I know firsthand how hard that can be, I have found asking for help is incredibly hard — but although it can be uncomfortable, ultimately you have nothing to lose by asking.’

Although her diagnosis has delayed her studies, Erin is now focused on launching her business. Now, with her scholarship funds, Erin can purchase the equipment she needs to set up her home-based business.

‘When everything for a while is centered on one aspect of your life you can get very insular and lose sight of your goals, I think that those beginning their journey with MS may be able to relate. Breaking down the barriers to reaching your goals is especially important when you’ve lost the capacities you used to have.

‘My confidence was diminished and the idea that I would be a good life coach was seemingly ridiculous — and a lot of fighting my inner critic had to happen. I spoke with my teachers, friends, loved ones and began to understand that I had new limitations but that didn’t mean my ideas weren’t valid and really good ones.’

Huda’s dream is to start her own business making sensory-friendly clothing for people with sensory processing issues. Having personally experienced the discomfort ill-fitting or irritating clothing, Huda knows how much sensory-friendly options can improve daily life.

A new sewing machine and supplies, purchased with her scholarship funds, will mean Huda can stop travelling to her local community centre to work and do so when it suits her MS symptoms.

‘Being self-employed will allow me to work flexibly, minimising the strain on my health while still pursuing my passion. Beyond improving my quality of life, my clothing business will provide much-needed sensory-friendly options for others facing similar challenges,’ Huda says.

Eventually, Huda will expand her business to include other creative sensory-friendly products, focused on cosiness and wellbeing.

‘I hope to create clothing that brings comfort, confidence, and a sense of inclusion to people who are struggling.’

Iain would love to reunite with his sister Isabel. While the two live in different states, what makes a reunion difficult is that both Iain and Isabel have MS, which for Isabel in particular makes travelling difficult.

Iain’s eldest daughter Rhiannon has only met his sister once and his youngest daughter Alexis — now 5 — has never met her aunty.

Iain says, ‘We love that a trip to visit their aunt in Brisbane opens us up to being able to take our girls fun places, building some wonderful memories with them, but honestly, it’s the core memories that will be made from spending time with their aunt that will be the most valuable part of a trip like this.’

‘I miss my sister so much, and I know that she not only wants to meet her niece, Alexis, in-person for the very first time, and to see her niece, Rhiannon, again, but that she desperately wants to have the opportunity to be an aunt to my girls, face-to-face for a little while.

Iain will now use his scholarship to take his family on their very first holiday together.

‘Being able to spend some time together with Isabel, now that my daughters are old enough to properly remember it and appreciate the value of such an important trip, is a genuinely priceless gift.’

Jayne’s MS Go for Gold Scholarship will mean she can reconnect with family in the UK for the first time in many years, just in time for her birthday in June.

Jayne says, ‘I miss my loved ones in the UK desperately and will love to spend quality extended time with them, to share experiences and create memorable moments. My scholarship will fund a return flight to the UK, to put at bay the longing for contact with important people in my life.’

The fatigue and mobility issues Jayne experiences make it difficult for her to work — making a trip overseas impossible. Despite missing her brother, sister, niece, nephews and elderly parents, who are themselves unable to travel, Jayne has had to make do with video chats and social media to stay in touch.

‘While my symptoms impact my life, MS does not define who I am. My husband and adult children here in Melbourne see that — but it’s important to me that my family and friends in the UK are assured I am still the person that they know and love. [I want them to see that] I am foremost their daughter, sister, friend who is still up for fun and laughs and living a worthwhile life.’

Karen has been playing competitive golf for the past two years, however due to her MS symptoms she struggles to walk the full 18 holes and requires a golf cart to help her complete the course. However, even using the golf cart can be fatiguing for Karen, as getting in and out of the golf cart takes its toll and makes her feel isolated from the other players.

Karen recently had a chance to use a battery-operated walking buggy — which is self-propelled at a controlled speed — with a remote control and seat.

Karen says, ‘[Using the walking buggy] I was able to successfully complete 18 holes of golf. I found walking between shots so much easier and less taxing than getting in and out of a golf cart. The seat provided me with as much rest between shots as I needed.’

‘I felt an enormous sense of achievement at being able to walk and complete the full course and I enjoyed the companionship and support of the players I was walking with.’

Karen will now be able to purchase her own walking buggy using her MS Go for Gold Scholarship funds.

‘To be able to do this will give me a sense of greater self-worth and my dream now is to continue along this pathway and to grow my fitness levels.’

Karin has been working on writing a book called This MS Mess, showing readers what life with MS can look like. Karin’s MS Go for Gold Scholarship will help her to complete her story, as she undertakes a professional writing mentorship with international bestselling author, Nikki Gemmell.

Karin says, ‘To me, telling my story would provide a lot of healing. I believe in the power of telling stories, both for ourselves and others. To be heard is both scary and important, especially for me. Writing and hopefully publishing this book is something out of my comfort zone.’

‘I want to help educate people about how deeply entrenched ableism is in our society and what life looks like in a world that isn't built for me. At the same time, I want to talk about what living with MS has taught me and I do believe there are lessons in there for everyone.

‘We need and deserve change, so the world we leave behind is more inclusive. We need more stories from people with disabilities and people living with chronic illness. If my book can help elevate other voices, that would mean the world to me.’

Having watched the Paralympics for the first time as a person living with MS, boxer and former personal trainer Lisa was inspired to begin working towards her own exhibition fight.

‘I had been boxing for about 15 years but when I was diagnosed with MS I sold all my gloves and basically gave it up. It was only when I was introduced to the amazing supportive gym that I go to now that I began to believe in myself again,’ Lisa says.

Lisa had to leave her job as a personal trainer after her diagnosis, which together with being unable to box, made her feel as if she had lost who she was.

Lisa says, ‘I found myself doubting my ability in the gym and everything I know about boxing because of my MS.’

Now, Lisa will spend her scholarship funds on a series of 20 personal training sessions, boxing equipment and a dedicated boxing camp

‘I watched the Paralympians, and I realised that I too can strive for greatness — that my MS shouldn’t prevent me from realising this dream. It’s made me really motivated to keep trying to be the best I can be. Even on the days I feel I can’t do it anymore, I just keep on punching!’

After taking a career break six months ago to help her to de-stress and better manage her MS symptoms, Melissa is now ready to return to the workforce. She would love to complete a Certificate in Company Secretary Essentials to help her to transition onto a new career path as a company secretary — and will use her MS Go for Gold Scholarship to help get her started.

Melissa says, ‘Six months into this career break, I feel I have a good handle on my new routine and have been able to incorporate regular exercise, outside of my responsibilities as a mum of two young boys. Feeling healthier and having lower levels of stress, it feels like the right time now to take on something for me — in particular, some academic learning, which I have been wanting to do for quite some time.

‘I feel I’m in the best position now to take on study, with the focus being on my family and myself and not on work. I will be able to dedicate my time and energy to the course and will really enjoy learning again.

‘It means so much to be able to achieve this goal and after completing the course, to hopefully move into a part-time role in the company secretary space, something I have wanted to do for so long.’

Nadia has always been fascinated by African large mammals, in particular wild cats, African elephants and giraffes. She has watched many documentaries and read a great deal about them with the hope of visiting the country one day and going on safari.

Unfortunately, her MS diagnosis limits her ability to travel due to fatigue and high risk of falls. Nadia is limited to visiting countries that can accommodate any urgent health issues. Nadia has decided the safest way for her to truly enjoy a close encounter with a wild animal is to seek opportunities within Australia.

Nadia, who recently celebrated a milestone birthday, will now use her MS Go for Gold Scholarship to travel with her sibling to Canberra Zoo, where she can safely experience the close animal encounters she has always dreamed of.

A passionate teacher for almost 20 years, Rowena began to realise not long after her MS diagnosis that teaching would no longer be manageable and by 2022, and with the support of the school principal, she had transitioned to a new position as her school’s library teacher. Rowena loved her new role, but it became evident that, to secure a permanent position, she would need to complete a Master of Education in Teaching Librarianship.

Her MS Go for Gold Scholarship will now help Rowena to pay for the cost of her further education.

Rowena says, ‘I am passionate about books and was stoked to work with many of my old students. I gradually built a rapport with most of the 500 children in our school. Classes became highly enthusiastic, and I often feel like a mini celebrity while attempting to cross the playground!

‘When I achieve my dream of completing my Masters at Charles Sturt University, I will be able to work in my dream career as a library teacher, without fear of being replaced by someone more qualified. I'll be able to influence thousands of children in a positive way, through interesting lessons with quality literature and accessing the latest technology in a fun and engaging way.’

Sam’s dream is to travel to Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) in the Northern Territory, to hike the area’s spectacular trails and explore the openness and tranquillity of the desert. Sam was diagnosed with MS just before her 40^th birthday and is impacted by mobility and cognitive issues that meant she needed to end her role as an aged care support worker.

Sam says, ‘MS hasn’t taken my appetite for adventure and seeing new sights and learning new things, which is why it’s important for me to keep pushing forward so I achieve my dreams.

‘I think this trip will also inspire my two daughters to never let anything stop you — just keep trying and moving forward, go and travel wherever your heart desires and keep learning new things.’

Sam’s scholarship means she can now take the trip of a lifetime with her family and enjoy everything NT has to offer.

Sophie has lived in Australia for the past 14 years, having emigrated from France in 2010. After leaving her job as a teacher, Sophie is now retraining to become a social worker. Studying full time has meant Sophie is unable to work too many hours a week and this has made it difficult for her to travel back to France to visit her 88-year-old mother, who had a stroke a few years ago and has since developed dementia.

The MS Go for Gold Scholarship will take Sophie home to Brive to spend some much-anticipated one-on-one time with her mum.

Sophie says, ‘Mum can hardly move and speak because she is often on her own and gets little stimulation. It breaks my heart to think that she is so far away and that I cannot visit her. When I have visited her in the past, she has felt better and smiled and spoken more.

‘I know that she misses me. To be able to go home to France for a couple of months would give me the chance to keep mum company and spend precious time with her.’

Yasmin has developed her skills as a voiceover artist over 26 years working as a community radio announcer, presenter, MC and podcast host. She now wishes to transition to work from a home studio, making an impact in the education sector voicing online learning content, while better managing her MS symptoms.

Yasmin will use her scholarship to set up a professional home recording studio for herself.

Yasmin says, ‘In the last year since diagnosis, I have gained deeper insight into how my career to date impacts my energy and my MS. I realise that I need to make significant changes to how I’m living, to look after my health and wellbeing in the long term.

‘As a voiceover artist who is a woman of colour, I am a representative and contributor to the diverse landscape of voices in the community and corporate world. I am now more than ever motivated to do this for myself.’

Yiorgos started Greek dance lessons in early 2024. He had already learned the basic steps growing up — practicing them at Greek functions he attended with his parents. This year he was able to improve his dance skills and expand his repertoire. Now he is looking for a chance to throw himself into this new passion and ultimately to perform in public at the 2025 Zeibekiko Greek Dance Festival.

Yiorgos says, ‘I imagine myself standing in the heart of the festival, the air filled with the smell of food, a buzz of excitement all around, bouzouki music playing, fully surrounded by the colours of Greek tradition. I am introduced to the stage to perform a mesmerising Greek dance. The audience is captivated. They feel the deep connection to the cultural heritage that I’ve brought to life.’

For Yiorgos, learning traditional Greek dance has helped to improve his cognition, balance, coordination, flexibility and other functions impacted by MS. His MS Go for Gold Scholarship will help Yiorgos to fulfill his potential as a dancer and act as a cultural ambassador, while inspiring others.

‘I want to inspire culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse (CEALD) individuals and families living with MS or other disabilities. By creating a dance for public performance, I will share this cultural expression with those unfamiliar with it. As a cultural ambassador, I can help bridge gaps between different communities. My dedication may inspire others to take pride in their heritage and show that, despite disabilities, we can all help keep these traditions alive for future generations.’