Meet Emily
When Emily was first diagnosed, she thought: “Why did this happen to me?” Now, she believes it happened to her, so that she could make a positive difference to others.
Emily received the devastating diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) at the young age of 17.
She had been experiencing symptoms such as walking difficulties and problems with her vision since she was 12 years old. But following an episode of losing her vision entirely, she was given an MRI scan, which showed multiple lesions on her brain and spine.
She listened, barely comprehending, as her mother was advised to start looking for a retirement home and respite care.
"I was essentially being told at the age of 17 that my life was over.”
Meet Jess
For Jess, the most inspiring part of her neuro journey has been the community she has met along the way. And the Moonlight Walk is where she sees that community spirit shine the brightest.
Jess was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2013. She recalls mixed feelings. “For years I had been made to feel like my symptoms were ‘in my head’. So, when I heard the words ‘MS’, my first thought was relief. ‘I’m not crazy. There is something “wrong” with me, and it has a name.’ But at the same time, I felt devastated. The future felt unknown, with a condition I didn’t really know much about.”
Jess was able to come to terms with her condition as she learned more about it – and got the right supports in place. Something that gave Jess and her family a sense of stability better picture of what their days would look like.
Meet Bel
After at first struggling to come to terms with her dual diagnosis of MS and Epilepsy, Bel Sealey has since found a new lease of life at the heart of the neuro community – as the receptionist that welcomes visitors to MS Queensland’s first Neuro Wellness Hub.
When Bel was diagnosed, she felt completely lost. “It was awful. I had two young children in primary school at the time, and it just felt like my whole world was falling apart.”
Bel didn’t know much about MS and her mind immediately jumped to the worst. “I was thinking, ‘There goes my career,’ ‘I’m going to be in a wheelchair,’ ‘I’m going to die.’ Then you start searching on the internet, desperately looking for information, and you become totally overwhelmed."
Fortunately, a friend gave Bel some great advice: “Just go see MS Queensland.” When she did, she received invaluable resources.
Meet Wendy & Louise
They know first hand that living with MS is not something you can face alone and they want to help ensure that everyone faced with this disease has access to the support that guided them through their journeys.
Together, they’re walking to shine a light on MS and neurological conditions, and they’re encouraging others to do the same.
Meet Tim
Meet Tim, a dedicated father and advocate who has been living with MS since 2007.
Diagnosed at just 26, Tim has faced his challenges with determination, embracing the mantra "do what you can while you still can." Walking has become an essential part of his life, and the MS Moonlight Walk holds special meaning for him.
After joining the walk in 2022 with his son, Tim is returning this year with his entire family to raise funds and awareness for MS Queensland.
Despite obstacles, Tim remains unstoppable in his mission to inspire others and support the MS community.