Desires Movement tackled 400km for MSWA
In August, a group of everyday runners from Desires Movement Run Club pushed their bodies and minds further than ever before and ran more than 400 kilometres each, from Osborne Park to BluffKnoll, over just five days. Their journey finished with a symbolic summit climb of Bluff Knoll — all in support of Western Australians living with MS.
The challenge wasn’t just a physical feat. It was deeply personal.
For Desires Movement founder Ryan Fazzalari, the mission hit close to home. His mum, Joanna, was diagnosed with MS at just 34 years old. Now 55, she continues to face unpredictable and often invisible symptoms with remarkable resilience.
I’ve seen how hard it is,” Ryan shares. “But my mum never gives up. That’s what inspires me to keep going.”
The runners who joined Ryan on this journey were Cumoram Desmond, James Shaw, Josh Fabila, Matthew Fabila and Mitchell Cannon — some made the full 400km, some were forced to stop just short, but every single team member gave everything until their bodies said no more.
“While we have the privilege to run, we do it for those who can’t,” Ryan said. “Every step, every blister, every breakdown was in honour of the thousands of Australians living with MS.”
The team aimed to raise $10,000 for MSWA but surpassed that goal even before taking their first steps. By the time they had reached the summit of Bluff Knoll, they had raised $13,545
“My son ran 400 kilometres in just five days — with a group of his amazing mates — to raise awareness and support for people like me living with MS,” Joanna shared.
Watching my son take on something so physically and mentally demanding — fills me with overwhelming pride. These young men aren’t just running across the state; they’re running with meaning. MS pushes us in ways most people never see. They didn’t just raise money — they raised awareness. And reminded us all how strong we really are.”
Others in the MSWA community have been equally moved. Friends of Joanna also shared what the run means to them.
“Living with MS means waking up not knowing what your body will do that day,” said Anne Cooper. “These boys are running for us when we sometimes can’t walk. That means everything.”
Michelle Hughes added her thoughts about living with a sometimes-invisible illness.
“Most people don’t understand. It’s not about being in a wheelchair — it’s so much more. What the boys did was so powerful.”
Together, these words tell a story of courage, community and hope — a reminder that while MS may be invisible, the strength behind the fight is very real.
When you choose to go beyond your limits — anything is possible.
