This World MS Day – Thursday, 30 May, MSWA is proud to continue its commitment to raising awareness of multiple sclerosis (MS) and educating the broader community about the condition which affects over 25,000 Australians.
There is currently no known cure for MS however there are a number of treatments available to help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. Roughly three times as many women have MS as men.
MSWA Member Nicolette Murphy is just one of the many Western Australians who benefit from MSWA’s support for people living with a neurological condition. Nicolette was diagnosed with MS in 2010 at the age of 41, after noticing a loss of fine motor skills in her hands and feet, and difficulty doing work around the home.
“After my diagnosis, I realised I had been experiencing hints of the condition many years earlier, but I still felt blindsided by the confirmation of MS.”
“When I reached out to MSWA, I felt a sense of relief that I wasn’t alone anymore. I’m a single mum which can be hard and keeps me busy but thankfully, MSWA’s support has grown every year.” Nicolette said.
Through the help of MSWA and an NDIS plan, Nicolette was able to access vital support and services including physiotherapy and domestic support at home which helps retain her independence and have quality time with her sons.
MSWA CEO Marcus Stafford AM, has been advocating for Western Australians living with MS for the last 17 years and can attest to the advances in treatments available today, due to investment in neurological research.
“World MS Day is a great way of bringing everyone together for an important cause. MSWA recognises the importance of cutting-edge research and over the past 11 years we’ve invested $13.9 million towards finding the cause, better treatments and a cure for MS,” said Mr Stafford.
To acknowledge World MS Day, MSWA will host its annual ‘Hip Hop Yoga’ event – a yoga class for music lovers hosted by the ‘Queen of Hip Hop Yoga’, Kaye Waterhouse of Vital Beat Yoga, on the courtyard of RAC Arena.