Rebekah Marche

Hi, I’m Rebekah and I am ready to be positive, take care of my health and enjoy every day.

Joe and Anita Terranova

Hi, we are Joe and Anita and we are ready to take on life’s challenges together and stay living in our own home.

Bonface Ndungu

Hi, I’m Bonface I am ready to support our Customers in their daily lives with kindness, compassion and respect.

Stephanie Perkov

Hi, my name is Stephanie, I am a Speech Pathologist at MSWA and I am ready to help people find their voice again.

Robert Willcocks

Hi, my name is Robert Willcocks, I am a MSWA Customer living with an acquired brain injury and I am ready to keep enjoying my life.

Pat and Anna Luca

Hi, we are the Luca family and we are ready to support the MSWA community through fundraising.

Jessica Trew

Hi, I’m Jessica and I am ready to keep living well and to accept support when I need it.

Brett Johns

Hi, my name is Brett, I am a MSWA Customer living with multiple sclerosis.
And I am ready to live my best life.

Associate Professor Jenny Rodger

Hi, my name is Jenny, I am an MSWA funded Medical Researcher.
And I am ready to reconnect damaged pathways in the brain.

At MSWA, we are privileged to support thousands of Western Australians living with neurological conditions.

Our community generously share their stories to inspire others and shine a light on what it is like to live with a neurological condition. Whilst their journeys involve challenges, it is through determination, humour and support that they are living meaningful and positive lives.

Brian's story

When Brian received confirmation that he had Parkinson’s Disease, he felt his beautiful life shattering into fragments.

In 2010, at the age of 50, he noticed a tremor in his hand during a theatre production. An initial appointment with his doctor was just the start of a long journey.

Continue reading Brian's story

Tracey's story

Ever since Tracey Hockey had a stroke in 2016 at the age of 52, she’s been trying to get 18 months of her life back. With the help of her husband Steve and her diary, she’s been able to piece together a snap shot of that time but doesn’t feel a connection to the experience she went through.

Continue reading Tracey's story

Yvette’s story

Yvette Cocivera was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) at the age of 27.

After discussions with Yvette’s doctor and a second opinion, she knew she couldn’t ignore her life was going to change. Yvette soon realised she was going to need help, and by reaching out to MSWA, she tackled her condition with their support.

Continue reading Yvette's story

Neil's story

Neil lives in one of MSWA's high support accommodation facilities. Since moving in, Neil has led a more independent and active social life. And, the 24-hour care gives his parents piece of mind.

Neil’s father says, “He’s out doing different things every day…now if we want to see him, we have to make an appointment!”

Watch his journey

Lyndee's story

After having a stroke in 2009, Lyndee Aspey was confined to a wheelchair. Lyndee was cared for in a nursing home before moving to one of MSWA’s high support accommodation facilities in Fern River, living among people her own age.

She gets to do things she loves, like spending time with her adored granddaughter.

Watch her story

Anita's story

Anita was diagnosed with MS over 30 years ago. She loves being out amongst nature and is a huge believer in the power of meditation and positive thinking.

Anita enjoys passing these practices on to others and with the help of her MSWA Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist, she can teach meditation to adults and children within her community.

Watch her story

Ilissa's story

Ilissa has been an occupational therapist at MSWA for over six years. She’s passionate about yoga, walks with her dog and helping people living with multiple sclerosis and all neurological conditions live the best lives they can.

“I really enjoy helping people get back to what they love doing and what’s meaningful for them.”

Watch her story

Rob's Story

Rob was 27 years old when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). At the time, he was working as a chef in a 5-star hotel. The heat intolerance and fatigue he experienced meant that he had to get out of the kitchen.

Rob and his family turned to MSWA for information and support.

Continue reading Rob's story

CHLOE'S STORY

Chloe Baker is a bright and hardworking woman in her 30s who has built her life based on a positive attitude and determination.

She was living in New Zealand in 2017, running a cosmetic business with her partner Shaun, when her vision became impaired and she started feeling fatigued.

Continue reading Chloe's story

Cherry's story

MSWA offers Customers sound therapy sessions, ran by MSWA Counsellor, Cherry.

Cherry’s journey with sound therapy started after hearing a talk from Dutch psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk. Bessel referred to the way the body can physically hold onto unresolved trauma.

Inspired, Cherry decided to undertake courses to further her knowledge; A Diploma in Integral Sound Therapy, Guided Imagery and Music and a Deep Listening Certificate.

Continue reading Cherry's story

Bob's story

Six years after immigrating to Perth from the UK with his wife Rosalie, Bob Ramshaw’s life took a turn he wasn’t expecting or wanting.

The 63-year-old grandfather of 14 was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2014 after he noticed his shoulders were getting stiff.

Continue reading Bob's story

Jeff's story

Jeff's life with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) began in 2014, at the age of 30. At the time, Jeff was a competitive surf lifesaver, married with a young family and volunteered at his local Police and Community Youth Centre. He was also running his own business as a locksmith.

Continue reading Jeff's story

Jen's story

Jennifer Egerton-Warburton was diagnosed with MS in 1998. Her condition is well-managed and she requires low support from MSWA, but in 2018 decided to raise money to support MSWA’s vital research and direct care of others living with neurological conditions in Western Australia.

Continue reading Jen's story

Ben's story

Ben Reilly was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in February 2020, at 36 years old.

In October 2019, Ben, a health teacher at a Perth high school, was teaching his Year 12s and found he was struggling over words and phrases. It would come and go but mainly occurred when he would speak for long periods of time.

Continue reading Ben's story

Margaret's story

Margaret was diagnosed with MS in 1999. She was 29 and she and husband, Greg, were living in Melbourne. Margaret was suffering from optic neuritis, but didn’t have a GP in Melbourne and put off going to get it checked out. However, when she lost sight in one eye, she booked an appointment and was sent for further tests.

Continue reading Margaret's story