MSWA Bulletin Magazine Winter 16

Member in Focus –
The day my life changed
Peta Thompson
Community
Fundraisers
May 1 2006 my life came shattering down with one phone
call from the ophthalmologist. I had been seeing him due to
losing sight in my eye. He advised my MRI scan results were
back and he had found a lesion on my brain which would
indicate MS and I would now need a neurologist.
My neurologist, who I still see today and has been a great
support to me, explained what living with MS would be like.
Although he didn’t explain it this way, my interpretation is
that multiple sclerosis is the toughest, longest and most
unpredictable game I will ever play.
Although I hope to get through life with the least amount of
lesions on my brain and spinal cord, therefore decreasing
neurological symptoms which can include paralysis and
decreased brain function, the rules of the game are set by
condition and they can change at a moment’s notice and
without warning. Multiple sclerosis is a fierce and unforgiving
opponent. Its most powerful weapon is its unpredictability.
After two years with this dark cloud sitting over my head I
decided that I would break this game up into components of
ten years and my objective would be not to let this disease
define me. So with this in mind I decided to get a tattoo that
said “Que Sera Sera”. I wanted to remind myself that whatever
will be, will be. The future is not ours to see, and from hereon
in, to stop waiting for it to rain and enjoy the sunshine now!
The first day of May 2016 has arrived and I now ponder on
the past decade and this game of MS I have played. I have
changed medications five times, each type bringing its own
problems ranging from bruises, migraines, chills, sweats, and
muscle aches.
Finally, the breakthrough came with a simple tablet, only to
find out after using it for a few years that it has caused a
handful of people to die from an unrelated to MS brain disease.
So back on to the injections with those tiresome symptoms.
I have experienced a couple of relapses and felt a range of
symptoms of varying degrees, and in each case the feeling
is silent and claustrophobic. But the world keeps turning and
people keep going about their daily business, however, for me
I’m stopped in my tracks by my opponent – multiple sclerosis.
Some weird sensation takes over my body known as pins and
needles, but so intense that I’m forced to the floor, thrashing
around holding on to my arm trying to find a comfortable
position, all the while with tears streaming down my face. On
other occasions I’m reminded in subtler ways that MS is there
and will never leave me. With a restriction to my chest or an
arm, to warn me that my illness will always have hold of me.
This is known as an MS hug but there is nothing affectionate
about it.
Going to a sports event or the theatre always presents a
challenge, like walking down those steep steps without a
railing or someone’s hand to help. I fear my brain won’t talk
to my feet in time, as the stadium starts to spin. My condition
has not improved over the past decade, which is just another
reminder of this cruel game of MS that I am playing.
Despite all the reminders MS throws at me during this
relentless game, I know I have defeated it in the first round! I
am not defined by MS, which makes me the winner. This first
decade has given me so much more than MS. I have stayed
active and kept my symptoms to a minimum, but even more
than this it has given me a wonderful and supportive husband
who loves me unconditionally and together we have made
two very beautiful little people, who are my world and make
me smile every day.
Coincidentally May also happened to be the ‘Step Up for MS’
ten-year anniversary, an event which I have had a strong
connection to throughout this decade. I used this day to
volunteer at the event and gave myself permission to pat
myself on the back for the decade gone, and put some
strategies together for the next battle.
I can’t be sure that I will come out of the next decade
on top or what MS will throw at me, but I will be ready.
Que Sera Sera.
Dining for a cause
A passionate fundraiser, Vera Reeves was diagnosed with
MS eight years ago. On 30 April, Vera held a ‘Sunset Soiree’
fundraiser at the Chestnut Grove Winery in Manjimup where
guests were treated to fine food and music.
The event was a huge success and Vera was over the moon
with outcome of the night.
She said, “We were lucky to have our local chefs producing
a magnificent array of foods from produce kindly donated by
our local growers. Guests were able to relax, enjoy live music
and have fun while raising money at the same time.
“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome of the evening
and feel privileged to be a part of a community who are
so generous. We raised over $20,000 for MSWA and had a
wonderful time doing so.”
Vera (middle) with her friends and
fellow organisers.
Peter Todd (middle) with his support crew.
Cycling for a cause
A cycling enthusiast, Peter Dodd participated in the Delirium
24-hour cycle race in Busselton on 16 - 17 April in a bid to
raise funds for people living with MS in Western Australia.
MS is a cause close to his heart with a close friend living with
the condition.
Peter finished third in the solo male category, having cycled
a total distance of 757.5km in 24 hours. An incredible effort!
Peter said, “I managed to get through the best part of 24
hours on a bike with a lot of help from a fantastic support
team as well as overwhelming encouragement from a lot of
people who dropped in to cheer me on or were following the
live race results.
“I would also like to thank my teammates Steve and Giles,
who were the brains trust behind this crazy idea!
Peter raised over $3,200 from his ride. He added, “Thank you
so much to those who donated – I can assure you that your
support got me through some pretty dark times towards the
end of the ride.”
Thank you to all our community fundraisers for your
support in raising money for people living with MS in
Western Australia. If you would like to hold a community
fundraiser, please get in touch with our Events Team on
6454 3131 or at events@mswa.org.au
28 Winter 2016 The MS Society of Western Australia The MS Society of Western Australia Winter 2016 29