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JAMES’ STORY<br />
SOME FACTS<br />
ABOUT <strong>MS</strong><br />
There is no known cause<br />
and there is no known cure.<br />
<strong>MS</strong> is the most common chronic<br />
neurological condition affecting<br />
young Australian adults.<br />
Three out of four people<br />
with <strong>MS</strong> are diagnosed before<br />
they are 35.<br />
I was 33, fit and active, but life was throwing a few curveballs my way.<br />
To make a difficult year even worse, I started to feel a numbness in<br />
my thumb. It didn’t go away, so I went to see my doctor.<br />
My doctor wasn’t sure what was wrong, but<br />
he did say that as a worst-case scenario I<br />
could have multiple sclerosis (<strong>MS</strong>).<br />
I was referred to a neurologist and after<br />
some tests my doctor’s worst suspicions<br />
were confirmed, I was diagnosed with <strong>MS</strong>.<br />
It was such a shock at the time. I didn’t know<br />
how it was going to affect me and my family.<br />
My doctor recommended some medication<br />
to help control my symptoms. At the same<br />
time, he put me in touch with The Multiple<br />
Sclerosis Society of South Australia &<br />
Northern Territory Inc. (<strong>MS</strong> Society). This is<br />
when I first met an <strong>MS</strong> nurse who came to<br />
our house and spent a few hours talking<br />
through everything from what <strong>MS</strong> actually<br />
is right through to a little counselling. It was<br />
such a scary time and having someone there<br />
talking with us was so appreciated.<br />
Although my diagnosis was difficult to accept<br />
in the beginning, I am very thankful that I<br />
was diagnosed so swiftly. I know from my<br />
own experience that early diagnosis and<br />
treatment can improve the quality of life for<br />
people with <strong>MS</strong>.<br />
I’m very lucky to have such a great support<br />
network in my family, friends and the <strong>MS</strong><br />
Society. I am especially thankful that I can<br />
continue my active lifestyle and my employer<br />
is understanding and supportive.<br />
My great hope for the future is that others<br />
can find help and support through the<br />
<strong>MS</strong> Society’s great work and a cure will be<br />
found for <strong>MS</strong>. Every ticket you buy in the<br />
<strong>MS</strong> <strong>Game</strong> <strong>Changer</strong> <strong>Lottery</strong> helps fund vital<br />
research into the cause and cure for this<br />
condition. You’re also helping the <strong>MS</strong> Society<br />
continue to provide essential services and<br />
support to South Australians living with <strong>MS</strong>.<br />
Thank you so much for your generous support.<br />
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT SOUTH AUSTRALIANS LIVING WITH <strong>MS</strong><br />
BUY TICKETS 1300 983 991 <strong>MS</strong>GAMECHANGER.COM.AU
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