MEET Hannah Iemma
Hannah was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2024, overnight it completely changed her life.
“One of my first major symptoms was going blind, which was incredibly frightening.”
Scans showed that Hannah had lesions on her brain, some of which are permanent and irreversible. She has had to learn to live with the knowledge that MS has forever damaged her brain and process it both physically and emotionally.
“For the first year after my diagnosis, MS took up a lot of space in my life and in my mind. I let it shape how I saw myself and what I thought my future might look like. But over time I realised that while MS is part of my life, it doesn’t get to define who I am.”
Hannah still lives a full and active life; hiking, biking and swimming are some of her favourite hobbies, and she loves the work she does with her students as a primary school teacher.
Living with MS hasn’t stopped Hannah’s love for travel either, last November she took the opportunity to teach in Indonesia.
“MS has changed parts of my life, but it hasn’t taken away the things that matter most to me.”
Hannah first signed up to The May 50K in 2025 with the team IEMMA BOSS. When asked what motivated her to take on the challenge, Hannah said:
“Living with MS means the cause is very personal for me. Research, treatment, and support services aren’t abstract ideas — they’re things that directly impact my life and the lives of so many others.”
To Hannah, The May 50K felt like a way to channel that into something positive. Giving her a way to move her body, raise funds for research, and be part of a community supporting people living with MS.
There are so many amazing experiences that come with taking part in The May 50K, but according to Hannah the best part is getting to be part of the amazing, motivated and sweaty community. People around Australia come together for different reasons but under the same goal - to support people living with MS and fund research that changes lives.
A month-long challenge can feel daunting, but Hannah says it’s the people around you that keep you motivated.
“I’m really lucky to have incredible friends, family, and my partner in my life. They keep me strong, but they also keep me accountable. They’re always there cheering me on or joining me for a walk or run. At the end of the day, my biggest motivation is simple — this is my life. Staying active and raising awareness for MS research is something that genuinely matters to me.”
Friends, family, or fellow The May 50K participants, they’re all here to encourage you to do your best! Be part of our private The May 50K Australia Facebook group and join our supportive, encouraging community!
To anyone still sitting on the fence about whether to join The May 50K challenge, Hannah has this message:
“You don’t have to be an athlete to take part in The May 50K. It’s about moving in whatever way works for you and being part of something bigger. Every kilometre and every dollar raised helps support people living with MS and brings us closer to better treatments and, hopefully one day, a cure.”
