MEET Tessa Colliver
Tessa is truly a The May 50K champion! 2026 is her 7th year participating in The May 50K with Team Arthurton, who have raised over $64,600 for MS Research. This year they are hoping to raise $15,400 to bring their grand total to an amazing $80,000!
It is a huge year of celebration for Tessa, who also just launched her very first e-book: “Flying Solo: A Memoir”. After living with MS for over 30 years, she hopes to share her experiences and show anyone recently diagnosed that MS does not mean your life is over, so many adventures await!
Some of the quotes in this article are exclusive excerpts from her memoir. You can download it for free HERE.
Tessa was only a teenager when her MS symptoms began:
“I was 16 when I first experienced MS symptoms in 1994 - a loss of motor control and a funny, almost buzzing sensation in my hands. I couldn't hold a pen and I spent quite a few weeks of school mainly in the typing room until I saw a neurologist. I then spent a week in the Royal Adelaide Hospital and had an MRI, a lumbar puncture and IV high-dose steroids.”
Despite being diagnosed so young, Tessa just got on with her life, completing a university degree and beginning full-time work without too many challenges, at least initially. Juggling relapses, medical appointments, and IV steroid treatments would come later.
“When I first started on a Disease Modifying Treatment around 2002, I was horrified to learn that all of the available treatments were injections! I decided on Rebif and had a session with an MS nurse to learn how to inject myself using an automatic device. I stayed on Rebif for 17 years, injecting myself three times a week.”
Since 2020, she has tried 3 different medications to help her manage her MS and is currently receiving a Tysabri infusion every 4 weeks.
Tessa is thankful for events like The May 50K for helping bring awareness to treatment options and the advocacy that helps get treatment options put on the PBS.
“I worked out that without the PBS I would have had to spend over $50,000 on medication. Which would have meant that option was simply not affordable. I am so grateful that I can pick my medication without having to consider the cost.”
Tessa continues to work part-time and finds much joy in her life despite the challenges MS throws at her.
“In 2015 I adopted Boss, a feisty Jack Russell Terrier and knew I would need to walk him everyday. Over the years, MS and especially relapses affecting my legs meant that my thinking was very much "why walk when you can drive"! But gradually we built up to around 4km every day, over 3 or 4 walks. And that little dog changed my life!”
Tessa and Team Arthurton are taking on The May 50K again this year to help raise money for MS research. Taking part with her local community is such a highlight for Tessa as there is so much support for this important cause!
“I am excited to take part again this year. The May 50K always encourages me to be more active and I love participating with so many people from my community.”
You can read more about Tessa’s story; her experience with living with MS and overseas travels, in her memoir. Click here to download for free.
