Moose.n.me.eq

Support my challenge to leave MS behind!

I’m taking part in The May 50K challenge this May to raise funds for life-changing research into multiple sclerosis!

MS strikes young people in the prime of their lives. The average age of diagnosis is only 30 years old, and there is no known cure.

I was diagnosed with MS, it was October 2013, in my early 30’s and after about 12 months of recurrent illness; never seeming to get back to being 100%.

What finalised the diagnosis journey for me, was a bout of optic neuritis. Nothing like taking the dogs for a walk with your partner, thinking that the fresh air will help with your tiredness, only to come home and not be able to see out of one eye! {insert sarcasm}

At the time, Dr Google shared that 85% of people who experience ON, have multiple sclerosis. Forever the optimist, surely, I’d be in the 15% with out MS.

But no, my neurologist took one look at my MRI, and said sorry, there is no better way to tell you. You have MS.

I had over four times the number of plaques in my brain than a normal person in their early 30’s, not to mention the clear inflammation on my optic nerve. Showing so loudly on the MRI, that if it were a light house, it would be directing ships to shore.

To say that day changed my life is an understatement.

Since that fateful day, in October 2013, I have been in a constant battle, managing health — physical and mental, work and just life.

One of the biggest challenges that I faced, was that the simplest of tasks became difficult, where pain and fatigue limited my ability. The experience, and my “never-give-up” personality has pushed me to adapt; finding new ways to do things and remain fiercely independent. I don’t always get it right, but… human!

I am extremely fortunate that I have an incredible support network, especially my fiancé and family. Some who (hopefully) will join me, as my gentle and sometimes sturdy legged stead — Moose — and I explore around our neighbourhood.

Donate and follow, as I share with you my MS story, the ups, and the downs and how I ended up the owner of the ultimate project horse Moose – who will be my legs for the 50km mission.