About MS

Multiple Sclerosis is the most common disease of the central nervous system
for young adults, affecting 18,000 Australians.

People are typically diagnosed in their twenties and thirties, with an average age of diagnosis at 30. Interestingly three times more women are affected by MS than men. Common symptoms include muscle weakness, extreme tiredness, blurred vision, speech difficulty, loss of balance and coordination, and in some cases, tremors and paralysis. MS is a lifelong disease for which a cure is yet to be found.

We don't know what causes MS but we're researching to find out. In the meantime, the MS Society strives to make the lives of people with MS better through the provision of specialist advice, equipment and programs such as Confident Living - a program that offers people with MS an opportunity to enjoy stimulating recreational activities like creative workshops, exercise classes and shopping excursions at accessible venues in their local community.

Find out more about multiple sclerosis and the MS Society at www.mssociety.org.au

Meet Carol

Carol Cooke is sports fanatic and workaholic. She is also one of thousands
of Australians who live with the challenge of multiple sclerosis.

After competing at a national swimming meet as a 36 year-old she awoke one morning with disturbing balance problems and double vision - two symptoms that would later point doctors to a diagnosis of MS.

Carol was understandably devastated and the day of her diagnosis is a blur. Having only been married for three years and with no immediate family around, her thoughts revolved around how she was going to cope and how would her husband handle it?

Fortunately, Carol found out what love was all about and with her husband's dedication, her employer's support and guidance from the MS Society continues to lead life with a positive and motivated attitude. An elite swimmer, Carol won a swag of medals at last year's Masters Games in Canada and is hoping to make the Australian team that will compete at the World Disabled Swimming Championships in South Africa later this year.

Although living with the never-ending symptoms of this unpredictable disease, Carol has learnt to live for today and not worry about what may or may not happen in the future. "I am extremely lucky to have such a supportive network," says Carol. "I may have MS but MS does not have me".

Need to motivate your workmates, sporting team or friends into participating and fundraising for the MS Walk & Fun Run? MS Ambassadors are inspirational speakers who share with their audiences an intimate knowledge of MS and the impact it has had on their lives. To book an MS Ambassador to speak to your organisation phone Trish Misfud on (03) 9845 2700 or
email: ambassador@mssociety.com.au