Have you seen our Awareness Week videos?
I have had MS myself for over 15 years. Having gone through different mental stages through the journey of the disease; from denial to acceptance to living a fulfilling lifestyle – I would love to help share with the world my experiences and how a MS diagnosis is not the end.
MS Auckland did this for me when I was going through my journey with their support and I would love to give it back to the people.
I’m not a new volunteer with MS Auckland. I was on the committee some years ago, shared my story in the Whànau & MS webinar and I’ve run several fundraisers.
There is always light at the end of the tunnel and it is not an oncoming train!
Travelling is a passion of mine and I have so far been lucky enough to travel to 26 countries. If I was to pick my favourite destination for nature – it has to be Scotland, reminds me of home soo much – the rolling hills, the greenery, snow. For the sheer history though, Egypt and Italy, especially Rome is unbeatable.
My dream holiday is South America – travelling through the Amazon Rainforest and being a part of the Carnaval in Rio. Friends, family, anyone who wants to go, let’s go and make this happen.
Everyone has a different perspective on what a satisfying / fulfilling life means to them. For me it’s always been about 2 things – 1 is my family and 2 is not having any regrets of missing out on something when I am older, i.e. doing what I want when I want.
Let me elaborate on the above – before I got support from my wife / MS Auckland I was getting a relapse every few months, had considerably low energy periods, and I could not spend quality time with my son – where I had to give up on a lot of things and each decision I made in my life was revolving around my initial diagnosis of being in a wheelchair by my 40th birthday. Let’s just say I am not proud of a lot of decisions I made during this time. Now that I am on Tysabri and have received the emotional support that I need, I am able to think outside of my original diagnosis.
Now I focus my energies on my near and dear ones, and things I love doing, such as spending time with my wife and 2 kids, travelling the world, some stand up comedy as a hobby. I practice mindfulness in my daily life which keeps the bad thoughts out and helps me focus on the positives I have in my life.
Debbie Thomas, one of our Peer Support Volunteers, explains the importance of her "second family" who understand what it is to experience MS
When comedian Sam Smith was diagnosed with MS he thought his whole world would turn upside down.
