network - summer 2013/14
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The magazine of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of SA & NT | www.ms.asn.au
Network12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine
News 6MSMudRun 10Ourpeople 16Keepingcoolthissummer 17Coolingyourhomeefficiently 18PeerSupportandEducation 19Peersupportupdate 20AccessingSouthAustralianGovernmentfundedequipmentandservices 22Thankyou! 24MultipleSolutions 26MSBookshopreviews 27 Clientstories 29 Communityfundraising 36MSMightySwim 39
Seethemuddydetails!
Turntopage10
2 MS Network Magazine 12 | 2013
18
From the Editor ...............................................................3
Letter to the Editor ....................................................4
CEO report ............................................................................5
News ...............................................................................................6
MS Mud Run ..................................................................... 10
Our people......................................................................... 16
Keeping cool this summer ..........................17
Cooling your home efficiently .............. 18
Peer Support and Education ................. 19
Peer support update ........................................20
Accessing South Australian
Government funded
equipment and services ............................. 22
Thank you! .........................................................................24
Multiple Solutions .................................................. 26
MS Bookshop reviews ....................................27
Client stories ................................................................. 29
Community fundraising .................................36
MS Mighty Swim .......................................................39
Locations ............................................................................. 40
In this issue
In this issue
MSHeadOfficePO Box 377 Salisbury South DC SA 5106 P (08) 7002 6500 Toll Free 1800 812 311 F (08) 7002 6599 E ms@ms.asn.au
MSNorthernTerritoryPO Box 867, Nightcliff NT 0814 P (08) 8948 5300 F (08) 8948 5344 E nt@ms.asn.au
www.ms.asn.au
MSSocietyPrivacyPolicy:The MS Society of SA & NT is committed to the protection of private information. A full copy of the MS Society Privacy Policy is available by phone: (08) 7002 6500 or online at www.ms.asn.au
Disclaimer: Material published in Network may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the MS Society. Any views expressed are not necessarily the views of the MS Society. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of any content but no responsibility can be taken for any error or error by-omission.
Guestcontributor:Spiro Koulocheris.
20
36
Fantastic family event. Great
fun and whole atmosphere was
excellent. Good music, friendly
helpful crew, lots of well priced
catering, well organised....the
list of positives goes on and on.
Anna
Such a good show put on today, guys. And all for such a great cause. Awesome work. Jess
The kids thought
last
years event was
choice
BUT you guys improved
10 fold this year
.
Awesome morning and
great event!!!!
Nicholas
10
34
9
2926
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine 3
It is great to see some new oral
drugs now available on the PBS for
people with relapsing remitting MS.
When I first started here, there were
only injectable medications available.
It is great to see more options now
available to people with MS. I hope
2014 will bring even more treatments
and for all types of MS.
As you will see on page 19 our Peer
Support and Education program has
been invigorated with Mary-Anne
Edge taking up the role recently.
Mary-Anne has some great ideas for
seminars in 2014 and the peer support
program seems to be growing quickly
– which is terrific! If you are interested
in attending a peer support group, give
Mary-Anne a call and she can help
connect you with others in your area.
I hope everyone has a relaxing and
Merry Christmas. Enjoy the holiday
period and keep cool!
Until 2014…
ReneeMeredithEditor Network
MS Society of SA & NT Inc
feedback@ms.asn.au
Hi everyone,
I cannot believe we are at the end of
2013 already and it is mud run time
again! Now in its second year, we have
certainly made it bigger and better.
A big thank you to everyone who was
involved, whether you volunteered,
donated, ran or came down to watch
– you all helped make it a muddy
terrific day!
A special thanks to those who shared
their stories with me and the media
for the mud run. Alana, Sarah and
Lewis (on the front cover), Kelly, Simon,
Trish and Julie – thanks for helping us
create awareness.
In this edition we have some tips and
articles on keeping yourself, and your
home, cool over the summer months.
I know many people with MS struggle
in the heat, with just a .5 degree
change in body temperature causing
symptoms to exacerbate. If cooling
down is an issue, there are a lot of
products on the market that can help.
Personal Cooling Products and Arctic
Heat offer a discount to people with
MS who need these products, see
page 17 for more information.
From the Editor
From the Editor
17
32
22
40
4 MS Network Magazine 12 | 2013
The last few years, a group of ladies have conducted a
‘footy tipping’ competition in the district and we have been
lucky enough to get wonderful support from this activity –
each year the amount of money we are given increases,
last year is was $1000 and this year the cheque was just
over $1100, such a wonderful boost to our funds.
We have been able to support our clients with some
very essential equipment and we also pay for the
client fees and the Physiotherapy Department and
The Lucindale Fitness Centre.
Last week we conducted a very successful Badge Day,
raising just over $800 and recently we sent $2000 to
Sydney for the research program.
Yours sincerely,
BarbaraJohnson
Secretary – Naracoorte Auxiliary
EditorsNote:Thank you for your letter Barbara. What an amazing effort
by the Naracoorte Auxiliary and the Lucindale community. It’s terrific to
hear about the difference you are making to the lives of people with MS
in your community. Renee.
Send your letters to:
Editor Network
PO Box 377
Salisbury South DC SA 5106
or email feedback@ms.asn.au
Dear Renee,
A little bit of news from our auxiliary for the magazine!
The Lucindale community has been
a strong supporter of the Naracoorte
Auxiliary for more years than I can
remember! Thirty years or more, when
we used to conduct Melbourne Cup
luncheons, one Lucindale lady would
arrange for 2 or 3 car loads of people
to come and support us, and this
support has continued in many
ways over the years.
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine 5
expected; and those people who have
been accepted into the scheme and
have started receiving services are
generally very happy with the scheme.
This is good news!
The closure of our site at Greenacres
has seen the Physiotherapy team move
to 273 Main North Road, Enfield, along
with our Multiple Solutions Employment
staff. This has led to a reduction in
space and capacity for the physio team,
but we are currently negotiating with
several other organisations to provide
services to PwMS at several other sites
around Adelaide, as well as regional
areas and in Darwin and possibly Alice
Springs. We hope the easier access
will lead to more people receiving the
benefits of MS Society services.
The Bernie Lewis MS Mud Run held at
Urrbrae Agricultural High School on
Sunday 1 December saw over 3,000
people slog their way through the 4km
or 5.6km course, with total attendance
across the day at about 18,000. We
were overjoyed not just at the high level
of participation and fundraising, but also
at the opportunity to raise the profile
and knowledge of MS amongst so
many members of the community. My
thanks and congratulations go to our
Fundraising team, and an army of over
200 volunteers, who made the event
such a success. Enormous thanks too,
to all those participants who ran the
course, and to the thousands of people
who sponsored them.
Our next event is the MS Mighty Swim
at the Unley Swimming Centre on
8 & 9 February 2014. Early bookings
for this event are strong, so please
register early to avoid disappointment.
We expect the event to be bigger
and better than ever.
for people newly affected by MS,
which seems very comprehensive
and informative. A key feature of this
approach is the self-paced system of
information provision, in an attempt
to prevent information overload in the
early stages of MS. It also appears to
tick many of the boxes identified in the
December 2012 MS Needs Analysis. We
will be looking at this model, amongst
others, in the early stages of 2014.
The Board of the MS Society, the
PwMS Committee and society staff
have begun the development of a new
Strategic Plan for the period 2014/2015
to 2016/2017. There have been many
changes both internally and externally
to the organisation since the preparation
of the last Plan, and the time is right to
review our direction in the light of the
current environment.
Two significant items that will be taken
into account in the new Strategic Plan
are the emergence of the National
Disability Insurance Scheme (now
National Disability Insurance Agency,
or NDIA), and the results from the MS
Needs Analysis, which will inform us
of the needs identified by people with
MS in South Australia and the Northern
Territory. The new Strategic Plan
will be completed by March 2014, in
time to inform the preparation of next
financial year’s financial budgets.
We have been keeping an eye on the
launch sites of the NDIA, especially
interstate where the sites are targeting
people in a more appropriate
demographic than the under-three
year old cohort in the South Australian
trial sites. Two things stand out from
the early experience: There are many
more (over 50%) people eligible for
services in the launch sites than were
I have had the opportunity in recent weeks to attend two conferences highlighting the latest findings in research into MS, and world best practice in improving the level of information and education available to people who have been recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
I am impressed with the volume of
research being undertaken worldwide,
and the calibre of the researchers
involved. Very passionate people are
devoting their time and effort, not to
mention money, into developing a
better understanding of the causes
of MS, so that eventually a cure or
prevention can be found.
Much excitement seems to exist
around the possibilities in stem cell
treatments, as well as in genetics.
I hope you are keeping up to date
with research news on the MSRA
website at www.msra.org.au or
the MSIF website at www.msif.org
We are looking closely at a Swedish
model of information and education
CEO report
CEO report
6 MS Network Magazine 12 | 2013
CEO report | News
religion or beliefs. In all walks of life
it is a time to spend with family and
friends, and to celebrate in our own
way those people and things that
are important to us.
GraemeWarnockChief Executive Officer
MS Society of SA & NT Inc
In closing, I want to thank the many
PwMS who have become involved
with the Society, and who share with
me their stories so that I can better
understand the needs of PwMS.
I also offer a big thanks to all of our
hardworking staff, members of various
committees, including the PwMS
committee who dedicate so much
time to improving our Society; to
our very dedicated Board members
who likewise donate a lot of time and
expertise for the benefit of all, and to
the hundreds of volunteers who assist
the Society in so many different ways
over the course of the year.
I wish you all a restful and peaceful
Christmas season, irrespective of your
And in an exciting new fundraising
development, the Board of the MS
Society last week approved the
holding of the inaugural MS World
Velo Enduro 24. Details of this road
cycling challenge are still secret, with
a public launch of the event to be held
in January 2014. Watch this space!!
Christmas is upon us, and of course
the hot weather will soon be evident.
Please take all the necessary
precautions to stay cool during these
hot spells. If you have no cooling
system in your home, please contact
the ‘MS Assist’ Line on 1800812311,
so that we can get an idea of just how
many people are at risk. Knowledge
of such cases gives us the power to
negotiate on your behalf.
CEO report continued
FampyraPetition
A Facebook group has been set up to gather signatures on a petition to get the drug ‘Fampyra’ listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Fampyra is a treatment that may
improve walking in adult patients
with MS who have walking disability.
To access the group search for
‘Fampyra petition’ on Facebook and
for more information on Fampyra
visit www.msra.org.au
News
COM
ING
SOON
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine 7
News
HomeSolutionsforMultipleSclerosis
We are excited to be announcing the ‘HS for MS’ project for the year 2014.
The project will be working together
with the MS Society and the community
to increase home safety and risk
management services.
We would love to hear your thoughts
on this.
1. What do you think home safety
involves?
2. What information/services have you
received for home safety? Have you
found them useful?
3. Have you got any unresolved
issues at home that you would like
services for?
Respond online in the link below:
www.surveymonkey.com/s/FNZTG56
VickyLamandCharleneDuffyOccupational Therapy Students from
the University of South Australia
AmbulanceCover
Are you, and your family, covered for an emergency ambulance? We strongly recommend that everyone should consider having ambulance cover.
Often it is covered by private health
extras (check your policy) or for a small
amount per month, SA Ambulance
cover will ensure you do not have
these enormous bills.
The cost of an emergency ambulance
is generally around $600–$900. If you
are covered with SA Ambulance Service,
you won’t have to pay a cent if:
n the service is provided by SAAS; or
n the ambulance transport originates
in another State or Territory and is
provided by a recognised Interstate
ambulance service.
Fees below for emergency transport
cover: (extra fees apply for non
emergency cover)
Single $71.00
Family $141.00
PensionerSingle $45.00
PensionerFamily $89.50
Email AmbulanceCover@health.
sa.gov.au or call Customer Service
Centre on 1300136272
More information at
www.saambulance.com.au
ChristmasClosure
The MS Society head office will be closed for Christmas from 5pm Friday 20 December and will reopen Thursday 2 January at 9am.
The ‘MS Assist’ Line 1800812311
will close from 2pm on Tuesday
24 December and resume 9am
Thursday 2 January.
If you need any assistance over
this period please contact your GP
or other healthcare professional.
In an emergency situation, call
or go directly to the emergency
department at the hospital.
Usefulnumbersovertheholidayperiod
DisabilityServices
After-hours service:
0883721414
Lifeline
If you feel that you might need
phone counselling, you can call
131114about anything that
might be troubling you.
CrisisCare assists people in
crisis. Opening hours: 4:00pm to
9:00am weekdays, 24-hours on
weekends and public hoidays.
Call 131611
8 MS Network Magazine 12 | 2013
NewTreatmentsaddedtoPharmaceuticalBenefitsScheme
New Federal Health Minister, Peter Dutton, has approved the listing of two new treatments for relapsing remitting MS on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) – Aubagio and Tecfidera.
Both treatments are oral medications
that have proven in clinical trials to limit
the impact of MS symptoms and to
slow the onset of the disease.
They will be available through
prescription from your neurologist
from 1 December 2013.There are
now 8 different medications to treat
relapsing remitting MS available.
You can find more information
about these treatments from
www.msaustralia.org.au/pbac/
index.asp or contact one of the
MS Society nurses.
If you have changed medications
the MS Society nursing team would
really appreciate hearing from you so
they can keep up with how the new
treatments are working for people.
The best way is to give our ‘MS Assist’
Team a call on 1800812311, and a
nurse will call you back.
News
NDISupdate
You will notice various agencies now referring to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (or NDIS or Scheme), rather than DisabilityCare Australia.
This reflects the new Australian
Government’s decision to revert to the
original name for the NDIS. The public
service organisation that manages and
administers the Scheme will be known
as the National Disability Insurance
Agency or NDIA. Sometimes people
will refer to the NDIA as the Agency.
If you would like to receive NDIS
news and updates by email, you can
subscribe at:www.ndis.gov.au/news
2014WhyallaDisability&LifestylesExpo
A one-stop-shop for disability and lifestyle solutions regarding advocacy, aged care services, education, employment, disability support services, health and well-being.
Friday 21 March 2014 from 10am to
4pm at Westlands Hotel/Motel, 100
McDouall Stuart Avenue, Whyalla
Norrie. Exhibitor registrations are
now open for this event. For more
information call 82360575 or email
events@dircsa.org.au
Congratulations–GenHouston!
Big congratulations to Gen Houston who recently passed her piano exam.
Gen won an MS Choice Award a few
years ago to help her return to her
piano playing. She has been working
hard for this exam and we send her our
heartfelt congratulations for her hard
work! Well done Gen!
News continued
ReneeThonardAward
The Renee Thonard Award is the Society’s most prestigious award, given annually at the AGM to an individual or group, in recognition of consistent and meritorious service to the Society. Renee Thonard was a founding member of the Society in 1964.
At the 2013 Annual General Meeting
held on 30 October, Dennis Hughes
was announced as the 2013 winner
of the Renee Thonard Award. Most
staff will recognise Dennis as his
friendly face has been around the
office since 1982! Dennis has provided
a range of face-to-face client support
over the years – the bus driver to
take clients on outings, the gopher for
client picnics, dinners and fundraising
functions; the person who delivers
equipment to a client’s home, to repair
it when it’s broken or to pump up
the tyre of the wheelchair. He is now
part of our community development
team, going into the homes of clients
to provide maintenance, cleaning,
gardening, and handyman chores
and to provide a listening ear to those
who want a chat.
Congratulations Dennis!
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine 9
Page heading 1 | Page heading 2 | Page heading 3 | etc
For each appointment they have
two female registered nurses and
one female doctor in attendance.
Furthermore, to make this test and
examination as pleasant as possible,
the second part of the appointment
is a pampering session.
Volunteers working with the clinic offer
facials, hand massages and fingernail
painting in a spa like environment
with aromatherapy oils and relaxing
music to create a beautiful ambience.
Refreshments are also offered which
includes of tea, coffee, cake, juices,
fruit and cheese platters.
Formoreinformationcontact:
HighgateParkClinic
Level1BHighgatePark
103FisherStreet
FullartonSA5063
Tel: 83721442
Fax: 83721491
Parking: enter from Fisher Street.
General and disability parking is
available. The Highgate Park Clinic
bulk bills.
Women’sHealth–HighgateParkClinic
Highgate Park Clinic conducts a Women’s Health day each month for women who have a disability to enable a pap smear and breast examination.
Many GP’s cannot do the test as they
don’t have the required equipment
such as lifters and most importantly
the time which is required.
The Highgate Clinic allows an hour
for each client to enable the test
and examination to be carried out
in a relaxed manner to hopefully
alleviate any feelings of anxiety.
News
MSAssistTelephone Information
Service
MSAssistcan help you with information such as:
n Transport options in your area
n Centrelink processes & forms
n Local Council & State Government services in your area
n MS Society services
n Continence support services
n Research updates
n List of Neurologists in SA
n And much, much more…
Our free call MSAssist number is
1800812311
Please Note: Calls to 1800 numbers from a landline are free however some Mobile
Phone Services may charge for these calls so check with your provider first.
The telephone information service operates during business hours Monday to Friday,
excluding Public Holidays. Callers are able to leave a message outside these time and
our operators will return their call on the next business day.
Email queries may also be directed to msassist@ms.asn.au
Fantastic family event. Great
fun and whole atmosphere was
excellent. Good music, friendly
helpful crew, lots of well priced
catering, well organised....the
list of positives goes on and on.
Anna
Such a good show put on today, guys. And all for such a great cause. Awesome work. Jess
The kids thought
last
years event was
choice
BUT you guys improved
10 fold this year
.
Awesome morning and
great event!!!!
Nicholas
Fantastic family event. Great
fun and whole atmosphere was
excellent. Good music, friendly
helpful crew, lots of well priced
catering, well organised....the
list of positives goes on and on.
Anna
Such a good show put on today, guys. And all for such a great cause. Awesome work. Jess
The kids thought
last
years event was
choice
BUT you guys improved
10 fold this year
.
Awesome morning and
great event!!!!
Nicholas
My two boys and I had an absolute ball. Its not every day you get to roll around in the mud with ur kids. They just wanted to keep doing more laps..lol... Thanks to all that ran this event. Definitely will be back next year for some muddy fun. Awesome event well done!!!! Leanne
Fantastic fun for
all ages
course, had a tot
ally awesome
day, plenty of foo
d, drinks
and kids enterta
inment.
Music playing all ov
er the
course was fanta
stic, gave it
a real party atm
osphere.
Vicki
One of the best days of my life.....I knew it was going to be fun, I had NO idea it would be THAT much fun.......Thanks to ALLKara
My two boys and I had an absolute ball. Its not every day you get to roll around in the mud with ur kids. They just wanted to keep doing more laps..lol... Thanks to all that ran this event. Definitely will be back next year for some muddy fun. Awesome event well done!!!! Leanne
Fantastic fun for
all ages
course, had a tot
ally awesome
day, plenty of foo
d, drinks
and kids enterta
inment.
Music playing all ov
er the
course was fanta
stic, gave it
a real party atm
osphere.
Vicki
One of the best days of my life.....I knew it was going to be fun, I had NO idea it would be THAT much fun.......Thanks to ALLKara
Proudly Sponsored By
EVENT PARTNERS
Naming rights sponsor Major sponsors
The MS Society of SA & NT is incredibly grateful for the support from the corporate community. Together we are all helping make a difference in the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis.
Were you a part of the 2nd Bernie Lewis MS Mud Run, held at Urrbrae Agricultural High School on Sunday 1st December? The MS Society of SA & NT once again got down and dirty to raise funds for people living with MS and their families, and showed Adelaide that Getting Dirty Never Felt So Good!
Following on from the inaugural 2012 event, this year we promised our Mud Runners bigger, better and muddier! With almost double the obstacles and plenty of mud to go around, Mud Runners of all ages navigated the military-style obstacle course in record numbers, proving that Adelaide really does love getting dirty. This year our new categories proved very popular, with fitness fanatics battling it out to become our Elite race champions, and parents and kids enjoying the opportunity to run together in the Family Mud Pack races. Congratulations to Harrison Hughes and Anthea Bennetts, our male and female Elite winners who took home an amazing prize pack for being the fastest around the track.
Of course most people were there just to have fun, and we saw our fair share of surprising, strange and spectacular costumes throughout the day. A big shout out to Kylie, who won a double pass to next year’s race for her amazing costume, Kylie wore a pure white wedding dress complete with veil, it wasn’t white by the end though!
Our Chief Mudders also drew lots of attention on the day! This group of CEOs, managers, politicians and generally important folk are big supporters of the MS Society, and were willing to get muddy to prove it! While some were spotted limbering up and enjoying the hospitality of the VIP tent prior to the race, there were a few serious competitors who blew everyone else away. With the determination (and dirty tactics) that was shown during the race it’s no wonder these guys are top of their fields! Congratulations to our winning joint Chief Mudders for 2013, Jordan Wissell from Wissell earthmoving and Tom Williamson from the Palmer group, what a great effort to make it to the top of the pack. Of course the other winning Chief Mudder was Mark Lewis from Bernie Lewis, who was our highest fundraiser. What a champ! To all our other Chief Mudders, thank you for your participation, fundraising and support, and remember it’s never too early to start training for next year!
Massive thanks also to our amazing muddy Crew volunteers – we cannot put into words how vital your assistance is to the overall success of the event. We hope you had a great time with us at the Bernie Lewis MS Mud Run, we have had so many comments about how friendly and helpful our Crew were and we cannot thank you enough!
Speaking of thanks, events like this don’t come together without the support of our amazing sponsors. We are lucky to have had an awesome group of organisations who were willing to support this event, and went above and beyond to help us and ensure it was a success. Bernie Lewis was again our Naming Rights sponsor, and a big thank you goes to Mark, Stefan, Amelia, Vivian and the team for loving the MS Mud Run as much as we do! Ochre Digital were Major Sponsors, and produced all the amazing signage you saw prior to and at the event. Nothing was too much trouble for the guys at Ochre. Coates Hire provided us with pretty much everything but the kitchen sink so that the event could go off without a hitch, and it was great to see Matt and the Coates Mud Crabs enjoying the muddy fun out on the course! Big shout out to all our Obstacle Sponsors, Event Partners and Event Supporters, we couldn’t have done it without you.
The beautiful Urrbrae Agricultural High School is an amazing backdrop for the MS Mud Run, and Crew would like to thank the wonderful Maxine and her team for making their grounds, equipment and staff available to us and embracing the muddy spirit of our event! Deb and Yvette from dbusiness events made everything happen for us, and Lucas and the team from Highgate Engineering did a fantastic job of building a safe, fun and muddy obstacle course for us once again this year. Big thanks to the MS Society staff and board members who worked tirelessly to bring this event together, great job!
Of course the biggest thanks must go to our muddy MS Mud Runners for helping to raise a huge amount of money for the MS Society and being willing to get down and dirty for a great cause. Feedback from our Mud Runners on the day was fantastic; the event has been embraced by the community and we can only expect it to continue to grow and become even better in the future. We will let you know the date for the MS Mud Run 2014 very soon, but until then, remember...
Getting Dirty Never Felt So Good!
The Crew
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Business Name: Wissell Earthmoving
Contact Person: Jordan Wissell
Address: 2 Basten Avenue
Location: Seaview Downs
State: SA
Post Code: 5158
Phone Number
Moblie: 0411 677 334
Fax Number:
Email Address: jordanwissell@bigpond.com
Ad Number: 55490Site Number: EHC7058/EHC7042Site: Harcourts Morphettvale/Christies Beach/
Harcourts Aberfoyle Park
Ad Size: 45x65mmDate: 14/02/13Designer: Adamapproval Deadline: 06/03/13
proof 1
IsseLL eartHmovInGSee the Earth Move
TIPPER, BOBCAT & EXCAVATOR HIRE
WE CAN DIG IT, FILL IT,LEVEL IT OR REMOVE IT!
WE CAN GRASS IT, PAVE IT,FENCE IT OR RETAIN IT!
NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL,WE CAN DO IT ALL!
Phone Jordan Wissell0411 677 334
jordanwissell@bigpond.comEVENT Supporters
MUDMUD
RUNRUN
Proudly Sponsored By
EVENT PARTNERS
Naming rights sponsor Major sponsors
The MS Society of SA & NT is incredibly grateful for the support from the corporate community. Together we are all helping make a difference in the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis.
Were you a part of the 2nd Bernie Lewis MS Mud Run, held at Urrbrae Agricultural High School on Sunday 1st December? The MS Society of SA & NT once again got down and dirty to raise funds for people living with MS and their families, and showed Adelaide that Getting Dirty Never Felt So Good!
Following on from the inaugural 2012 event, this year we promised our Mud Runners bigger, better and muddier! With almost double the obstacles and plenty of mud to go around, Mud Runners of all ages navigated the military-style obstacle course in record numbers, proving that Adelaide really does love getting dirty. This year our new categories proved very popular, with fitness fanatics battling it out to become our Elite race champions, and parents and kids enjoying the opportunity to run together in the Family Mud Pack races. Congratulations to Harrison Hughes and Anthea Bennetts, our male and female Elite winners who took home an amazing prize pack for being the fastest around the track.
Of course most people were there just to have fun, and we saw our fair share of surprising, strange and spectacular costumes throughout the day. A big shout out to Kylie, who won a double pass to next year’s race for her amazing costume, Kylie wore a pure white wedding dress complete with veil, it wasn’t white by the end though!
Our Chief Mudders also drew lots of attention on the day! This group of CEOs, managers, politicians and generally important folk are big supporters of the MS Society, and were willing to get muddy to prove it! While some were spotted limbering up and enjoying the hospitality of the VIP tent prior to the race, there were a few serious competitors who blew everyone else away. With the determination (and dirty tactics) that was shown during the race it’s no wonder these guys are top of their fields! Congratulations to our winning joint Chief Mudders for 2013, Jordan Wissell from Wissell earthmoving and Tom Williamson from the Palmer group, what a great effort to make it to the top of the pack. Of course the other winning Chief Mudder was Mark Lewis from Bernie Lewis, who was our highest fundraiser. What a champ! To all our other Chief Mudders, thank you for your participation, fundraising and support, and remember it’s never too early to start training for next year!
Massive thanks also to our amazing muddy Crew volunteers – we cannot put into words how vital your assistance is to the overall success of the event. We hope you had a great time with us at the Bernie Lewis MS Mud Run, we have had so many comments about how friendly and helpful our Crew were and we cannot thank you enough!
Speaking of thanks, events like this don’t come together without the support of our amazing sponsors. We are lucky to have had an awesome group of organisations who were willing to support this event, and went above and beyond to help us and ensure it was a success. Bernie Lewis was again our Naming Rights sponsor, and a big thank you goes to Mark, Stefan, Amelia, Vivian and the team for loving the MS Mud Run as much as we do! Ochre Digital were Major Sponsors, and produced all the amazing signage you saw prior to and at the event. Nothing was too much trouble for the guys at Ochre. Coates Hire provided us with pretty much everything but the kitchen sink so that the event could go off without a hitch, and it was great to see Matt and the Coates Mud Crabs enjoying the muddy fun out on the course! Big shout out to all our Obstacle Sponsors, Event Partners and Event Supporters, we couldn’t have done it without you.
The beautiful Urrbrae Agricultural High School is an amazing backdrop for the MS Mud Run, and Crew would like to thank the wonderful Maxine and her team for making their grounds, equipment and staff available to us and embracing the muddy spirit of our event! Deb and Yvette from dbusiness events made everything happen for us, and Lucas and the team from Highgate Engineering did a fantastic job of building a safe, fun and muddy obstacle course for us once again this year. Big thanks to the MS Society staff and board members who worked tirelessly to bring this event together, great job!
Of course the biggest thanks must go to our muddy MS Mud Runners for helping to raise a huge amount of money for the MS Society and being willing to get down and dirty for a great cause. Feedback from our Mud Runners on the day was fantastic; the event has been embraced by the community and we can only expect it to continue to grow and become even better in the future. We will let you know the date for the MS Mud Run 2014 very soon, but until then, remember...
Getting Dirty Never Felt So Good!
The Crew
Please CheCk:1 Company Name / Spelling2 Address3 Licence #’s and ABN’s4 Phone / Fax Numbers5 Email / Web Addresses
Please tiCk aPProPriate CirCle:
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t 07 5699 8109 | F 07 5575 9748 e graphics@movingtogether.com PO BOx 4423, Elanora QLD 4221
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pLeASe pRoof ARTWoRK cARefULLY Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, please check the above artwork carefully for any errors, as Moving Together cannot accept responsibility for any errors not identified before final approval.To approve simply tick the approveD / proCeeD circle, then sign and fax back on 07 5575 9748 or alternatively scan and email back.To make amenDments email back with the changes you would like clearly outlined.If we have not received a reply by the deadline (stated above) or within 7 working days, this proof will be deemed as approved.Please note the following artwork guidelines: Minimum font size 7pt. Ads must be marked by stroke, colour or gradient. We accept the following file formats: jpeg, pdf, eps. Images and non-vector logos must be high-resolution suited to the offset printing process (300dpi or greater – If below 300dpi, we do not take responsibility for the image quality. We do not accept Excel, Publisher or Powerpoint documents. All proofs are sent at low resolution, therefore pics and logos will be blurred but will not be published as such.Colour Disclaimer: Please be aware that colour may vary between on-screen, laser printouts and final printing. If a specific colour is required, please inform us of the CMYK values. We print in CMYK colour mode and are not responsible for any colour shift that occurs in conversions from PMS/RGB to CMYK colour modes. Moving Together does not guarantee colour matching or ink density on JPEG or PDF screen proofs. Screen proofs will predict image proportion and placement, but not colour or density.
Business Name: Wissell Earthmoving
Contact Person: Jordan Wissell
Address: 2 Basten Avenue
Location: Seaview Downs
State: SA
Post Code: 5158
Phone Number
Moblie: 0411 677 334
Fax Number:
Email Address: jordanwissell@bigpond.com
Ad Number: 55490Site Number: EHC7058/EHC7042Site: Harcourts Morphettvale/Christies Beach/
Harcourts Aberfoyle Park
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Phone Jordan Wissell0411 677 334
jordanwissell@bigpond.comEVENT Supporters
16 MS Network Magazine 12 | 2013
HollyJasperStaff
JobTitle:Occupational Therapist
Butwhatdoyoudo?
I work with clients following a referral
from Disability Services to assist
them to overcome a barrier which
they are facing on a day to day basis.
I do this mainly through prescription
of equipment, installation of home
modifications or learning a new skill.
Howlonghaveyouworked
attheMSSociety?
I have been employed here just
over 12 months.
Whatisthemostenjoyable
partofyourjob?
Probably meeting wonderful clients
and their families and being able to
Our people
Our people
DennisHughesStaff
JobTitle:Maintenance and
Support Services Officer
Butwhatdoyoudo?
Home maintenance and gardening
services for MS Society clients,
maintenance of MS offices, delivery
of equipment to clients and help
with fundraising events.
Howlonghaveyouworked
attheMSSociety?
I have worked for the MS Society
for 31 years.
Whatisthemostenjoyable
partofyourjob?
Meeting clients and hopefully
making things a little easier for them.
go into people’s homes and to work
with them on an issue which they are
facing every day. I also love working
with the wonderful and kind team
here at the MS Society.
I always find it useful to collaborate
with another discipline as they can
offer an alternative outlook or insight
and they are always supportive of
each other and of our clients.
Describeyourselfin3words.
Kind, happy, thoughtful
What’syourfavouritefood?
Home-made lasagne
Whenyou’renotworking
attheSociety,whatdoyoudo?
I like to play netball, go to the gym,
do yoga, bake, go for walks or spend
time with my friends and family.
Describeyourselfin3words.
Caring, compassionate, empathetic.
What’syourfavouritefood?
Roast lamb.
Whenyou’renotworking
attheSociety,whatdoyoudo?
I spend my time with family and
friends, renovating the house,
watching sport and going to
Crows games and fishing.
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine 17
Page heading 1 | Page heading 2 | Page heading 3 | etc
If staying cool at work is an issue,
Multiple Solutions may be able to assist
with some of these products through
the Workplace Support program.
See page 26 for more details.
Usefullinks
www.personalcoolingproducts.com.
au/contact.html
(offer 10% off to readers with code 4467)
www.arcticheat.com.au
(offer discounted cooling vests)
www.quantumchill.com.au|
www.kooltubes.com.au
www.icepack.com.au
www.necktiecoolers.com
References
www.mstrust.org.uk/information/
opendoor/articles/0708_11.jsp
Intouch – Summer 2012 The magazine
of MS Australia – ACT/NSW/VIC
n Park your car undercover if possible
or use a sun shield to block the
sun out.
Coolinggarments
Cooling garments can help to cool
the body and can provide people
with relief from MS symptoms.
They can also help people with MS
be more active through exercise
and outdoor activities.
There are a variety of cooling
garments now available including
vests, neck ties and hats. These
contain a gel or other substance
that can be pre-cooled before
wearing. Depending on the product,
the cooling effect can last from
a few hours or the whole day.
Personal Cooling Products have a
range of products available (see ad
on page 18) including the ‘Aussie
Cool hat’ which has been designed to
complement their neckties. The hats
offer total air flo, 50+ sun protection,
wide shady anti-glare brims, terry
towelling sweatbands, snap-safe neck
cords, are lightweight, adjustable,
crushable, unisex and come with a
free magic Cooling Pad to wear in the
pocket hidden in the crown of every
Cool Hat. Varied styles available.
Personal Cooling Products are offering
Network readers 10% discount on all
the products. Shop online at www.
personalcoolingproducts.com.au
and enter the code 4467. Stay cool!
Arctic Heat offer a discount on their
cooling vests to people who have
MS. These vests are normally $198 +
postage, reduced to $132 + postage.
Visit www.arcticheat.com.au or
call 07552215527.
Many people with MS find the summer months particularly difficult as their symptoms are worsened by heat.
Cooling yourself down before, during
or after activity can help to reduce the
effects of heat and the problems that
it can cause. Cooling techniques can
range from cheap and simple ideas to
more expensive equipment items. The
following are a few suggestions on
how to keep cool.
Tipsforkeepingcool
n Have regular cold drinks or suck
an ice cube or frozen pineapple
chunks. If you are used to having a
coffee in the morning, swap it for an
iced coffee.
n Avoid hot foods. Choose salads and
sip iced water while eating.
n Spray your face and wrists with a
spray mister which can be cheaply
refilled from the tap at home.
n Cool down before activities with a
cold shower. Getting chilly before
heading outside helps to buy some
time before you feel the heat.
n Exercise in water. Hydrotherapy
is a great way to keep cool
while exercising.
n Avoid exercise in the middle
of the day. Try the mornings and
evenings instead.
n A floor or desk fan can help to keep
the temperature down and the air
flowing in a room. A hand held fan
can be useful when moving around.
n Wear loose, breathable clothing.
n Plan ahead. Check the weather
forecast on www.bom.gov.au and
plan for rest periods on hotter days.
Keeping cool this summer
Keeping cool this summer
18 MS Network Magazine 12 | 2013
sa.gov.au/energy or call the Energy
Advisory Service on 82041888.
During extreme heat it is easy to
become dehydrated or your body to
overheat. This is especially important
for infants and older people. SA Health
offers advice about staying healthy
in extreme heat online at sahealth.sa.gov.au,or copies of their extreme
heat guide can be obtained from local
libraries, medical services, community
centres or by calling 82267115.
If you are affected by heat-related
illness and need medical advice
contact healthdirect on1800022222or your local GP or hospital emergency
department.
The article is courtesy of the South Australian
Government’s Energy Advisory Service.
As the weather starts heating up, it’s the perfect time to think about how you will keep cool at home this summer.
To help keep your home cool, shade
windows in the day, especially on
the north, east and west sides of
your home. External shading is best,
but even closing curtains and blinds
inside your home to block out direct
sunlight will help to keep rooms cool.
Deciduous trees and eaves can also
provide shade.
If you have insulation installed in the
ceiling and walls, this can help to
reduce amount of heat entering
your home.
The cooler you keep your home
naturally, the less your cooling
appliances will need to work,
keeping your energy costs down.
Ceiling and pedestal fans are the
cheapest type of cooling appliance to
run, costing just 1 to 3 cents per hour.
They can also be used to complement
other cooling appliances by moving
cool air around your home.
Cooling your home efficiently
Cooling your home efficiently
CAN WE HELP COOL YOU DOWN?
www.personalcoolingproducts.com.au02 9548 1169
P R O D U C T SCOOLINGPersonal
The eco-friendly range of portable Personal Cooling Products allow you to beat the heat simply and effectively. Check out their Neck Coolers, Cool Hats with magic cooling pad, Cool Cloths, CoolVests and Sunguards today. Use them anytime, anywhere, doing anything to stay cool!
100%AUSTRALIAN
OWNEDMS Discount use
code 4467 on orders page
Evaporative coolers have low running
costs, are well-suited to the dry South
Australian climate, but also use water,
so check the water use and costs
too. To work effectively evaporative
coolers need good cross ventilation,
which can be achieved by opening
windows.
Refrigerative air conditioners have
higher running costs, so try setting the
thermostat between 24°C and 27°C,
or as high as you feel comfortable
with. Every 1°C lower can add 10% to
the running costs of your appliance.
You can also lower running costs by
only cooling the rooms you are using
by closing doors or using zones.
If you’re purchasing a new cooling
appliance, choose a system that is
right for your needs and is properly
sized. For ducted systems look for
one that has energy efficient ducting.
Look for an energy rating label, or
ask your retailer about the ongoing
running costs.
For more tips on energy efficient
cooling and how to calculate an
appliance’s running costs, visit
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine 19
Peer Support and Education
Peer Support and Education
Mary-Anne Edge has commenced as the new Peer Support and Education Coordinator for the MS Society.
Some of you may know Mary-Anne
already as she has worked for the
Society for a long time, mostly in
employment services supporting
people who have MS and other
chronic conditions to remain at work.
Mary-Anne is now part of the MS
Assist team and her new role involves
supporting and developing Peer
Mentors and Support Groups as well
as organising the education and
seminar program. The purpose of Mary-
Anne’s role is to improve community
awareness and understanding of MS
and better respond to the information
and education needs of those living
with MS in SA & NT. The old saying
“Knowledge is Power” is so true and
we believe strongly that the more
information and options people have,
the better they will be able to manage
their MS journey.
Mary-Anne is based at our Modbury
office and works Monday-Thursday.
She can be contacted by phone
on (08)82036600 or via email
at medge@ms.asn.au
Educationseminars2014
The MS Society of SA & NT aims to provide a series of seminars and workshops that responds to client requests for information and education.
Some will focus on maintaining a
healthy lifestyle and keeping you up
to date with the latest information
and research on MS, while others will
provide opportunities to learn about
future/financial planning, travel and
other activities. A variety of venues will
be provided in the hope that some will
be located close to your home, and for
those living a long way from Adelaide,
we will arrange for the sessions to be
recorded and available to you. Family
and friends are also welcome to attend
these education seminars.
At the time of printing details of
events have not been finalised but the
following is proposed:
NewlyDiagnosedSeminarsFebruaryandAugust2014citylocation
Have you or someone close to you
been diagnosed with MS in the last
12 months? Come along, learn more
about MS and take up the opportunity
to ask your own questions. This
information session will cover an
overview of MS by a neurologist, with
information on the latest treatments
and research. A physiotherapist will
talk about the importance of fitness
and exercise with MS. A Multiple
Solutions employment consultant
will discuss your rights with regard
to employment, privacy, disclosure
and available workplace support.
Information on peer support groups
and other MS Society services will
also be provided.
NewlyDiagnosed–MaintainingaHealthyLifestyleMayandNovember2014northandasouthvenue
Again aimed at those diagnosed
with MS in the last 12 months but
others are very welcome. Guest
speakers will talk about how you can
develop and maintain your health –
topics will be diet, sunlight, exercise,
meditation, preventing depression
and other lifestyle factors.
The MS nurses will be able to provide
information and answer your questions
on the latest treatments and research.
Workshops on Managing Fatigue and
Fitness will be run by the MS Society
physiotherapists.
There will be a paneldiscussion
with experts from the fields of Legal
Rights,Centrelink,Financial
PlanningandSuperannuation, to
answer your questions and help with
your planning for the future.
We are also hoping to provide
cookingevents – where a group
comes together to watch and prepare
a healthy meal, then share the
pleasure of eating it!
A travelnightis also in the planning
stages – with consultants discussing
suitable destinations, accommodation
and activities, with advice on travel
insurance and other useful tips.
Further details on these events will
be advertised on the MS Society
webpage, MS Facebook page (www.
facebook.com/MSSocietyofSANT),
the e-newsletter and emails/letters
to clients.
If you would like to register an
early interest in any of these events
please contact:
Mary-AnneEdge,Coordinator
EducationandPeerSupport
T: (08)82036600
E: medge@ms.asn.au
And if you have any suggestions to
help with the planning of education
seminars and workshops please
pass these on to Mary-Anne Edge,
as above.
20 MS Network Magazine 12 | 2013
The Peer Support program continues to connect people with MS to each other to provide opportunities to meet and discuss your MS with others experiencing similar issues. There are a number of programs and groups currently in action – please read on for more information!
Peer support update
Peer support update
Onlinesupport
158membersandcounting!
You might find it a bit nerve-wracking
to attend a group or speak with
someone in person about your MS.
Maybe you’re just not ready to speak
or meet a person with MS yet, but
would like some advice anyway.
Perhaps distance is an issue if you
live in a rural or remote area, or you
may be too ill to leave the house.
Online support might be an option for
you. It’s convenient – log in whenever
or wherever you like. This is a closed
forum, only accessible to members.
You can find it at www.facebook.com/
groups/MySocietySANT/ –
just request to be a member.
Mentoring
We have an excellent group of
supportive, caring mentors who
are more than happy to talk with
other people with MS.
They also have MS, so odds are they
have had some similar experiences
to you.
If you’re hesitant to join a group or
would just like to speak with someone
privately, please contact the MS
Society on (08)70026500 to
be connected to a peer mentor.
NewPeerSupportGroups
There have been requests to establish
some new support groups and to
re-invigorate some ‘old’ ones.
Planninghasstartedfornewsupportgroupsin:
n Alice Springs
n Copper Triangle/Moonta area
n Clare
n Port Pirie
n Whyalla
n Darwin
It is likely that meetings will be in
the mornings on weekends at a
cafe for coffee/brunch, possibly at
Palmerston and in the city. There
will be a Christmas dinner on
Sunday 15 December, 6 pm at the
Darwin Sailing Club, Fannie Bay, to
plan the 2014 meetings. Contact
Sarah Schubert on 0439885604
for more details.
n ParentswithKidsA group of parents met on Saturday
23 November at North Adelaide
Aquatic Centre Playground to
discuss the format and location of
support groups in 2014. Options
include a playgroup for those with
pre-school children and a coffee/
meal get together for those with
school-age children. The next event
will be Saturday 1 February 2014,
1.00 pm at the Esplanade Hotel,
cnr Jetty Road, Brighton.
The hotel has an indoor playground
next to the bistro, further meetings
will be planned on this day.
n City-basedforworkers
A group for those who are working,
to meet monthly for a meal in
eastern Adelaide 6.30 pm on a
Wednesday. Please contact Jess
Raeburn on 0403155696 if you
are interested in joining.
n Newlydiagnosed
A ‘pop-up’ group for 4–5 months,
open discussions facilitated by MS
staff and people living with MS,
about managing health and lifestyle
so that you can get on with your life.
Once a group forms the location
of meetings will be decided, most
likely to be held early evenings.
Lookingformemberswishingtojoinrefreshedgroupsin:
n Unley or Eastern Suburbs
n Adelaide Hills – Stirling area
n Western suburbs or Port Adelaide
n Glandore
If you are interested in joining or
getting more information about any of
these groups, or wish to start a group
in your own area, please contact
Mary-AnneEdge
T: (08)82036600
E: medge@ms.asn.au
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine 21
PeerSupportGroupsmeetinthefollowingareas:
Location Day/Time Venue GroupCoordinator
Barossa 3rd Thursday each month, 11am Tanunda/Nuriootpa Denise Hoffman (08) 8565 6245
HardYakkas(Salisbury)
Last Wednesday each month, 12pm
Café Aqua, Salisbury Tallia Coulter 0403 766 157
Fleurieu Random Tuesdays, 12.30pm Rotated around Fleurieu eateries
Jill Masters (08) 8555 0358
Gawler 2nd Monday each month, 10am Gawler Women’s Health Centre Helen Hoppman 0403 295 348
Modbury Last Tuesday each month, 10am Independent Living Centre, Gilles Plains
Jennifer Cotis 0407 888 492
ClovellyPark 4th Friday each month, 12pm Tonsley Hotel, South Road,
Clovelly Park
Christine Sutherland (08) 8276 3779
MountGambier 1st Friday each month, 12pm Commercial Hotel, Commercial Street West
Jenifer Carpenter (08) 8738 2343
SouthEast 3rd Thursday each month, 10.30am
The Settlers Café, Naracoorte Samantha Loechel 0427 662 156
Noarlunga 1st Thursday each month, 12.30pm
Various lunch venues Virginia Stanfield (08) 8382 5244
3rd Thursday each month, 12.30pm
GP Super Clinic, Noarlunga
Burnside 3rd Thursday each month, 2pm Burnside Community Centre Paula Hardy (08) 8379 8220
PortLincoln 2nd Tuesday each month Venue and time varies Rick Cunningham 0427 999 029 Pamela Price 0427 824 145
TailemBend Wednesdays, mid-monthly Group member’s homes Sue Griffiths (08) 8572 3914
Familymembersandcarersarealwayswelcometoattend
If there have been any changes to your support group that we’re not aware of, please contact the MS Society
to advise us of any updates. Please also let us know if you are interested in setting up a group in your area.
OvercomingMultipleSclerosisPeerSupportGroup
If you are on the Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis (OMS) program, or would like to learn more about it, you are invited to join
a peer support group with a special interest in OMS. Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month, 7 pm at Pembroke
College. Please contact the group coordinator Pam Schartner on (08)83319360or email pschartn@iinet.net.au
Peer support update
‘IwasrecentlytoldwhytalkingtootherpeoplewithMSissohelpful–becausenooneelseseemstogetit.’Join a support group and talk to others who do ‘get it’.
22 MS Network Magazine 12 | 2013
Accessing South Australian Government funded equipment and servicesOverview
The Department of Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) is responsible for funding and providing services for people with disability in South Australia.
Within DCSI, Disability Services
is the department responsible for
coordinating and delivering services
to people with disability.
TheroleofDisabilityServices
Once a person is registered with
Disability Services they are assigned
to a regional office and, in some
cases, allocated an individual Services
Coordinator. The staff in your local
regional Disability Services office are
responsible for coordinating all services
and supports that you may require.
This may include reviewing personal
care requirements, assessing the need
for equipment or home modifications
and referral to allied health services
such as physiotherapy, speech therapy,
dietician and psychology.
TheroleoftheMSSociety
Sometimes Disability Services outsource
parts of their work to other organisations
such as the MS Society. In SA, the MS
Society has an agreement with Disability
Services that they will use our therapists
when they need an Occupational
Therapist or Physiotherapist assessment
for someone with MS living in the
metropolitan area.
These assessments are usually related
to things like equipment, manual
handling, home modifications or
personal care requirements. Our staff
carry out the assessment and then
send a report to Disability Services
with recommendations.
For those people with MS living in rural
and remote areas of SA, our therapists
are also available to provide advice via
telephone to Disability Services staff
and therapists working in your region.
Itisimportanttounderstandthat
DisabilityServicesmakethefinal
decisionaboutwhatequipmentand
servicestheywillfundandprovide–
nottheMSSociety.
The MS Society does not have funds
to pay for equipment, home modifications
or personal care – this is only available
through Disability Services.
DisabilityServicesregistration
A person must be registered with
Disability Services BEFORE receiving
any support or equipment.
Itisimportanttonotethat:
n Theregistrationprocesscantake
upto6months. This cannot be fast
tracked unless a person’s situation
is extremely critical.
n A person will not be eligible to register
with Disability Services based solely
on their MS diagnosis. The registration
criteria also require identifying some
difficulty that requires assistance from
Disability Services. Talk to our therapy
staff if you are unsure.
Duetothelongleadintimeforregistration,theMSSocietyrecommendsthat
apersoncompletearegistrationapplicationtoDisabilityServicesassoonas
theybegintoexperienceanydifficulties.Evenifyoubelievetheissueisminor,
itisbesttoregisterforservicesassoonaspossibleduetothewaitingtimes.
Accessing South Australian Government funded equipment and services
Department for Communitiesand Social Inclusion
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine 23
Accessing South Australian Government funded equipment and services
A referral may then be forwarded to the
MS Society, and a therapy staff member
may then make an appointment to meet
with you.
ContactingDisabilityServices
Intake: 1300786117
(local fee only for country callers)
Office Number: 82721988
Email: disabilityinfo@dcsi.sa.gov.au
Needmoreinformationoradvice?
Call our ‘MS Assist’ Line on
1800812311 for further information or
assistance with submitting a Disability
Services registration application.
MS Society Occupational Therapists
celebrating OT week with a yellow and
purple afternoon tea.
October20th–26thwasOccupationalTherapyweek.Didyouknow:
n Between 1939 and 2011 the
number of Occupational
Therapists in Australia has
risen from 3 to 15,000.
n The use if occupation as
therapy has a long history but
the OT profession officially
started in Australia in 1940
(WW2) to deal
with wounded soldiers.
n Now 15 programs graduate
over 1,000 students a
year and this will increase
dramatically in the next few
years with another 20 new
programs soon to graduate
students.
n Between 1996 and 2011 the
number of Occupational
Therapist employed in
Australia more than doubled.
n So what do OTs do? Put
simply we engage people to
change the way they occupy
their time in order to live the
life they choose.
24 MS Network Magazine 12 | 2013
Thank you!
Thank you!
KinddonationofMotorisedExercisePedalstoPhysiotherapyDepartment
One of our clients, Jane Lyall,
sadly passed away on 8 July
this year. Jane had been
attending the MS Society every
week for many years and I had
the pleasure of working with
her with the motorised pedals
for the last 9 years.
Jane’s program involved leg and arm
work and she always had a sunny
smile and never complained.
The whole Physiotherapy Department
sadly misses her happy disposition
and seeing her every week.
Jane was an active volunteer with
the Society for many years and I first
met her when I was volunteering too
in the 1990s.
Jane’s Mother, Margaret , has kindly
donated Jane’s home motorised
exercise pedals to the MS Society of SA
& NT so they can be included in the hire
program and so benefit other clients.
A plaque will be placed on the pedals
to acknowledge this kind donation by
the Lyall family in memory of Jane.
Anyone interested in hiring our
Motorised Exercise Pedals for 4 weeks
for home use, please contact the
Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology
Department of the MS Society on
(08)83600800.
SandyAndrewsPhysiotherapy Assistant
Thankyouandgoodbye–SarahWoodard
It is with great sadness that I am informing everyone that Physiotherapist Sarah Woodard has resigned from the Society. Sarah has been an integral part of the team starting nearly 5 years ago as a student volunteer (in the pool and with the vibrogym program) that led to a part time physiotherapy assistant role.
After completing her university
studies, Sarah was employed full time
as a physiotherapist and we have
never looked back! Over the years
her role has encompassed many
things including the Reynella exercise
group, aquatic physio programs and
the treatment, rehabilitation and
management of individual clients.
More recently over the last two years
Sarah has been responsible for the
UniSA Student Physio Rehab Clinic.
This has been a huge commitment
and tremendous effort that has seen
the availability of intense rehab to
our clients from Greenacres and (in
the past) Elizabeth sites. Sarah has
shown her dedication and passion for
her profession with endless patience,
guidance and mentoring of the
students.
‘Nomatterwhatjob,Iamsureherpassionforlearning,highstandardsandgenuinecareforclientswillseehersucceed.’I strongly feel that such a positive
experience for students early in their
career can only result in greater
understanding and awareness of
the Society, MS and the benefit that
physiotherapy can provide to those
with neurological conditions.
This will ultimately benefit our clients
who may have to deal with these
students as future health professionals.
In leaving us, Sarah hopes to pursue
a job a bit closer to her new home
and also to expand her experience
and knowledge outside of MS and the
community setting. No matter what
job, I am sure her passion for learning,
high standards and genuine care for
clients will see her succeed. Although
she will be greatly missed by clients
and staff alike, we wish her all the best
in her future endeavours and we are
confident that our paths will cross both
professionally and socially in the future.
All the best Sarah and thank you for all
your hard work and commitment over
the years!
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine 25
Thank you!
ThankyoutoRodney–GreenacresVolunteer
The Physiotherapy & Exercise
Physiology Team would like
to extend a huge thank you
to our volunteer Rodney.
Rodney joined us at Greenacres at the
beginning of 2012. He has been working
predominately with the Motorised
Exercise Pedal (MEP) Home Hire
Program. This requires him to contact
clients regarding hire of MEP, collect
hire fees, check that MEP are in
good working condition and organise
drop off/pick up of MEP.
‘Rodneygoesabouthisworkwithminimalfussandmaximumefficiency.’Initially he coordinated these deliveries
for our maintenance man Dennis
however, with increasing pressure
on Dennis’ role, Rodney took on the
delivery component himself.
If not for this, many clients would not
be able to access the MEP home hire
program as coming to Greenacres to
pick up the equipment themselves is
often not an option. Rodney also took
on the delivery component of the job
without any consideration of his own
travel costs.
Rodney goes about his work with
minimal fuss and maximum efficiency.
Without him, the MEP program would
not be running. Rodney is also very
happy to help with numerous “odd
jobs” around the office, eg. moving
of furniture, putting up notice boards,
installing hooks/pegs on walls and
“fixing” of many things!
Unfortunately for us, Rodney is moving
away and will not be able to assist us
anymore. On behalf of the staff and clients
who have worked with him, I would like to
say a big “THANK YOU” and wish him
all the best in his future endeavours.
MaxineBrooks–Thankyou!
Maxine has been a very reliable and committed volunteer for the MS Physiotherapy department for over 6 years. Unfortunately, she has decided that she will not be able to continue with us once we move to our new office at Enfield.
We first came to know Maxine through
one of our aquatic therapy programs
and it was this contact that led Maxine
to volunteer with the Society.
Initially Maxine started helping out
with some of the administration tasks
related to Disability Services Aquatic
Therapy program, however we soon
realised she had quite an adaptable
skill set and signed her up for more!
Maxine was instrumental in much
of the administration work involved
with the early years of the MS 24
hr Megaswim and the Go for Gold
Scholarship Program.
In this role she had an amazing ability
to translate the words from a client’s
application into vibrant and interesting
stories to capture people’s imagination
and tug at their heart strings on
presentation night.
More recently, Maxine has been
“manning” our busy front desk at the
Greenacres reception once a week.
A wide variety of tasks are required
in this role and we greatly appreciate
her dedication to this.
So it is with great sadness that we
farewell Maxine and particularly thank
her for all her hard work, welcoming
personality, friendly face and her
longstanding commitment to the
Society. We wish her the best of
luck in her future endeavours.
MargotStrelanSenior Physiotherapist
26 MS Network Magazine 12 | 2013
Multiple Solutions
Multiple Solutions
n Funding workplace aids,
equipment or modifications
n Helping you develop strategies
to continue working successfully
Reducing stress and fatigue at work
helps to also increase the energy
you have for family and home.
Contact Workplace Solutions staff to ask about this free workplace support:
North(08)82036600
South(08)81981400
Email:wpsolutions@ms.asn.au
Supportforworkersandtheself-employed
Does your health impact your work? Does your work affect your health?
Multiple Solutions can you help
you manage both by:
On the 18th of May last year I was riding my bike on the way home from work and was hit by a truck on South Road.
I remember waking up at Flinders
Medical Centre where I stayed for
6 days. I was then transferred to
Hampstead Rehabilitation Hospital
and remained there for a further
3 weeks. I received lots of care
which I was not used to as I was
used to dealing with things myself.
I have Cerebral Palsy and now a
brain injury. I was referred to Multiple
Solutions and the Workplace Solutions
program to help me get back to work.
Prior to my accident I was working
fulltime at Conma Industry. Multiple
Solutions helped me regain my
confidence. They didn’t tell me what
to do, but they were there to support
me every step of the way.
Multiple Solutions not only helped
me return to work, they also helped
me find a GP after not seeing one for
years. They provided with information
about services and supports that were
available to me. My Workplace Support
Consultant informed Hampstead about
my progress and my hours at work
gradually increased. I now have the
tools to deal with situations better
even if they don’t always go the way
I would like.
When I first started with Multiple
Solutions I said to my Workplace
Support Consultant that everything
was taking a long time. My Workplace
Support Consultant told me that when
I look back at my recovery, I would not
realise how fast it went. I didn’t believe
her at the time, but I now know what
she said is true.
Thank You Multiple Solutions for all
your help.
JohnLaidlaw
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine 27
MS Bookshop reviews
MS Bookshop Reviews
Mick,JaneandMe–LivingwellwithMSbyCarolynCordon
A self published book of poetry about living well with MS
Truthfully the last time I read poetry
was in English 1 at Uni – and that
was a long time ago – but I do
remember being asked not to re-enrol
in English2 after I declared Chaucer to
be a **** poet in my final assignment.
The last time I voluntarily read poetry
was during a brief teenage crush when
I was introduced to Tagore’s Gitanjali
(they were the days of Indian sandals,
jewellery with bells… ).
Carolyn’s memoir, poetically speaking,
was on my bookshelf for 2 weeks
before I opened it – I was dusting
around it so thought maybe I should
have a quick look. Duster abandoned,
an hour later I’ve concluded that this
is an incisive and delightful read –
not what I remembered to be poetry.
An impish sense of humour that
delivers some facts and realities about
living with MS without descending
into the pits of doom and gloom is
the tone of this book from the first
to the last page. This is written by
someone whose middle name must
be resilience. How to get on with your
life and make the best of it, actually
more than that – how to see the funny
side of what others may find tragic and
how she continues to stay positive
and happy when others might wail and
weep – all told with that impish sense
of humour.
Laugh out loud when you read Chapter
6 – ‘Things not mentioned in polite
company’ and laugh at the clever
cartoons that greet each chapter.
There are plenty of
laughs in this slim volume
and you can’t help but
admire Carolyn’s ability
to remain upbeat where
others might wilt. Little is
hidden about what it’s like
to live with MS and there’s
plenty of help and guidance
together with lots of facts.
Better than reading some
of those Fact Sheets that
can be scary reading.
For anyone newly diagnosed
with MS this book has a
wealth of information, for
those with a family member
with MS it is also an invaluable
little book. The sense of
understanding of what it is
like to be someone with MS
comes through as a support
for anyone who might not be
managing very well.
I can see the potential for a follow up
book written in the same vein about
being the partner of someone with
MS. There’s a really big gap there!
However, I digress.
This little book won’t take up much
of your precious time to read, but it’s
time well spent – a down to earth look
at life with MS and how the power of
the mind, being positive, happy and
resilient all contribute to living well
with MS.
PamSchartner
If you would like to purchase
a copy of ‘Mick, Jane and Me –
Living well with MS’ please call
Carlyon on 0418806490 or email
jeebers@aussiebb.com.au
‘ForanyonenewlydiagnosedwithMSthisbookhasawealthofinformation,forthosewithafamilymemberwithMSitisalsoaninvaluablelittlebook.’
28 MS Network Magazine 12 | 2013
CarryaBigStickbyTimFerguson
Tim Ferguson – the Doug Anthony Allstars/Edinburgh Festival and “Don’t forget Your Toothbrush” – an Australian icon of provocative comedy.
I like a book that makes me
laugh on page 1 – a really
good sign. There are plenty
more laughs as you follow
his version of his rise to
fame, tackling the big
barriers of breaking into
the comedy venues
and the hard road to
becoming a success.
I gained a new respect
for the man, not just the comedian.
I expected the book by Tim and his
experience of MS to be full of funny
irreverent anecdotes about falling over,
slurring his words, dropping things and
the like.
I was about half way through the
book and it was getting hard to tell
that he had MS. When I had turned
the last page I had a sense of
disappointment – it wasn’t a book
about Tim Ferguson having MS –
it is a book about Tim Ferguson.
Just some mentions early on about
ignored symptoms, a realisation that
his Allstars life was affecting his health
and the blokey thing of not wanting to
talk to a doctor about the growing list
of symptoms that signalled something
amiss on his body.
Only towards the end of the book
is there really much said about him
having MS. And he doesn’t make
a big deal of it. The blurb about the
book tells about his aversion to
buying his first walking stick and
because it meant that his disability
had gotten to the point where he
was no longer safe without an aid
– a stubbornness of not wanting to
be seen as having a disease.
A few days later I realised that this
story is being told by a person who
said ‘MS does not define me’ – he
had kept his MS a secret for a very
long time from most of his family and
friends and refuses to whinge about
having MS because he can’t change
that. That’s what I call a powerful set
of messages.
A good book is one that makes you
both laugh and think.
PamSchartner
MS Bookshop reviews continued
MS Bookshop reviews
‘…thisstoryisbeingtoldbyapersonwhosaid‘MSdoesnotdefineme’–hehadkepthisMSasecretforaverylongtimefrommostofhisfamilyandfriendsandrefusestowhingeabouthavingMSbecausehecan’tchangethat.That’swhatIcallapowerfulsetofmessages.’
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine 29
Client Stories
So when thinking about my 50th
celebrations earlier this year, I decided
that what I really would prefer to do
was head north to the sun and warmth
to escape winter and all the whoo-haa
associated with turning 50. Broome,
in the Kimberley area of Western
Australia, was calling my name!!
JulieMorcom
Thebestwaytobeatyourwinterblues!!
Winter. Not one of my favourite seasons but having been born in August, I am used to always having a cold, wet and miserable day for my birthday.
But then nothing nice ever really
happens to me in winter. It was a
miserable rainy day in late July 1993
that I was diagnosed with MS – three
weeks before my 30th birthday.
Over the past 20 years, my
medications have included Betaferon
(11 years) and Tysabri, which I changed
to just over 6 years ago. The latest
change has proven to be very
successful for me as I have not had
one relapse during this time and my
MRI’s are currently showing no active
lesions. I have also been able to
increase my fitness slowly over this
time, which has been brilliant.
Client stories
One of the first things I thought of was
my medication. The longest I had ever
gone in-between Tysabri infusions was
5 weeks. What we were hoping to do
on this trip was travel up the middle of
Australia, head across to the Kimberley
via the Gibb River Road, travel down
the Western Australian coast, visit
Perth then cross the Nullarbor back
to Adelaide. Not something we could
really do in 4–5 weeks! Looking at
the distance, along with all the things
we wanted to see and do, we would
probably need between 3 and 4
months!! Was this even a possibility?
I contacted my neurologist and ran the
trip idea past him. “Sorry Julie, you will
need to continue your infusions during
your trip away” he said. “Darn it”, I
thought. “OK, so where can I get them
done?” I asked. I was advised that the
infusions could only be done at Alice
Springs, Darwin, Port Hedland and
Perth hospitals. OK, I can work with
that, I thought.
30 MS Network Magazine 12 | 2013
‘WhatwewerehopingtodoonthistripwastravelupthemiddleofAustralia,headacrosstotheKimberleyviatheGibbRiverRoad,traveldowntheWesternAustraliancoast,visitPerththencrosstheNullarborbacktoAdelaide.’
My neurologist sent a referral through
to an associate in Perth, but after his
secretary contacted me to arrange an
appointment (!) I was advised by the
hospital contact that I would not need
to see him and that I could fly in, go to
the hospital, have the treatment then
fly home – yay!!
So I went ahead and booked 3 Tysabri
appointments at Sir Charles Gardiner
Hospital (SCGH), booked 2 return
flights – one from Kununurra and
the other from Broome (for the third
appointment, we would be in Perth) and
I also booked some accommodation
at a nearby university that was close
enough to just walk to the hospital. I
was advised by the hospital that all
Tysabri appointments are done in the
afternoon so I would need to fly in,
overnight, go to the hospital, have the
treatment, go back out to the airport
and fly back.
I got in contact with Glenda, one of the
nurses at the MS Society and asked
if she could help me get in touch with
the people I needed to speak to, to
arrange my appointments. I thought if
I broke the trip into month long chunks,
I could try to work out where we
would be every 4 weeks and organise
the appointments accordingly. Alice
Springs was too early in the trip as
I would have had my last infusion done
in Adelaide just days before we left,
so it looked like Kununurra would be
the first place. Firstly, I looked at flights
from Kununurra to Darwin and return
and soon realised that I would need
to overnight in Darwin as the flights
did not work in with the time it would
take to include a hospital visit. I then
looked at accommodation close to the
airport and hospital but I could not find
anything! Oh, this was all starting to
become way too hard!
I then decided to look at where we
would be in another 4 weeks time.
Leaving Kununurra, we wanted to
head across the top of Western
Australia via the Gibb River Road,
a dirt road almost 660kms long. That
would get us to Broome and my next
infusion. Again, the first thing I did was
look at flights but getting to and from
Darwin was again very difficult – more
so than in and out of Kununurra. There
was not even a flight every day!!
So, in desperation, I looked at Perth.
Yes, this could work. From both
Kununurra and Broome the flights were
more frequent and regular to Perth, so
I asked Glenda for some information
about MS infusions in Perth. From
the information Glenda received from
the MS Society in Perth, I was able
to contact the correct person at
Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital.
Client stories continued
At the beginning of June, we left on
our trip and everything went to plan,
but… (there’s always a ‘but’, isn’t there!).
When I got to the hospital for my first
infusion, I was told that I would need
to go to the hospital pharmacy and get
my prescription filled. My prescription…
what prescription??? In Adelaide I don’t
have a prescription, the medicine is
just there, and I thought my neurologist
would have sent through a script. No
script!! Well, after a few delays I was
able to get the script filled, and PAID
for! Again this was something that
does not happen in Adelaide but at
SCGH you buy your medicine before
each appointment – at a cost of a PBS
script- then go to your appointment!!
And yes, I did make it back in time to
make my flight – just!
The trip away was fantastic. We were
away for just over 3 months and my
health did not miss a beat. I was
able to do so many bushwalks in the
National Parks that we visited that my
husband commented on how much
fitter I am now compared to a few
Client stories
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine 31
Client stories
there were some hiccups but it was all
sorted quickly and efficiently by the
hospital staff – thank you.
The only thing I would do differently
next time is travel with the script in
my ‘hot little hand’ and maybe see if I
could talk to someone who is currently
a Tysabri patient at the hospital I am
going to travel to (in this case SCGH).
‘IamsogladthatIdidallthehomeworkbeforewelefthomeandthatIkeptlookingatdifferentoptionsandwaysoffulfillingmydream…’
This way I would have known about
getting a script filled before the
appointment and I would have made
sure I had a script!!
Message learnt: do not let your illness
stop you from doing the things you
really want to do in life. Having MS and
being on Tysabri is a part of my life
but it will never define my life. I have a
travelling spirit and I now know I can
keep doing something that I truly love
– and that is a good thing for my mind,
body and spirit.
years ago. We went snorkelling every
day the whole way down the WA
coast- sometimes twice a day! This
really was a great trip.
I am so glad that I did all the homework
before we left home and that I kept
looking at different options and ways
of fulfilling my dream of travelling for
longer than 5 weeks at a time. Yes,
32 MS Network Magazine 12 | 2013
hard to change profession now.
I can work anywhere, all over
Australia, and long hours. Sometimes
for up to 60 hours a week. I might
only get a day off every fortnight,
which I do struggle with at times. It
has been harder since my diagnosis.
The company I work for try to
understand about my MS but it’s not
always easy. A few years ago they
sent me to Whyalla in the summer,
which was really difficult for my
fatigue. Thankfully now the majority
of my clients are in Adelaide so I am
able to stay local. I think the hardest
thing at work is my colleagues or
clients who see me every day forget
I have MS because I don’t look sick,
and people who get sick get over it.
It’s the continuity of having MS that
people tend to forget about.
There have been times when I have
struggled with MS at work and felt
like giving up. When I was placed in
Whyalla I really struggled with the
heat and fatigue. As soon as it hits 25
MichelleGrose
I have possibly the worst job that someone with MS could have. I’m a surveyor which involves working on construction sites –primarily outside in the heat.
This could mean helping build things
like a pump station or a wave energy
convertor at different locations locally
or Australia wide.
My job is basically to set out what
needs to be done and then the
construction team take over to build
it. It is physically demanding work
– I know it is probably the wrong
profession for me, but I love it.
Work is one of my passions.
I’m not sure how I got into surveying.
I was always good at maths at school
and then when I went to university,
I kept up my maths and started the
surveying degree. I have now been
working in the industry for 20 years.
I would like to do something that’s
easier on my body, but I feel it’s too
Client stories continued
degrees, my body starts to cook from
the inside. At the time I felt like giving
up work, but I knew I couldn’t – I have
a mortgage and the usual bills to pay.
My MS nurse, Pam, rang to check up
on me around this time and she must
have caught me at a bad moment
and I just said ‘I can’t do this anymore’
and she put me onto Mary-Anne from
Multiple Solutions, who organised
assistance through the Workplace
Support program.
They were able to arrange a fridge for
the car and a battery backup along
with a couple of cooling vests. This
highlighted to me that the support is
there if I need it. Not just the medical
support I receive from Pam, but also
support to keep me working. Cooling
vests don’t solve all the problems, but
they help a lot. This was a really great
support for me. I don’t think employers
realise these things are in place to
help people manage their conditions.
When my boss found out that I needed
some assistance I’m sure he thought
Client stories
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine 33
Client stories
‘MShasn’tstoppedmefromworkingordoingotherthingsIenjoy.Ijustfinishedanonlinediplomainphotography.IhavealwayshadaninterestinphotographysoIreallyenjoyeddoingthediploma.’
I was given a lumbar puncture – which
didn’t show anything. An MRI did
show lesions on my brain, but also
on my spine which, along with my
other symptoms, were consistent with
transverse myelitis. The neurologist
thought that because there was no
effect to my muscles, only sensation
issues, that it wasn’t MS, it was
transverse myelitis.
So that’s the diagnosis I was given.
The only treatment for this is steroids.
The condition did seem to ease, but
then it would come back especially
when I was stressed and in hot
weather, which all makes sense now.
There were little reminders that it was
there all the time that things weren’t
perfect, but no big reminders saying
‘yeah I’m here’.
It wasn’t until June 2010 that I was
diagnosed with MS after a bout
of optic neuritis. I was at work and
I couldn’t read the staff when I was
doing some levelling. Previous to this
my only symptoms had been sensation
issues in my legs and hands, so to
have something happen to my eyes
was a real concern.
I wasn’t too upset or bothered when
I was diagnosed; it just explained things
and made more sense. There was more
of an explanation for me when things
happened with my body. There is a
strong MS network out there and there
is treatment available, which makes it
an easier diagnosis to deal with.
MS hasn’t stopped me from working
or doing other things I enjoy. I
just finished an online diploma in
photography. I have always had an
interest in photography so I really
enjoyed doing the diploma. I was
asked to photograph a wedding
recently, which was great fun, but so
much hard work. It was a favour for a
friend and a fantastic day, but the next
day I slept until 4pm! I was completely
worn out by it.
he would need to pay for it. He was
quite surprised to find out he didn’t.
The fatigue has been around for years.
I remember working in Melbourne in
1998 and arriving home and just sitting
in the car – I couldn’t move. I think it’s
one of those things I’ve gotten used to.
But I slow down a lot more now. I know
that resting is going to do me more
good that pushing through it so I tend to
rest more than I have done in the past.
It wasn’t long before the fatigue
started that I remember the first time
I got sick. It was in 1997 when I was
working in Queensland. At the time no
one could figure out what was wrong
with me, they thought I had Ross River
Fever for a while. Knowing what I know
now, I know what it was – the first
signs of MS emerging.
Then when I was working in Sydney in
2000, I lost the feeling from my armpits
down. I was sent to a neurologist who
referred me to have all the tests and
they did check for MS.
34 MS Network Magazine 12 | 2013
Client stories continued
We had 11,000 acres of land including
2,500 acres of durum wheat, wheat,
oats for hay and barley and as many
as 80 beef cattle and nearly 6,000
Marino sheep. I worked on the farm
with my family until 2004 when we
decided to sell the farm.
It’s hard to really pinpoint the first
indication that I had a problem. Small
stumbles here and there – including
one that surprised me one sunny
day on Jetty Road in Glenelg were
considered just a side-effect of getting
old – I actually felt like I looked drunk.
Until one day after my radio show,
I was coming out of a local petrol
station and I collapsed. I had lost
control of my body for a split second
and I found it rather difficult to get
back up on my feet.
When I went to my doctor he
recommended I see a neurologist
as soon as possible. I had an MRI on
my brain and spine after which the
doctor told me I had MS. I didn’t quite
know what to think at first and my family
was pretty shocked. I had to get used
Client stories
to the fact that I couldn’t do the same
things I used to anymore and for even
small things during my day I’d need
assistance. One of the bigger changes
was that I could no longer drive – my
licence was revoked in November last
year and I have to rely on access cabs
to get around. It was frustrating, but it’s
something I had to deal with.
Thankfully, my condition has never
stopped me. From the age of three my
dream was to be on the radio. During
2004 I completed a radio course after
many people said I had what they
termed to be “the gift of the gab”.
My only media experience to that point
was giving weather and crop reports
to the every now and then to the local
media. Short stints in car sales and
real estate between 2005 and 2007
would eventually lead to John Rohde
– the station manager of Port Pirie
radio station Trax 105.1fm – offering
me a chance to have my own show.
This was the opportunity I’d been
waiting for and a chance to realise
my childhood dream.
JohnHannan
My name is John Hannan and this is my story.
I was born in Port Pirie on the 8th of
October 1966. I lived on my parents’
farm where we would tend both
livestock and crops. The farm had
been in my family for over 125 years
spanning five generations.
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine 35
‘Threeyearsago,Istartedmyweeklyshow“Johnno’sCountryJukebox”thatIstilldotothisday.I’mahugecountrymusicfanandplayallsortsofmoderncountryandnewcountryfromthelastdecade.’Having multiple sclerosis has given me
a different perspective on many things.
I definitely understand where disabled
people are coming from and how hard
it can be. I’m thankful that throughout
my journey, my family, friends and
healthcare professionals have all
formed a fantastic support network
for me. For my efforts I received a
certificate on behalf of the Disability
Client stories
Three years ago, I started my weekly
show “Johnno’s Country Jukebox” that
I still do to this day. I’m a huge country
music fan and play all sorts of modern
country and new country from the last
decade. Besides being a fantastic way
to connect with the community, the show
has given me the opportunity to meet
and interview all sorts of music artists
– including people like Lee Kernaghan,
Beccy Cole, Kasey Chambers, and
Troy Cassar-Daley. Interviewing these
celebrities is one of the highlights of my
job. This is a voluntary position that has
not been affected by my MS, but has
instead become a much larger part
of my life. It’s one of those things
I really look forward to during my week.
The only concession I’ve had to make
is moving my show from 8-11pm on
Tuesdays to 2-4pm on Wednesdays
after I had a fall one Tuesday night
after my show, and struggled getting
back up. Most of my listeners know
about my condition but I don’t go on
about it – I never look for sympathy.
Services in Port Pirie on Disability Day
in December last year.
One of my longer term goals is to travel
to various country music festivals.
In 2014 I hope to be at the Mildura
Country Music Festival, in 2015 my
aim is to attend the Tamworth Country
Music Festival and in 2016 I am hoping
to attend Rock the Hunter in the Hunter
Valley – another country music event.
Ahead of me is a lot of planning and
saving to get there, but it’s something
I really want to do because I’m not
going to let my MS slow me down.
I’m a firm believer that no matter the
circumstances, keep focused on your
goals and what you want to achieve.
By contributing your story to Network,
you can inspire others to be positive
and active whilst living with MS.
If you’d like to provide your story,
please email feedback@ms.asn.au
or phone (08)70026500.
36 MS Network Magazine 12 | 2013
Community fundraising
Community fundraising
A big thank you to all of our Community Fundraisers who assisted us in raising much needed funds for the MS Society.
In 2013 the MS Society have had over
100 people/groups fundraise in the
community on behalf of the Society,
raising over $60,000 to help people
living with multiple sclerosis.
The goal is simple – to provide 100%
of services to 100% of people living
with multiple sclerosis.
Quiz nights, bike rides, canoeing the
length of the Murray River, girls nights,
horse rides, company birthday parties
and workplace collection days are
just a few of the ways people have
raised funds for the MS Society. We’ve
featured a few great stories below.
To hold your own fundraiser for the
Multiple Sclerosis Society please
contact Sonya on srowell@ms.asn.au
or 70026500.
Murray4MS began their journey to
canoe 2185 km down the Murray River,
starting in Albury Wodonga, NSW on
4 March and completing their journey
in Goolwa, SA on 18 May. Darren
says “I have been supporting the MS
Society for some time now, however,
a close friend was diagnosed with the
disease in 2011, and I knew I had to do
something more.”
The AnsettDowntoEarthClub
have been long time donors to the
MS Society. Each year the ex Ansett
flight attendants hold a movie night
where part proceeds are donated
to the MS Society.
MakenzieandMadison are some of
the youngest champions of the MS
cause. At age 5 Makenzie held her own
fundraiser for the MS Society because
she “wants to help people”.
Makenzie rode her bike 8km from Trott
Park to Morphett Vale with her Dad
by her side. This year Makenzie and
Madison held a movie day with their
friends and family. These two champions
have raised over $1,200 for the MS
Society through their fundraisers.
In May 2013 CountryHomeAdvocacy
Project, Lower North (CHAP) started
holding weekly themed casual days to
raise money for the MS Society.
The ladies in the Clare office have a
rather close connection to multiple
sclerosis and are aware that every
little bit helps people living with MS.
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine 37
Community fundraising
AwriteupfromMadisonand
Makenzie’sMum,Kelly.
Fundraising is a big deal in our
household. Both Madison and
Makenzie have helped their Mum
organise fundraisers for various
charities over the last few years. A few
years back, Makenzie approached me
asking to do a fundraiser of her own.
We sat down and discussed that it
wasn’t just a matter of asking people
for money. There were procedures to
follow. First she would have to decide
on who she would raise money for.
This was a very easy decision for her.
Their Nana’s sister, (my Aunty) has
MS. I then told her we had to register
with MS so they knew we would be
raising funds for them. It was then
up to Makenzie to decide how she was
going to raise money. At the time she
was almost six and decided to do an
eight kilometre bike ride with her
dad and get people to sponsor her.
She raised $614.60.
It was about 18 months later that
both my girls, Madison and Makenzie
decided to do a fundraiser together.
Again there was no question that the
money raised would go to MS. After
many ideas, it was decided that a
movie night would be how the money
would be raised. They sold over 100
tickets to Monsters University at Wallis
Cinemas. Both of the girls hosted the
event and amazed the crowd with their
confidence in speaking to them on
the microphone. They explained why
they were fundraising and then drew
out the raffle tickets. The total amount
raised for this fundraiser was $696.00.
Both my husband and I are extremely
proud of our selfless girls and encourage
them to fundraise in the future.
RobertTonkin spent his October
long weekend in a very different way
to many others. While most people
were off holidaying or enjoying the
extra day at home, Robert was busking
at the Stansbury markets for the MS
Society. Robert raised over $400 due
to generous donations from the public
enjoying his busking.
TorrensTransitturned 13 in July this
year, at their birthday celebrations
some 500 employees and their
partners danced the night away with
fantastic entertainment provided by
the evening’s MC, Amanda Blair and
a number of talented artists including
the very talented David Campbell.
Raffles, and auctions saw a number
of generously donated items ranging
from a children’s swing set to an
autographed Crows Guernsey to big
screen TV’s go under the hammer
with $12,096.20 being raised. Torrens
Transit matched the amount of money
raised by its employees and proudly
donated a total of $24,192.40 to the
MS Society.
The VeteransandLadiesCycling
ClubofSA have been making fantastic
contributions to the MS Society since
2000. Each year the club dedicate one
of their bike rides to the Society with
proceeds made on the day donated.
38 MS Network Magazine 12 | 2013
Community fundraising
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine 39
TEAMMSandTEAMMS–staff,familyandfriends
TEAM MS is for people with a disability. People of any ability can swim in TEAM MS as they can break the rules and can have helper to assist if needed. Registration fee for TEAM MS is $20.
If you are connected with the MS
Society in any way: member, client,
family, carer, friend, staff or student but
do not have a disability please register
for TEAM MS staff, family and friends.
We are looking for swimmers, helpers,
sponsors, timekeepers and lap
counters to ensure that TEAM MS is
even more successful than last year.
Register online at
www.msmightyswim.com.au
TEAMMSContact:
LeeO’Connell
MS Society Physiotherapist
MS Mighty Swim
MS Mighty Swim
12 | 2013 MS Network Magazine
www.ms.asn.au|The magazine of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of SA & NT
Modbury31–33 Smart Road
Modbury SA 5092
PO Box 525
Modbury SA 5092
P (08) 8203 6600 F (08) 8203 6699
Salisbury6–8 John Street
Salisbury SA 5108
PO Box 1069
Elizabeth Vale SA 5112
P (08) 8256 3700 F (08) 8256 3749
Woodville51 Woodville Road
Woodville SA 5011
PO Box 16
Woodville SA 5011
P (08) 8345 8700 F (08) 8268 4224
ChristiesBeachLevel 1, 111 Beach Road
Christies Beach SA 5165
PO Box 885
Noarlunga Centre SA 5168
P (08) 8392 0100 F (08) 8392 0199
DarwinNightcliff Community Centre
11/18 Bauhinia Street
Nightcliff NT 0810
PO Box 867
Nightcliff NT 0814
P (08) 8948 5300 F (08) 8948 5344
Enfield273 Main North Road
Enfield SA 5082
P (08) 8360 0800 F (08) 8360 0899
MorphettValeUnit 3
204 Main South Road
Morphett Vale SA 5162
P (08) 8187 2100 F (08) 8187 2190
MSAssist1800812311
HeadOffice/MawsonLakesEndeavour House
Technology Park
Module 6E
11–15 Fourth Avenue
Mawson Lakes SA 5095
PO Box 377
Salisbury South DC SA 5106
P (08) 7002 6500 F (08) 7002 6599
Brighton7A Sturt Road
Brighton SA 5048
PO Box 275
Brighton SA 5048
P (08) 8198 1400 F (08) 8377 0711
www.facebook.com/MSSocietyofSANT
www.twitter.com/MS_SA_NT
LocationsClaire – MS Assist.
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