I had facial paralysis that worsened throughout the day, so that night I took myself to the local GP – that was back in 2008. Before that there was a bit of dizziness, fatigue and blurred vision. As a young lively woman I took these symptoms to be ‘partying too hard’. The visit to the GP was followed by CT scans, MRIs and finally a visit to the neurologist. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) – people can’t believe I went straight back to work that day.

Before the diagnosis, I knew nothing about MS. After hours of reading and learning, I was determined to raise awareness and do something to contribute to research. Within a year I had raised over $10,000 for the fantastic Foundation 5 Million, a team of people with MS their families and friends. I am very proud of that.

Now I want everyone to join me and Kiss goodbye to MS! Most women look great in red lipstick so I hope they will take up the challenge! 

I work in a great HR team within a large telecommunications retailer, and I will definitely be asking everyone at work to get involved.  My employers have always shown great support and understanding. I am truly lucky to have such a great support network – it makes all the difference. If the fatigue from the MS continues the way it has been recently, I will need to ask for some flexibility in my hours one day; but my workplace trust me and know that I just want to get my work done. I just need to remember to plan my day so l can control the fatigue and the minor cognitive issues that I have recently been experiencing. 

I am very lucky to be among those able to take the new kind of oral medication. Even though it gives me a few little effects, it is so much better than the earlier injections.

Next for me? I absolutely love my job and will continue to work hard until I have a family of my own.