It’s time to walk (or run) for MS

Posted on 26 May, 2015

If you’re looking for something to do this Sunday, look no further than the MS Walk + Fun Run. Not only is it a pleasant and energetic way to spend your morning, but it’s also a great way to raise money for a worthy cause.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that affects over 23,000 people in Australian alone, and over two million people worldwide. Two-thirds of those diagnosed with MS are women, and it generally occurs between 30-50 years of age.

There is currently no known cure for MS – which is why events like the MS Walk + Fun Run are so invaluable in both raising awareness of the disease, and helping to fund services and research into MS.

In anticipation of the event, I had a chat with MS Ambassador and fellow Canberran, Bethany Lamont, who was diagnosed with MS in 2010.

“Being an MS Ambassador helps me find meaning and purpose in my diagnosis, by raising awareness and funds to support the organisation that supports me and my fellow MS sisters and brothers,” she shares.

In addition to being an MS Ambassador, Bethany is working as a Legal Training Coordinator in the public service, completing her final year of a Master’s Degree in Juris Doctor, and raising a foster child.

“MS has been the major factor in cementing my driven attitude,” Bethany shares. “Each day I work towards achieving my goals because I’ve realised that nothing can stop me achieving them. When faced with a new problem to achieving a goal I don’t give up, I think ‘I just need to approach this from a different angle’.”

Sadly, Bethany has experienced discrimination from the public since her diagnosis. She tells me that it’s the invisibility of the disease that can often lead to a lack of understanding, with the most common comment she gets being ‘but you look so well…’.

“I have been verbally abused for parking in a disabled parking spot even though I hold a permit because I ‘look fine’,” she says.

“I’ve also encountered some issues when requesting adjustments to ensure I can participate in activities. Fortunately I’ve had the support of the MS organisation for advocacy and to help me face these challenges positively.”

There are a lot of common misconceptions about MS, including that most people with MS will end up in a wheelchair, which Bethany says is not the case.

“Approximately 70 per cent of people with MS do not use a wheelchair, although many of us may end up using walking aids over the course of our MS.”

In fact, the most common symptoms include ones that can’t be seen easily by others, such as fatigue, pain, problems with vision, bladder and bowel issues, heat sensitivity, numbness, cognitive fog, tremors and changes in emotion. But as Bethany says, the symptoms are very different for each individual and often change over time.

Bethany has used her own experience with MS to promote awareness and understanding of the disease, and I am interested to know what advice she would give to those with a recent MS diagnosis.

“Acceptance will come with time,” she answers. “Talk to the MS organisation, your medical team and others with MS for support. Remember, no matter how bad it seems at first, the more informed you become about your condition, the better you will be able to manage the impact of your MS and still live a positive and fulfilling life. You are bigger than your MS.”

As Bethany is the MS Ambassador for theMS Walk + Fun Run, she knows all too well what to expect at the event next Sunday, namely “Fun!”.

“People are encouraged to wear red to show support and help draw attention to the multiple sclerosis cause,” she says. “Or get creative and complete the event in a fun costume of your choice. There will be prizes for Best Dressed Individual in Red, Best Dressed Team, and Best Team in Uniform.”

If you’re worried that bad weather will postpone or cancel theMS Walk + Fun Run, don’t be, as Bethany assures that the event will take place rain, hail or shine.

That being said, come prepared for all seasons (think sunscreen, layered clothes and wet weather gear) so that you have a great day no matter what Canberra decides to throw at you.

Don’t worry about going hungry either as water and fruit are supplied to all participants. There will also be a range of coffee and food options at the start/finish line, and a cloakroom available for a gold coin donation.

“By participating in and fundraising for theMS Walk + Fun Run, you are helping MS Limited to provide a range of essential services and support for people living with multiple sclerosis,” says Bethany.

“For me these services are invaluable, in particular the immunotherapy training I received by my MS nurse when I had to learn how to administer daily injections, information seminars about living successfully with MS and referrals to support services I receive around the home.

“I’m grateful to each and every participant because their fundraising ensures that those of us with MS can still meet our potential with their support.”

Further information about the MS Walk and Fun Run can be found here. More information about MS and the support services available can be found here.

The essentials

What: MS Walk + Fun Run
When: Sunday 31 May (8.50am start for the run, 10.25am start for the walk)
Where: Rond Terraces, Commonwealth Park
Register: www.mswalk.org.au