Determined to take charge of her recovery, Belinda joined her local Next Gen Health Club with her 4-wheel walker and support worker by her side. Her initial plan was simple: to use the club's heated pool to walk in the water and use its spa facilities to help with muscle pain. With her background as both a swimming teacher and an aqua aerobics instructor, she knew that water-based exercises would be essential to her recovery.

At first, Belinda could only manage to walk 25 meters in the water, and the pain was excruciating. But she didn't give up. Over the next month, she worked tirelessly, gradually building her strength through swimming, and gentle exercises. By January 2024, Belinda participated in her first aqua-aerobics class and stopped using her walker for good.

Belinda is committed to improving her health every day, her current goal is to swim 1km unaided. She was in the pool 4 times a week, working closely with her physiotherapist, to reach her goal. Although she had made significant progress, financial constraints have put a halt to her journey.

Unfortunately, Belinda has been unable to return to work. The extensive medical bills for treatment and rehabilitation has forced her to cancel her gym membership, along with it, access to the pool. Without it, she feels her physical and mental health slipping backward.

I feel the physical toll it's taking on my body. My mental health is declining, too. I desperately need to get back in the water to continue what I’ve started.

The MS Go for Gold Scholarship offers Belinda the chance to get back into the pool and to continue her rehabilitation. With the financial strain and the ongoing challenges of living with MS, this scholarship will provide Belinda with the opportunity to regain access to the resources that have been critical to her physical and emotional recovery.

For Belinda, achieving her dream is not just about personal health—it’s about giving back. Once she regains her strength, she hopes to be a positive role model for her two children. She also dreams of being able to help others, offering support and inspiration to those who are facing their own battles.

My story isn't for naught, if I can help even one person by sharing my journey, then I’ve done something meaningful. I want to be a better mother, a better contributor to society, and maybe even an inspiration to someone.

If Belinda’s story has inspired you, register your interest today at your local MS Mega Swim location and help make a difference in the lives of people living with MS.