Meet Stephanie
18 JAN 2024
Stephanie was on a trek in Nepal in 2019 when she experienced facial muscle paralysis. A local Nepalese doctor was quick to recognise that her symptoms were slightly different to Bell's Palsy, and immediately sent her to get a MRI scan.
Stephanie was officially diagnosed with MS in mid-2020, during the covid-19 pandemic. Just after her diagnosis, Stephanie moved to regional Victoria with her husband.
I was one of those Melbournians who moved to the country during the pandemic, and wish I had done it sooner! I have fallen in love with the regions!" Stephanie laughs. "My husband and I holidayed in Mildura a few times and were always impressed by what it had to offer - the river, the food experience, the local wine and of course, Lake Mungo National Park so we are planning on moving to Mildura soon!
“I joined the local lead-lighting workshop, initially to meet people in my new community, and I was immediately drawn in."
"I love that lead-lighting is an old craft which has existed for centuries! It is fascinating to see how the design of a lead-light window reflects the art and trends of the day."
Lead-lighting has since become Stephanie's therapeutic outlet.
It allows me to decompress and focus on one thing," Stephanie explains. "Stress can aggravate symptoms and cause flareups, so this hobby has become an important tool for managing my own stress, keeping a balanced lifestyle and stopping MS progression in its tracks.
With her MS Go for Gold Scholarship funds, Stephanie is planning to purchase all the equipment and material she needs to continue lead lighting in Mildura. This is important as her current workshop is in Horsham - more than 300 kilometers and a 3-hour drive away!
These funds have been a huge relief as lead-lighting has become an integral part of maintaining my overall wellness.
A big thank you to the fundraisers who made this possible.
I am just enormously grateful to everyone who has either participated in or who have donated to the MS Mega Challenges. The scholarships make a real, meaningful and tangible difference for those living with the disease
On top of being enormously grateful to the fundraisers at the MS Mega Challenge events, Stephanie turned this support on its head and took part herself in the 2024 Mildura MS Mega Swim.
Not content with just taking part, Stephanie was also the event’s Highest Fundraising Individual for 2024, raising an amazing $2,403! This means that Stephanie has funded a Go for Gold scholarship for someone else in 2024 (talk about paying-it-forward!).
Thank you for supporting people like Stephanie to achieve their dreams through the MS Go for Gold Scholarships.
Whether it's being able to attend an exercise program, purchase equipment, undertake a course or travel, the scholarships are awarded to people with multiple sclerosis with a wide range of goals and dreams.
Your fundraising will change the lives of many people living with multiple sclerosis.
