One morning more than 15 years ago Jodie Haythorpe woke up, reached for a tissue and noticed something wasn’t right.
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Jodie’s depth perception was ‘out’ and her legs were completely numb.
“I went to have an MRI at the hospital and they noticed I had multiple plaques on my brain and spinal cord,” Ms Haythorpe said.
“It was a shock.”
Now over a decade since her multiple sclerosis diagnosis, Jodie has not let it slow down her determination to succeed in life or her passion to raise awareness about MS within the community.
“I’ve finished two degrees at university and have been helping the community for the last 10 years as a volunteer within MS Limited,” she said.
Jodie facilitates the monthly Bendigo MS support group and is an ambassador for MS in Bendigo.
“The group was established to provide emotional support to people diagnosed with MS as well as their families and carers,” she said.
Jodie’s life living with MS presents her with multiple daily challenges.
“Physically it has a large impact on my daily life. I experience many symptoms such as pain, fatigue, mobility issues, basically I feel emotionally and mentally exhausted,” she said.
“And unfortunately sleep doesn’t help.”
MS is a condition of the nervous system which interferes with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, and approximately 25,000 Australians are affected.
There is no known cure for MS. However, people who are affected have several treatment options available to control the symptoms.
Part of Jodie’s work as an MS ambassador involves promoting World MS Day 2018 which is held annually on May 30.
To coincide with World MS Day Jodie will hold the Bendigo MS walk which will be at Lake Weeroona on Saturday June 2.
Registrations will commence at 11am followed by a BBQ, with the $5 entry going to MS Limited to fund research and improve the quality of life of people affected by MS.
MS Limited community fundraising manager Bianca Di Fede said she was thrilled that Jodie had taken the lead in the Bendigo community to host an awareness event.
“We really couldn’t do what we do without the work of people like Jodie,” she said.
“Between our MS ambassadors, community fundraisers and people who donate or participate in our events and fundraising activities, they support the majority of our mission services.
“We look forward to seeing Jodie raise some funds and awareness within the community to support people who are living with MS.”
