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2022 IN REVIEW

In 2022 we left lockdowns behind and started to get back into the swing of things, and our Kiss Goodbye to MS Community didn’t miss a beat. This year, community fundraisers raised an incredible $185,980, as well as over $3.5 million as part of The May 50K. Nearly 20,000 people took on The May 50K and fundraised to help brilliant scientists research new treatments and search for a cure.

The year started with our nutrition partner, Nuzest, delivering a guide on how to start the new year on the right foot and supporting you with a new recipe each month. We also celebrated MS advocates Emily Petricola OAM and Paul Murnane AM as they received recognition in the Australia Day honours list.

March marked 20 years of The Australian MS Longitudinal Study, which captures ‘patient-reported outcomes’ from roughly 10% of people living with MS In Australia. The data provides a critical evidence base for improving services, treatments and advocacy to improve the quality of life of people living with MS.

As the year went on, researchers explored the genetics of MS, oral health and MS, sleep and MS, how to better use MRIs to monitor MS, as well as numerous other topics. This is the impact of your fundraising, and we can’t support our researchers without you.

Every single person who took time to fundraise for us this year should pat themselves on the back – from those who decided that asked for donations in lieu of gifts, to those who took on incredible physical challenges to push their limits. You’re helping take steps towards a future free from the effects of MS.

There are a few stories of fundraisers we’d like to share, noting that for every person we mention here, there are so many more who have fundraised for Kiss Goodbye to MS. With a lovingly made meal for 200 people, Raffaela Piskopos raised over $30,000. Inspired by her family members with MS, Raffaela included a silent auction in what was a wonderful afternoon.

Other fundraisers were driven by their love of family, with Deb running 100km through Sydney in memory of her mum who lived with MS, and Trevor Bolland who joined The Gong ride in support of his daughter Monique, who also lives with MS. Nicholas and Naomi asked for donations instead of gifts as they celebrated their marriage, and the Reeves sisters took on a triathlon with no training to help find a cure for people like Lu, their sister.

Physical challenges were a popular way for our community to push their limits. The MSisters, Kat and Sarah, took their passion for mountain biking and became the first (as far as they know) team of riders with MS to complete the Cape to Cape Moutain Bike Race. Some of our sporting fundraisers took their efforts internationally, with Ruth, Eric, Charles, David, and Rob from the Leichhardt Rowing Club jetting to Boston to take part in the two-day regatta – Head of the Charles, to raise funds.

It’s been an incredible year, and we can’t wait to see what 2023 brings us.

Thank you for being a part of our Kiss Goodbye to MS Community. We hope you have a wonderful and safe festive season.