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FROM DIAGNOSIS TO A DIRECTIVE TO HELP OTHERS

AN INTERVIEW WITH TREVOR BOLLAND

When his daughter Monique, was diagnosed with MS at 22, Trevor Bolland changed careers and founded Nuzest to help support his daughter. Trevor wasn’t satisfied with the bleak prognosis they were given, so together they looked to health experts all over the world for advice and turned a diagnosis into a directive to help others. What started as a father and daughter looking for answers is now a global team, formulating supportive nutrition for whatever life throws at you.

Here, Trevor shares his MS Gong ride experience, supporting MS research and his daughter’s diagnosis.

WHO MAKES UP YOUR TEAM?

Normally we would set up a small formal or informal team of friends. However, due to the uncertainty of this year’s event, including my ability to participate due to travel obligations for work, I have entered as an individual.

WHAT IS THE REASON YOU REGISTERED FOR THE MS GONG RIDE?

My daughter has MS. She was diagnosed 18 years ago and ever since then I have actively supported MS through participation in various charity events, corporate sponsorship, and fundraising activities for research.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF MS ON YOUR DAUGHTER AND FAMILY?

Monique’s diagnosis resulted in me selling out of the business I was then in to focus on helping Monique deal with the situation. Due to the severity of her lesions and the physical effect MS had on her in the early stages, the initial impact was significant; obviously for Monique but also emotionally for Christine and me as parents. However, it brought us all even closer as a family, put a perspective on life, and made Monique herself a stronger person. Her positive approach and determination are reflected in her career and motherhood.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT MS?

It is an auto-immune disease of the central nervous system. In simple terms, it is an immune response which results in delamination of the Myelin sheath which protects nerves. It is a little like damage to the plastic coating protecting wiring resulting in shorting.

I am reasonably knowledgeable about the disease and actively follow the progress of research efforts through a close association with MS Research in Australia.

DOES MONIQUE USE THE SERVICES OF MS PLUS?

We have not needed to. However, it is a great service, especially for people who do not have the financial and emotional support required to manage life with MS, especially in the early stages.

ARE YOU AN EXPERIENCED CYCLIST?

I would call myself an ‘enthusiastic amateur’ but I have certainly covered a few kilometres and experienced the pain and pleasure of the sport, including my share of tumbles and scars.

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT OUT OF YOUR MS GONG RIDE EXPERIENCE TO DATE?

Apart from enjoying any excuse to get out on the road, I do enjoy the experience of participating in large group events. There is an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation which enhances the pleasure of the ride. However, the Gong ride is special because the charity is so close to home.

HOW ARE YOU FUNDRAISING?

I have not even started yet but, Facebook and email will be used to a limited extent. However, I have participated in many charity rides and am conscious of the number of such events that are out there. I feel there is an element of charity fatigue out there so my fundraising efforts will be cautious. However, I will make up for that with a decent personal donation.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?

It is extraordinary how much more knowledge has been gained over the past 10 years and how far research has come in developing new treatments to manage the disease.  It is comforting to know that the MS research community is confident that a cure will be found in the next few years. If only we could summon a fraction of the resources that were dedicated to COVID.