JODIE SCHUBERT
My Story
I am taking part in the Kiss Goodbye to MS trek in support of my mum, Margaret. Mum who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when I was 2 (almost 25 years ago), and the many friends she has been lucky enough to meet along the journey, some who have sadly succumbed to the complications of the disease. Mum has been lucky enough to slow further advances of the disease through the medical advances supported by MS research and her hard work maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Without research and the development of the life changing medication she currently takes, mum would not be where she is today, still able to do things she enjoys, keeping active and working despite the day to day impacts of the disease. There are many people who experience significantly worse symptoms and impacts on their functioning and quality of life, and many people who will face this unknown in the future when diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. We are joining in to raise money with the aim of supporting ongoing research to hopefully help many others access treatments and supports and further the medical understanding of MS to one day beat this disease. Whilst mum has been lucky to maintain her fitness and mobility, we are looking forward to the opportunity and challenge to walk 50km around Fraser Island, due to the unpredictability of the disease, this could mean one day she won’t be able to do such a feat, a fate many other have had to endure. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated.