Celebrating Connection This World MS Day | about the regional

This World MS Day (30 May) the MS International Federation Support Network is supporting. Photo: File.

Before his diagnosis, farmer Rob Bell believed that multiple sclerosis (MS) was a disease that only affected others.

“The only thing I knew about it was that it was one of those things that happened to someone else,” he said.

It’s easy to be optimistic; However, research has shown that one in three Australians will be directly affected by MS through a family member, friend or colleague.

In addition, according to MS Research Australia, more than 25,000 Australians are living with MS and three out of four are women.

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Rob Bell (front) at the Taj Mahal (left to right rear) with caretakers Sukhveer, Arun and Hayden, their cousin Percy Bell and their driver. Photo: Supplied.

Mr Bell ran a sheep herding estate in Bredalben in the Southern Tablelands for many years.

Then in 2011, he was diagnosed with primary progressive MS.

“The most debilitating thing is fatigue,” he said.

“I’m always tired.”

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and often debilitating disease that attacks the central nervous system. there is no cure.

World MS Day occurs every year on 30 May. It brings the global MS community together to share stories, raise awareness, and campaign with all those affected by MS.

This World MS Day, the MS International Federation is raising awareness and supporting support networks.

On the eve of World MS Day (Sunday 29 May), MS Walk Run + Roll, an annual charity event to raise money to support people living with MS, took place in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Launceston.

Participants were challenged to walk, run or roll between 4km and 10km.

Over $800,000 was raised by 6075 people.

Provides fundraising services and support for people living with MS, including MS Connect and MS Advisor.

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Percy Bell with Australia’s High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell and Rob Bell in India. Photo: Supplied.

Every case of MS is different. The progression, severity, and specific symptoms of MS vary from person to person.

Mr Bell went to the doctor several times, experiencing extreme fatigue and a tingling sensation in his left arm. He was diagnosed after lumbar puncture (spinal tap).

A decade after his diagnosis, he said he was living “within the limits” of MS, but could still recover with the help of his caregivers.

“I go to town every day for a cup of coffee or something,” he said.

“We went to see top Gun,

In 1991 Mr. Bell was in an equestrian accident and spent four months in the hospital for rehabilitation.

He was paralyzed on the right side of his body but soon learned to be independent with the care of his wife.

However, the symptoms of MS, including weakness in her limbs, have prompted her to require continued care.

“I can’t do without help,” he said.

Despite this, Mr Bell traveled to India with his caregivers in April – a 10-day visit during which he “concluded”. His carers, along with two additional Indian carers, supported him.

You can celebrate World MS Day 2022 by sharing World MS Day tools on social media, participating in an event, sharing connections or employment experiences, connecting people affected with MS to MS research, and politicians to make positive changes for those affected. You can get involved by lobbying. by MS.