Walking in the shoes of an MS carer

The family and friends of people living with Multiple Sclerosis are unsung heroes, making sacrifices and working night and day to give their loved one a chance at a better life. Unfortunately many Australians living with MS aren’t able to receive stem cell treatment in Australia, forcing them to make a costly trip for what could be life-changing treatment.

Rural family battles against the effects of MS

Approximately 23,000 Australians are currently living with Multiple Sclerosis. Graeme Whyman, a devoted husband and father of two from Bega, NSW told ABC News 24 that he fears the day when his MS will force him into a care facility and awy from his young family. 

"There will be a fay to come where I will have to go to a nursing home, but to be with my family is just everything to me."

Graeme's wife Tanya is his main MS carer, but this may change once Graeme is no longer able to remain at home - ruining any prospect of making precious memories with his children, or of watching them grow up. 

"We really want to keep him here as long as we can, we don't want to put him in some care facility, where he is away from the people he loves," said Tanya.

It is heartbreaking for Tanya to sit back and watch the love of her life decline, powerless to save him or stop his daily struggle with the awful condition. 

"All you can do is help them, do what you can, try and control the symptoms, but at the end of the day you still have to watch it, and you still have to try and deal with it."

Mother crowdfunds for overseas stem cell treatment

The Daly family struggles to make ends meet since father Tim gave up his job as the manager of an events company to care for his ailing partner, Donna Faull. 

Donna's health has gradually deteriorated - Tim told the Canberra Times how heartbreaking it is to watch MS rob his beloved parter of her sensory and motor skills, changing the mother they know and love. 

"It's taken her mobility, it's taken away her freedom basically. [Being in a wheelchair full-time] would be the ultimate nightmare for her, being so independent," Mr Daly said. 

Once Donna's specialist told the couple that her last chance was overseas stem cell treatment, the family turned to crowdfunding to cover the cost of MS treatment and airfares. Over $8000 was raised for the family, who were able to travel to SIngapore and give Donna a chance at improving her health. 

Local community rallies around mother struggling with MS symptoms 

When mother of three Megan Rundback first discovered that she had MS, she tried to hide the signs and symptoms from her friends and family members. As her condition slowly deteriorated, Megan learnt how to adapt and focus on what she could do. 

Unfortunately Megan's condition worsened significantly and this year, Megan could no longer hide her MS diagnosis from her loved ones. The family soon created a mycause campaign to try and fundraise for MS stem cell treatment, which is currently unavailable in Australia. 

Husband Jonas Rundback told the Kiama Independent the family were "humbled" by the support they had received thus far. 

"It's amazing how the community around here has embraced Megan," said Jonas. 

"I work shift work with the intellectually disabled, so I can't be around on certain hours every day. So people have jumped in and supported us."

The family launched a mycause campaign to cover travel costs for overseas stem cell treatment, with over $5000 raised to assist Megan in her fight against MS.

Cost of MS Stem Cell Treatment

The cost of MS stem cell therpay will vary depending on where you have your treatment. Additional MS costs such as travel, accommodation and loss of income while in recovery should also be considered while raising money for MS. 

Crowdfunding for MS Treatment

People can crowdfund for MS treatment overseas, travel costs, equipment and time off work for MS carers. The amount of funding you get will depend of your type of MS, how far it has progressed and the kind of care you require.

Support services available to people with MS

There are a multiple sclerosis associations and charities across Australia, facilitating peer support for MS carers, family members and people affected by multiple sclerosis. This assistance is invaluable, connecting people as they live with MS in their daily lives and giving them an opportunity to talk to another people with similar experiences.

The organisation also offers a locator service, which gives users the ability to locate MS clinics and neurologists, allied health and education services by suburb and state.

For additional information and assistance, contact MS Support Groups and MS Carers via the following links: 

• Multiple Sclerosis Limited (ACT/NSW/VIC/TAS)
• MS Society of SA/NT
• MS Society of WA
• MS Queensland