A SELF CHALLENGE
I am excited to participate in Mildura's MS Mega Swim challenge in January 2024.
It's been over ten years since I participated in the MS Mega Swim but this time it's different, I am participating as a swimmer with MS.
I was diagnosed with MS in 2019. Out of all places I was diagnosed in Nepal after a trek in the Annapurna mountains. I experienced facial muscle paralysis (facial drooping). A wonderful Nepali doctor was quick to recognise that my symptoms differed ever so slightly to bell's palsy and he sent me off immediately to get a MRI scan of my brain. The images showed a number of small light patches, lesions, and one gigantic one and before I knew it an IV needle (a now long-time acquaintance) was inserted and I was commencing my five-day steroid treatment to decrease the swelling around the lesion.
Fast track to four years later, I moved regionally to Horsham, I visit the Wimmera Cancer Centre once a month for my Tysabri infusion (the staff there are absolute gems) and I joined a local lead lighting workshop which introduced creativity into my life and a magnificent way to monitor my stress and avoid flare-ups. My husband and I are relocating to Mildura next year and this is a wonderful way to meet people in the community.
I'm doing the MS Mega Swim as a challenge to myself, a way to connect to others living with MS, raise awareness of the disease and early warning signs as well as to the caregivers / partners / family / friends who are ever so patient, supportive and loving.
I know how scary and confusing a new diagnosis can be but it can also bring a huge sense of relief. There is so much support and information available that can empower you to make informed decisions in managing your health and avoiding your MS triggers. Without MS Australia my MS journey would be very different, lonely and overwhelming.
Thank you for your support. It does mean a lot.
Steph xx
Thank you to my Sponsors
$500
Anonymous
$211
Alex & Jodie
All the best! You are one amazing person!!
$162
Hannah
Love you hun
$158.25
Loretta Jane
Bloody legend effort. x
$105.50
Irena &graeme
$79.13
Sue Hodges
Great work, Steph! Xx
$79.13
Fontaine, Michael, And Mabel
Swim swiftly Stephanie! Well done and great work kicking MS in the nuts. Love from Fontaine, Michael, and Mabel
$64.35
Prabath Jayasekara
Goo Gurrrl 😍
$56.71
Stephanie Harder
$52.75
Emma Farmakis
Just keep swimming!
$52.75
Tess Pickering
Xx
$52.75
Rachel Dapiran
Good luck with the Mega Swim and everything’ else!
$52.75
Kara Mahoney
Great work Steph!
$52.75
Prabath Jayasekara
Better start training :-P Proud of you!
$52.75
Kirsten Miller
$52.75
Mandi Stewart
$52.75
Andrea Coxon
You got this Steph! So many people are with you all the way, every day, all the time.
$52.75
Ruth Redden
💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
$52
Jack Kelky
$52
Steve Dunn
Great effort Steph , good luck!
$51
Stevie Meyer
Good luck Steph!
$50
Vicki And Dave
Fantastic Steph
$50
Sarah Chan
What a champ!
$50
Pam Buena
You amazing human! You're gonna smash it, Steph!
$50
Chris Harder
$50
Ryan Ellis
$40
Steph Harder
$25
Louise F
$21.10
Fiona Mcdougall
Good luck Steph!
$21.10
Felicity Watson
Go Steph! 💪
MS Warriors
Alison Hammerton
$221.45
Deannah Greenwood
Jacqui Cesco
$93.85
Katrina Graham
$387.50
Kevin McPhail
$26.38
Maddison Cesco
Mark Slade (C)
$1,826.41
McKenzie and Dylan
Neil Hammerton
$180.45
Oakley Sweep
Sandy Young
$55.50
Steph Harder
$2,403.02
Suzanne Liddell
$414.47
Best of luck Steph