Go for Gold Scholarship Victoria Winners - 2008

MAXIMISING YOUR STRENGTH SCHOLARSHIP'S $1000 each

Sally Harris

Sally has both MS and Lupus and she had to retire from the workforce at the end of 2006. She spent some months then sitting, feeling unwell and fairly useless until she was introduced to a strength based gym program. It opened up a whole new wonderful world for her.

She believes that the gym program keeps her going on a daily basis. In Sally's words, "It also gives me the opportunity to talk and learn with other women who have MS in a relaxed atmosphere where we can share resources and coping strategies."

Christian Sauer

Christian was diagnosed with MS in 1999 and since then many dreams have been put on indefinite hold. One dream remains strong though and that dream is to reclaim responsibility and break a sweat while doing so.

His fitness is his priority now and he is dedicated to exercise, diet and positive thinking. As Christian says, "I'm not prepared to relinquish my right to self-worth: white dots on an MRI scan aren't going to stop me feeling good about myself."

Christopher Brady

After Christopher's diagnosis he was in a very dark place for a while, not knowing much about MS. He tended not to have a great deal of passion for much at all. Then last year he became involved in MS Australia's 10 week pilot program at the Coburg Leisure Centre called Maximising Your Strength.

The benefits of the training spurred him on and he is now very focused and passionate about this course. In his own words, "I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it."

Christine Wagner

Diagnosed with MS and having had a badly broken leg which had not been repaired properly left Christine dragging her leg. She got involved in a strength program which encouraged constant repetition and she gradually rebuilt strength in her wasted muscles.

Christine will use her scholarship to continue with her gym program and as she says, "I have regained leg function so I'm almost walking on two legs and proud of it!"

Education

Heather Blight ($5000 GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Five years ago Heather attended Chisholm Tafe to study Professional Writing and Editing. She fell in love with the script writing classes and consequently wrote a 90 minute film script called ‘Singed Out’. The ABC expressed interest in a television series based on her script. A year later she was diagnosed with MS and her life changed forever. When the ABC didn't take up their option she put her script in the bottom drawer. However her dream of seeing ‘Singled Out’ on television or the big screen is still alive.

With her scholarship she will have education via phone and recordings, from the Story Department at the Australian Writes Guild and the Victorian Writers Centre for film script editing which is essential prior to production.

As Heather says, "Writing is my passion and this is the only opportunity I will have to turn a good script into a brilliant one, suitable for production."

Alison Roberts ($3000 GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Alison has had MS for the last 12 years and has been unemployed for 9 of those years. Her dream has been to take a correspondence course in web site design and purchase a new computer. A computer and website can help her share a wealth of information that she has found to enhance her lifestyle and also enable others to have a better quality of life.

After taking this course she would love to design sites for others. As Alison says, "this is a golden opportunity to use what knowledge I already have and to further build on it for the assistance of others."

Leanne Fitzgerald ($3000 GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Leanne was diagnosed with MS 26 years ago and thought the doctor was joking. She refused to let MS define who she was and this motivated her to become a teacher and especially an advocate for the disabled and special needs children and adults.

Leanne's dream is to undertake a Diversion Therapy qualification. This course will build on her existing skills, introduce her to new skills and give her the formal qualifications needed to work in a constructive and meaningful way with those in the community in need of support.

As Leanne says, "This will help me become a more useful and valuable member of society, contributing effectively and gainfully to the well being and betterment of those who are underprivileged, marginalized and vulnerable through no fault of their own."

Jodie Haythorpe (GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Jodie's dream has always been to become a police woman. However the residual symptoms of a stroke at the age of 2, diagnosis of Graves' Disorder at the age of 19 and then a diagnosis of MS at the age of 21 hindered this dream.

Jodie had to re-design her dream and that was to obtain a degree in Criminology and redirected herself to work within a correctional facility. In 2007 she was thrilled to have been accepted into the Bachelor of Criminology at Deakin University. Her scholarship will assist her with the payment of on going University costs.

As Jodie says, "I have maintained great academic results despite many difficult and trying periods within the last couple of years and I am travelling an extra long path in order to study and achieve my dream."

Christine Nolan ($3000 GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Since the first week that Christine was diagnosed with MS she has held the hope and dream of attending the Gawler Foundation to take part in one of the residential courses provided for people with MS.

She pictures herself being re-invigorated, renewed, peaceful and ready to take the world on again. She would like to think that to would allow her to explore wellness through the spiritual dimension and reconnect herself into the strength of her spirit that is a bit jaded at the moment. As Christine says, "It could help me to not sweat the small stuff and enjoy life to the full."

Corinda McNaughton ($3000 GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Corinda is the mother of twin girls and was diagnosed with MS in 2006. When she was diagnosed she felt like she was on the biggest downhill slide. But with the continued support of family and friends and educating herself on MS she believes that life is pretty good.

She has just completed a Certificate of Education and it is her dream to return to university next year to further her studies to become a Disability Support Worker, especially with children. Corinda states, "My MS has made me realise that I can do anything. It's made me much more determined and I am emotionally stronger than I have been in years. I have the confidence and try not to let things get me down."

L.E. Ohman ($3000 - THE BILL MEREDITH GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

L.E.'s dream is simple, she would just like to work. After being diagnosed with MS in 2001 she lost her job in 2006 and became very aware of how important work is for intellectual stimulation, self-esteem and personal satisfaction.

With her scholarship she will take a course in professional writing and editing. This will enable her to work from home eventually as a freelancer. L.E. states, "This scholarship will help me get the skills I need to work for several more years, keep me intellectually stimulated and allow me to contribute to the family income."

T. Heathcote ($3000 - THE MOWBRAY SECONDARY COLLEGE GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Study has always been a passion for T. Heathcote. In 2003 she enrolled in a Bachelor of Letters program, but she also continued to work full time to support herself. Also added to the mix came a diagnosis of MS in 2004. Keeping her study on track has often been precarious and a couple of times almost spluttered out.

T. Heathcote's dream is to finish her Bachelor of Letters in Literature and Linguistics and as the university decrees a maximum period to complete a course in she must study full time for one semester. With her scholarship she will have the capacity to do that. Tyrell writes, "As my medical situation has encroached on other areas of my life that I have unthinkingly taken for granted, I am conscious of making sure I really appreciate the opportunity I still have with my study."

Travel

Melissa Portelli ($3000 - THE HONDA GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Ever since high school Melissa has always been focused on her studies to achieve her goal of one day getting a good job and becoming a business woman. She is enrolled at Deakin University to obtain a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce.

In 2005 all this almost came to a halt when she was diagnosed with MS. But she has become more dedicated in continuing to achieve her goal. Fatigue has played a huge part and she is finding it more increasing difficult to take public transport to Uni.

Melissa's dream is to use her scholarship to help her purchase a car. As Melissa says, "A vehicle would mean not much walking, no more public transport, air conditioning so I won't miss school during the summer months and not be so tired that all I want to do is sleep once I get there."

Sally Smith ($3000 GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Sally's dream is to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Her family, husband Ron, sons Ben and Christopher have given her unconditional love and support since MS entered their life and all the expected changes that have been created in their lives. Sally would love to give them the gift of climbing the bridge as she doesn't believe that she would have gotten through some of the stressful times MS has created for them.

As Sally says "completing this challenge would be a way to celebrate the journey that MS has given our family and the fact that after many challenges we remain together."

Julie Rohan ($3000 GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Julie has had MS for 28 years and has been a single mum for 16 years, devoting her life to raising her 4 daughters. Julie's dream is to go to Ireland to see the place where her Irish grandfather was born and who helped raise her. However she would need to take a carer with her due to her disabilities.

Her daughter Mary writes "I have watched my mother sacrifice her own comforts to provide for her children and never once complain, putting her own dreams aside to concentrate on giving her children the best of everything. My mother is fond of saying that her children are her greatest gift and achievement in life - I say she is ours."

Julia Coleman ($3000 GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Julia was diagnosed with MS in 1993 and over recent years has suffered the debilitating effects of secondary progressive MS. Her condition has deteriorated to the point where she is now permanently wheelchair bound.

Julia's dream is go to Bali for her cousins wedding. She emigrated from England when she was 6 and was very close to her cousin. She has not seen him for 25 years. With 19 relatives attending this will give her the opportunity to catch up with family.

Julia wrote "I would dearly love to be involved in this ‘once in a lifetime’ family event and to introduce my kids to all my relations."

The Arts

Catherine Boyle ($3000 - THE ePLAS GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Catherine took up art at a rather late stage in her life. In 2004 after seeing an advertisement in the MS newsletter about the confident living program, she began attending art classes. The beauty of this program is that you meet many new people under totally non-threatening circumstances. One day she found herself sitting next to an aboriginal woman and became entranced by her art, which was prolific and varied and she inspired her.

With her scholarship she will travel to Central Australia to study aspects of Aboriginal are. Catherine says "the powerful effect of creativity on the human body has helped to stabilize my health."

Vicky Potter ($3000 GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Vicky has been involved with her local amateur theatre group the Jongluers through her daughters involvement. She has watched from the sideline all those years, at times assisting where she could. Members of the group encouraged her to audition for a minor role in their latest production - Peter Pan.

She won a role that included a very energetic dance with lots of movement. After consulting with the choreographer and director they have modified the part for her.

Her scholarship will go towards suitable set construction for her and fabric so that she doesn't get too hot. Vicky says "I am pleased that my involvement has the director and choreographer thinking outside the square. It is an opportunity to educate community through the program."

Rosemary Langley ($3000 GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Rosemary's passion has always been the garden and the beauty and wonderment of nature. About seven years ago she lost the ability to walk unaided, she found this very upsetting having been so independent previously.

Rosemary's dream is to create a garden with even ground and smooth paths to enable the use of a walker or wheelchair to access the garden. She wants to create an oasis where the garden was full of trees and plants to attract the birds and other creatures.

Rosemary wrote "No longer would I have to be apart from any involvement in the garden and be free to enjoy it and to witness any special happenings in it."

Brian Stonyer ($3000 GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Brian was nominated for this scholarship by his wife Olive. He was diagnosed with MS in 1996 and became confused and lost his short term memory. Olive encouraged him to resurrect his stamp collection and family tree.

Brian's dream is to purchase new stamp catalogues and a computer with wireless connection so that he can sit in his bedroom to enter details of his stamps and family tree.

These interests not only give him an interest to focus on but a sense of worth and self esteem as he can pass on his interest and knowledge to his grandchildren.

Cathie Roberts ($3000 GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Cathie has always loved being creative, whether it is cross stitch patterns, stamping, card making or scrap booking. In 2007 due to two relapses Cathie's eyesight was been permanently damaged so it is now a lot harder to cross stitch and embroider. So she has taken up a new creative interest, creating greeting cards using Stampin' Up products. Being able to design and make greeting cards gives her a huge sense of satisfaction.

As Cathie says "It is difficult when MS hinders your ability to do certain things and the fact that I am able to get enjoyment and self esteem through creating arts and crafts is a huge tonic for me, emotionally and physically."

Employment

Narelle Burnside ($5000 GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

In 2004 Narelle upgraded a hobby and began a small business called jasille.com producing and selling natural Soy Candles which she sold at markets and festivals. In 2005 she was diagnosed with MS and eventually had to cease her full-time employment. Eventually due to a growing inability in performing the physical tasks required to run a market stall she also had to look for alternatives for her "hobby". This came through the internet. Narelle's dream is to expand the product range with similar related 'natural products' and gain further accreditations to expand marketing potential.

This Small Business enables her to work her own hours, at her own pace, building up and maintaining her self-esteem and providing important therapy, both mentally and physically.

Narelle states "I still maintain passionate aspirations for creating a superior natural product and contributing to my community."

Helen Flynn ($3000 GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Helen is a single parent who is struggling to support her family. However not one to complain Helen has decided that it is her dream and future goal to have a Web based business that can be easily managed. She has already taken steps to fulfilling this dream by studying for her Certificate 2 in IT and Business Administration.

She envisages selling small gifts, scented candles and incense before taking on bigger items. Helen says "The potential of this business is that I will be able to work, earn a living, feel useful, be a positive role model for my children and prove that even with a disability you can still achieve your goals."

Davina Hollands ($3000 GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

On the 9th of May 2006, Davina celebrated with the rest of the Nation with the amazing rescue of miners at the Beaconsfield Gold Mine. Against all odds they had been found alive. Her tears of joy for their rescue soon turned to tears of sorrow as later that afternoon she was diagnosed with MS.

With numerous relapses, hospitalizations and damage to her eyesight she had to give up her job as a Personal Assistant in a busy law firm. With no job and bills pilling in, she took control of her illness and life and turned her passion for massage into a business. Her dream is to continue building her Massage business.

As Davina says "MS is not the end of the world for me - just the start of a new chapter."

Sport

Annette Phillips ($3000 GO FOR GOLD SCHOLARSHIP)

Annette had always been a sporty and active person. Competing at the Australian Masters Games 11 years ago she won 1 silver and 2 bronze medals in swimming and triathlon.

She was diagnosed with MS in 2004 and had couple of very ordinary years. But once she discovered running and exercise again has been very well.

Annette's dream is to compete in triathlon again at the Australian Masters Games in Geelong in March 2009. With her scholarship she will purchase some much needed training/racing gear.

Annette says "I know that I will train hard and hopefully along the way educate more people about the effects that MS can have on people's lives."