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2010 scholarship recipient biographies – Victoria

The Arts scholarships

Danka Dear’s dream began the day she purchased her first digital SLR camera. Her journey with her camera has been one which has enriched her life and creativity beyond words and she would like to have her work included in exhibitions. With her scholarship, Danka will purchase photography equipment to take specialised landscape shots. Danka says “Photography motivates me. The desire to capture the beauty drives me beyond what my body tells me it can and cannot do. When I am out there with the camera in my hands, it brings freedom. It has brought me life!”

Debbie’s dream, when she moved into her home six years ago, was to create a place within her garden that was inviting to the many birds and insects that she loves watching. With her scholarship, Debbie will be able to purchase seeds, plants and the all important garden seat, as well as hire someone to do all the heavy gardening work. “In the peaceful atmosphere I will be able to listen to the birds and not think about the things that can’t be changed in life”, says Debbie.

Jody O’Connor was diagnosed with MS nine years ago and has lived through other health concerns. Jody’s dream is to write and publish a book detailing her experiences of living with MS. Jody’s scholarship will help with the costs associated with purchasing a laptop computer, printer and software, and working with an editor. “I’ve come full circle in my acceptance of this condition. I hope that by reading my story, others will be encouraged to go on living with MS, fight and not give up.”

John Giannopoulos spent a large portion of his life living and working in Hong Kong and China. John’s dream is to have his memoirs published, not only for others to share and know of the excitement he felt when he was there, but also as a record of his life for his young son. He will use his scholarship to fund the editing and publishing of his memoirs. John says, “I believe it will be great for my son to have a snapshot of the time in my life where I reached my peak and was of good physical health”.

Julie Floyd’s artistic dream is more than a dream – it is a part of her. Eighteen years ago, the seeds to exhibit her works at the Eltham library were first nervously planted. With her scholarship, Julie will turn what is now described as a ‘junk room’ into an art studio, where she will be able to create and finish works that she will exhibit. Julie says, “When you look for the ability, rather than focus on the disability, treasures are to be found”.

Leonie Propert has always enjoyed hands on art and likes to portray animal beauty, elegance and superiority in her work. She loves creating personal greeting cards. Leonie’s dream is to have an up-to-date computer, with a graphics program installed, that will enable her to create her pictures and turn them into cards. “I find my artwork totally absorbing. When I am creating, I am no longer conscious of being in a wheelchair and of my limitations. I focus on the positives of my abilities rather than the negative of my disabilities”, shares Leonie.

Urania Michaelides has explored a number of strategies for enhancing her wellbeing and overcoming what she describes as “boredom that was encroaching on her life”. Urania has found success in mouth-painting and has displayed her work at a gallery, which has led to the commissioning of four of her paintings. With her scholarship, Urania plans to purchase painting equipment and related services to continue on her new and exciting career path. Urania recalls, “Through having MS, I have learned about the power of possibility, positive attitude, determination, motivation and self-belief”.

Education scholarships

Cathy Pearn’s dream is to return to university to undertake a course in psychology. Cathy also aspires to write a book, written from a personal perspective of living with MS and to inspire others. Her scholarship will help Cathy purchase a laptop computer, which will assist her in completing her studies. “When my career was taken from me I lost my self-esteem, but this has made me want to help others living with MS in the future as a psychologist”, says Cathy.

Danielle Logan had only recently completed her Division 2 Nursing certificate when she was diagnosed with MS in 2009. Danielle’s dream is to finish her nursing studies and become a qualified Division 1 Nurse. Danielle shares, “I’ve still got many years left and I’m determined. I can honestly say that MS has picked the wrong person because I’ll fight all the way”. Danielle’s scholarship will help towards the payment of her university fees.

Heidi Pertzel was diagnosed with MS in 2007 which, coupled with dyslexia, has hampered her studies in the last few years. Heidi’s dream is to attend Monash University to complete an Arts degree. Her scholarship will help towards the cost of books, student fees and research material. Heidi’s friend and referee for this scholarship shares, “I have watched Heidi grow in confidence, seek out challenges and succeed in achieving the goals she sets. This scholarship will help her reach those goals and succeed in life”.

Marie Samawi’s dream is to become a personal trainer and to open a centre called Refuge Fitness. She also wants to investigate ways to offer free pampering at the local TAFE colleges. Marie’s scholarship will go towards the costs of completing a personal training course and the purchase of gym equipment. Marie explains, “I am passionate and really want to make a difference to help other people who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness and let them know that it is not the end of the world”.

Melita began her PhD in 2005 and is now approaching the end of her third year, having completed some of her course part-time. Melita’s dream is to finish her PhD by the end of the year and to become an internationally respected and a renowned researcher. Her scholarship will help with the purchase of a new laptop and cover some of her childcare expenses, which will enable Melita to study. Melita says, “I have continued to push myself to achieve high standard in education and this scholarship will give me the financial support to complete my PhD quicker”.

Maximising Your Strength scholarships

Ken Morelli had his whole life planned out as a teenager. Part of this plan involved keeping fit by participating in a range of sporting activities such as jogging, running marathons, squash and later badminton. As his MS symptoms progressed, Ken found he could no longer keep up these sporting activities. Ken’s scholarship will help him to attend a Maximising Your Strength program. As Ken explains, “I will not let those two letters ‘MS’ stop me from doing what I promised myself: I will walk down the aisle behind my four grandkids, not in a wheelchair”.

Sharon McLean has always been an active participant in sport. Since being diagnosed with MS, Sharon has found she has been less able to take part in fitness activities due to her lack of balance and fatigue. With her scholarship, Sharon will be able to join the local gym for two years and pay for suitable gym clothing. Sharon emphasises, “This is really important to maintain my quality of life. Fitness keeps me motivated to get up and ready for the day”.

Music scholarships

Bree-Arne Chamley has always held a strong association with music, especially when she realised she had an ability to sing, play by ear and compose. Bree-Arne’s dream is to ensure that her songs live on, even if she cannot perform them herself. With her scholarship, Bree-Arne hopes to record all the songs she has written onto CDs. Bree-Arne says, “Sharing my music is an expression of me sharing myself, my fears, joys and sadness in the hope that who hears it may also feel what I do”.

Robert Bosco’s dream is to live and breathe music every day of his life – to perform music, to broaden his knowledge of music, and to inspire others to learn a musical instrument. With his scholarship, Robert plans to buy a new 12-string guitar, an electric guitar, music books and two years of music lessons at a local music school close to his home. “Music gives me a sense of peace. Music keeps me grounded and gives me the strength to go on”, says Robert.

Sport scholarships

Edward Stamp has remained passionate about figure skating since he was a teenager. Due to the effects of MS, Edward ceased skating at the age of 26. Twelve years later, he began inline rollerblading. Edward’s dream is to pursue competitive figure skating and ultimately win a national gold medal in the Pairs Roller-Dance discipline. Edward’s scholarship will help pay for coaching, skates, costumes and competition fees. Edward says, “To lose the ability to pursue my source of self expression was a devastating loss. To have found it again, after so many years, is nothing short of miraculous”.

Kerrie Murnane has loved horses her entire life. At the age of 20, Kerrie bought a horse of her own, which she’d ride at local shows. When diagnosed with MS and due to balance difficulties, Kerrie had to learn to ride all over again. Kerrie’s dream is to represent Australia at the Paralympics in the Para-Equestrian Dressage discipline. With her scholarship, Kerrie will be able to attend regular instruction and competitions. “Having my horses is my life. I have always depended on them as my outlet. This scholarship will allow me to continue and reach my goal”, explains Kerrie.

Liz Baulch’s dream, inspired in part by a previous scholarship winner, is to participate in a seven-day, white water rafting guided tour of the Franklin River. Some of Liz’s happiest memories include following her father through the bush and appreciating the many beauties and power of nature. Liz says, “MS does not have to close down opportunities in life, it can create them. A previous scholarship recipient inspired me, so perhaps by achieving my dream I can inspire others”.

Peter James has always kept active. Before MS began to interfere, he was running daily, playing basketball and sail boarding. Since then, Peter has found he can ride a recumbent tricycle and has been riding every morning for the past two years. His dream is to participate in the Great Victorian Bike Ride, riding a distance of 590 kilometres over nine days. Peter’s scholarship will pay the entry fee and assist with accommodation expenses. “This scholarship will help me achieve the goal of being able to further challenge myself and to demonstrate to others that they too can do it”, shares Peter.

Steven van Ruyven’s dream is to participate in road cycling with his son. In 2009, he was challenged by his son to take part in the Melbourne Summer Cycle, which he successfully achieved. He has since found a renewed joy in riding again. Steven’s scholarship will help him purchase a new bicycle to replace his circa 1989 mountain bike. Steven says, “My physical health has improved dramatically since I started riding and I would like to take the next step and participate in road cycling with my son”.

Tammy Beattie has always loved to jog and keep fit. On Mother’s Day, Tammy was playing with her son and husband when she began to struggle to keep up with them. Frustrated, she started to wonder what kind of shape she would be in when her son started school. Tammy is determined to remain in shape, keep fit and stay involved with her son’s activities. Tammy explains, “I believe the stronger I am physically and mentally, the stronger I will be able to deal with my good friend, MS”. Her scholarship will help her purchase a treadmill.

Travel scholarships

Amanda Arthur hasn’t had much of a chance to travel around Australia since being diagnosed with MS in 1996. Amanda’s dream is to see the waterfalls, rainforests and beaches of this great land and to share these experiences with her children. With her scholarship, Amanda will be able to take in the sights of Australia. Amanda says, “I want to show my children some of Australia and I appreciate each day I can still use my legs to be able to do this”.

Chinh Huynh hasn’t seen his family since 1983, as his cousins and their families live in Canada. Chinh’s dream is to travel to Canada, particularly Vancouver and Montreal, to see his family and to tell them of his diagnosis of MS of which they are unaware. Chinh’s scholarship will help towards purchasing his airfare and insurance, with a bit left over for spending money. Chinh shares, “This visit will mean so much to me and give me new spirit. I want to open up a new chapter in my life with my cousins”.

Janet Rorke-Wills has not been back to her home of Ireland since her diagnosis of MS. Janet’s dream is to take her family back to Dublin, where they were born, and to see her elderly parents and extended family. She believes that it is important for relatives in Ireland to see, face-to-face, that she is doing okay. Janet’s scholarship will assist with the cost of her flights. Janet says, “The ‘gold’ I am going for is the feeling of joy and warmth that can only be felt when you are totally immersed in the love of your family!”

Katie LeMin’s dream began with her affinity for Mount Everest and the people of Nepal. She has always wanted to trek to Everest Base Camp. Katie’s scholarship will help her realise her dream by assisting with the purchase of the equipment she needs to train and towards the fees of joining a group on an 18-day trek to the base camp. Katie states, “With this scholarship I can conquer my goal and inspire others to never say never”.