Dianne McGaw

When Dianne McGaw was given the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2006 at the age of 47, she had a strange feeling of relief. Her symptoms now had a definite name. Dianne was not simply clumsy when she tripped over the pattern on the carpet and fell up the stairs. She had something she could work with, manage and learn to live with positively.

Dianne's first thoughts though were about her family. How would MS impact on their lives? Her husband and three adult children are her tower of strength and their support and understanding has been overwhelming.

Her career as a primary school teacher has always been important to Dianne. Her colleagues and students at her school in Goulburn in regional NSW are accepting of her disability and always offer compassion and assistance when needed. Dianne needs the aid of a walking stick and has found on the rare occasion she leaves the classroom without it, one of her little seven year old students will be at her side with the stick.

Walking was once Dianne's favourite means of exercise. With the progression of her MS she has, however, had to rethink this and she now enjoys both swimming and aqua aerobics which are great for strengthening and working her muscles and joints.

After her diagnosis, Dianne was put in contact with MS Australia which has provided her and her family with much needed information and support. An MS Nurse taught Dianne how to inject her medication and she has participated in information teleconferences and an MS Health & Wellness Day. Dianne is proud to be part of the MS Ambassador team. She hopes to raise the awareness of MS in her local community to support MS Australia in its mission to minimise the impact of MS on individuals and their families.