Liama McConachie

When Liama McConachie's mother, Maree Chalhoub, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1999, her family initially felt a sense of relief. Maree had been very ill for two years and no-one had been able to determine the cause. Liama remembers that her mother had "episodes" as far back as 20 years earlier that she now attributes to her MS.

Following Maree's diagnosis, her family thought that they may be able to finally do something about her mysterious illness.

How wrong they were. Although quite rare, Maree had a severe, progressive form of MS. She continued to deteriorate to the point where it became necessary for her to live in an aged care nursing home before passing away in August 2006.

Having a child of her own has made Liama appreciate her own mother and it saddens her that her two-year-old daughter, Isabelle, will grow up not knowing her grandmother. Liama's joy in life comes from her daughter, who keeps her and her husband extremely busy.

Liama has become an MS Ambassador to help raise the awareness of the disease and funds for research into a cure for MS. She feels that even though her mother lost her battle with MS, the war against the disease still rages. She is determined to help beat this cruel disease.

Liama believes everything happens for a reason. We will never know why some people fall ill and others don't but Liama is determined to ensure good comes from her mother's years of living with MS.