Melinda Zanello

Melinda Zanello remembers feeling shocked and scared when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2007 at the age of 34. Melinda thought she was destined for a life in a wheelchair, dependent on other people. She was also concerned that she wouldn't be able to have a family or live a normal, healthy life. Little did she know that her future could be solid and bright and that life for many people with MS can be just as normal as anyone else.

Prior to her first MS exacerbation, Melinda ran a half marathon and trained up to 35 kilometres a week. For Melinda there was nothing more freeing than the feeling of running at full speed and leaving life's worries behind her. Melinda can't run the way she used to but she has found other forms of exercise to enjoy such as boxing, bike riding and swimming. Melinda believes that regular exercise, and a healthy diet and lifestyle, are an important part of living with and managing her MS, as it should be for anyone wanting to make the most of life.

In many ways MS has allowed Melinda to make life changes that have made her healthier and less stressed than ever before. If it wasn't for her MS Melinda is not sure she would have ever 'got the hint' that she had some life and career changes to make. A Business Development Professional with over 14 years experience in the corporate arena, Melinda now works as a Marketing Manager in the Not-for-Profit sector and her and her husband are expecting their first child later this year.

Melinda believes that MS had made her a softer, more compassionate person and she now knows less than 20% of people living with MS will require a wheelchair. As an MS Ambassador, Melinda helps raise the awareness of the disease in the community and hopes to shed some light on why research and funding is so essential in order to give people with MS every chance for a bright future free from MS.