Monique Pulo

"The only way is up"

Emotionally frozen was how Monique describes her feelings when, at just 14 years of age, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis – the most common chronic neurological disease of young adults.

Unexplained and transient symptoms of pins and needles, chronic fatigue and clumsiness since the age of 13 was frustratingly elusive and mysterious, but dismissed by this young effervescent teenager until she had mobility difficulty and was walking into walls.

Upon admission to a neurological ward Monique felt she was now a "science project" by being poked, prodded and peered at by an endless succession of doctors. An emotional rollercoaster had begun with an overwhelming feeling of fear at the rapid deterioration of a young healthy teenager – who felt she was existing in a surreal world and was being robbed of her childhood.

Following treatment and discharged home and back on her feet, Monique found solace in returning to school part-time and surrounded by a caring and supportive group of friends, family and teachers - Monique was now in a happy place.

Having little knowledge of MS, Monique attended MS Australia – ACT/NSW/VIC to educate herself and her family – not wanting anyone to tip toe around the change in her life but to accept, support and understand. Life went on with Monique completing her VCE then followed University all the while transitioning in various disease modifying therapies.

At times she wanted to scream at the top of her lungs at the unfairness that life had thrown her way but today at 22 years of age, this determined young woman doesn’t take anything for granted, is goal focused with a keen desire to help other young people and those from an Italian background to learn about MS in her role as an MS Ambassador.

MS Australia – ACT/NSW/VIC highly recommends Monique as an inspirational speaker who will assist you to feel that the only way is up and the sky is the limit.