Carol Cooke

"Nothing is impossible if we dare to face our fears and believe in ourselves"

Carol, an effervescent forty-two year old woman who readily admits to being a sports fanatic and workaholic, also lives with the challenge of multiple sclerosis.

This engaging lady was born and bred in Toronto, Canada where she fulfilled a life - long dream of following in the footsteps of her family and served as a member of the Toronto Police Force in Canada for fourteen years. She had it all - an exciting and fulfilling career and for a period worked in the undercover drug squad.

Not one to hide behind the door when a challenge is offered, Carol enthusiastically competed as a swimmer at a national level in Canada and currently participates in Masters events.

But life was about to change dramatically - for better and worse. Carol fell in love with an Australian, married and moved half way around the world and settled in Melbourne. After competing in Hobart at the Masters Nationals she awoke one morning with disturbing balance problems and double vision, another all too common symptom of MS was rearing it's ugly head.

After an array of tests she was bluntly told "You have MS and will never live a normal life again". She was understandably devastated and the rest of the day was a blur. Having only been married for three years and no immediate family around, her thoughts revolved around how she was going to cope with this and more importantly how would her husband handle it?

Fortunately, Carol found out what love was all about, - her husbands dedication, her employer's support and guidance of MS Australia - ACT/ NSW/VIC .

At the time of her diagnosis, Carol was studying for a Masters in Logistics Management and subsequently was promoted twice due to her own motivation and her employer focusing on her abilities and not disabilities.

Although living with the never-ending symptoms of this unpredictable disease, Carol has the strength and courage to get up each day with a positive and motivated attitude. Although not employed anymore due to this disease, Carol has learnt to live for today and not worry about what may or may not happen in the future.

As Carol says, "I am extremely lucky". Due to her supportive network, and with this in mind, she can say, "I have MS, MS does not have me".

A fatalist by nature, Carol believes everything happens for a reason. Treatment, which is administered to some with MS to slow the progression, is not available to all in Canada, but free listed here is Australia. Suddenly everything made sense. Perhaps a grand plan is at work.

MS Australia - ACT/ NSW/VIC highly recommends Carol as an articulate MS Ambassador and commends her efforts to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis and is pleased to offer her insight as a motivational speaker.

Awards:

2001 Rotary International
Shine on Award - Certificate of Commendation

2003 The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International
Named a Paul Harris Fellow

2006 Herald Sun Pride of Australia Awards
Role Model Category

What they said:

"Carol was fantastic and an excellent presenter - her openness is invaluable"
Student
School of Physiotherapy
Latrobe University

For more information

If you would like to book an MS Ambassador call (03) 9845 - 2700 or email ambassadors-vic@msaustralia.org.au