Carolyn Smith
"Quality not quantity provides optimum health and wellbeing"
Having been brought up with a calm attitude of "go with the flow" provided this young woman with what some may see as the relaxed ability to meet life's challenges in the absence of panic.
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In 2004, MS Ambassador Carolyn Smith was leading a busy life working full time as a lecturer at a leading Beauty Therapy College and enjoying life with her much loved son, Daniel. ut of the blue, Carolyn experienced extreme fatigue and visual disturbance and put it down to being a "busy single mum working full-time". Sensibly, Carolyn sought the advice of an Ophthalmologist and was swiftly admitted to the Alfred Hospital for further investigation.
An initial diagnosis of optic neuritis, together with other sensory changes and an MRI, later confirmed a definite diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the most common chronic neurological disease affecting young adults. Most would find this turn of events scary but not this composed woman who felt "everything went so fast" there wasn't room for anything but "going with the flow".
Family, friends and colleagues provided this warm individual with much needed support physically, emotionally and spiritually and Carolyn often found roles reversed as she provided comfort to friends who struggled to accept the unfairness of this new challenge in Carolyn's life. Initially, the fear of the future was overwhelming and major denial set in; however, actively taking a role in MS Australia activities soon had this inspirational individual connecting with others in her peer group. This led an MS Australia peer support worker to seek Carolyn's participation in the MS Ambassador Program which opened other doors of thought to Carolyn.
This exceptional woman set out in search of information as she grew on her journey to accepting what life had thrown in her direction. She soon realised time and understanding were key in adjusting to accommodate the emotional and physical changes that have come with MS in order to achieve a calm, contented and balanced existence.
The MS Ambassador program is fortunate Carolyn has kindly found the time to become part of our team. MS Australia - ACT/ NSW/VIC highly recommends Carolyn Smith as an articulate and motivational speaker, who will share with you "the beauty within" and how MS has provided her with the realisation that the most important thing in life is to appreciate your family and friends and the best medicine is to surround yourself with the beauty around you.
For more information
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If you would like to book an MS Ambassador call (03) 9845 - 2700 or email ambassadors-vic@msaustralia.org.au |