Erin Hodder

"Mum never cried and she never complained; she just needed a bit of help." It was 1997 and Erin Hodder was just nine years old when her mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and needed care, in the prime of her life.

Erin had sat through assemblies at school and learnt about MS through the MS Readathon never assuming it would one day affect her life. However, at the age of nine, phrases that once were foreign to her, such as autoimmune disease and the central nervous system, were now to become a part of her life.

Not long after her Mum's diagnosis her parents divorced and Erin took on the role of care giver for her Mum - a role she still fulfils in between her university commitments.

Erin is grateful for her experience with MS and believes that it has made her the person she is today. The last thing Erin wants is for people to feel sorry for her and her Mum. In fact, many would say they are inspired by, and in awe of, the beautiful relationship and bond this mother and daughter share.

Erin and her Mum make the most of each day and always try to see the positive side of MS. "You only get out of life what you put in, so do your best and never look back!" says Erin.

For more information

If you would like to book an MS Ambassador call (02) 9468 - 8300 or email ambassadors-nsw@msaustralia.org.au