Karen Davies
Teaching is a job Karen Davies has always loved - throughout her career Karen has taught Reading, Drama, Dance, English and History to students from Years 7 to 12. It is something she remains passionate about - educating people to the best of their abilities!
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In 2001, however, Karen medically retired from full-time teaching after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Karen beat that tumour but two years later, she thought she may have another brain tumour. After many futile trips to her local doctor, an MRI (magnetic resonance image) was taken - the radio-oncologist who looked at the scans gave her the news that she may have Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Her Neurologist later confirmed her diagnosis - at the age of 48, Karen now had to learn to live with the challenge of MS.
Karen knew all about MS - her school had participated in the MS Readathon in the past - but the reality of living with MS was going to be entirely different. Karen decided, however, that "although these things are sent to try us" her MS was not going to take over her life! Today, Karen teaches English as a Second Language to adults in a program run by the Anglican Churches of the Illawarra known as 'English For Life'.
Karen, along with her trusty walking frame "Johnny", volunteers each year at the MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride, sitting at North Wollongong Railway Station, directing a sea of lycra on to the platform where special trains transport cyclists back to Sydney. To say thank you for the help she has personally received since her diagnosis, Karen has also become an MS Ambassador to help raise the awareness of MS in the Illawarra region. Karen knows there is always someone out there worse off than her and also plans to help MS Australia raise funds for research into a cure whilst they provide care and a brighter future for other people living with MS. Karen is an engaging lady who can't help but try to educate someone about MS!
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If you would like to book an MS Ambassador call 02 9468 8300 or email ambassadors-nsw@msaustralia.org.au |