Kate Macaulay

"Life is full of challenges - MS is just another challenge"

This career orientated strong woman led a fun-filled life playing competitive basketball around the world, representing a high profile Australian airline she was employed by. Working in a highly stressful role as a Business Analyst involved in design and development of new systems and being a single mum left Kate with little time to consider the occasional weakness in her legs.

Five years later, life moved on, high paced as usual, until she experienced numbness and feeling like her feet were dragging, prompting a medical consultation, resulting in hospitalisation and a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Unfortunately, little discussion was offered about dealing with this diagnosis, apart from being advised to "go home and lead a normal stress free life."

Not knowing how to deal with this change in circumstances resulted in Kate keeping the diagnosis close to her chest. She found comfort in the incredible support provided by her siblings and mother. Unfortunately, her partner at the time left the relationship six weeks after the diagnosis. So much for stress-free living!

Kate is not one to complain or make a fuss and she doesn't think of herself as ill or sick, despite the gloom and doom outlook that can often surround a diagnosis of chronic illness. When she was diagnosed, Kate often wondered where her future would lead.

Although now retired from competitive team sports of the past, this stoic woman's life took a positive turn- falling in love and marrying a wonderful and caring man.

MS Australia - ACT/NSW/VIC recommends the inspirational MS Ambassador Kate Macaulay, who will share with you how she has managed the many challenges in her life, while not dwelling on things she can't control or change, and thinks there are lots of reasons to be positive in life.

For more information:

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