Liz Taylor

When Liz Taylor was given the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2003 at the age of 42, she had only one question for the Doctor, "Will I die from this?"

A self-confessed adrenalin junkie, life for Liz has had to slow down a little since her diagnosis. Liz has always seen the glass as half full, not half empty but is now aware that her day may not go according to plan if her MS happens to rear its ugly head. She has abseiled, bungy jumped and ridden dirt bikes, but with each MS exacerbation Liz has had to deal with symptoms ranging from a loss of balance and mobility, to the loss of her eyesight and the feeling in her limbs and upper body. Fortunately, her positive outlook on life and the support of her close family and friends has so far helped Liz recover from each of these setbacks.

Married for 25 years to her childhood sweetheart, Liz and her husband have raised their now adult daughter and lived a very full and active life, in which MS now plays a major part. Liz's early career was in the IT industry as a Programmer Analyst but she now works part-time doing accounts and bookwork.

After being called a 'drunk' when she had lost her balance, Liz realised that she wanted to become an MS Ambassador to educate the community about MS so that other people living with MS did not have to go through a similar humiliating experience. Like Forrest Gump (from the movie of the same name), Liz very much believes that "life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get." In Liz's case, it was MS, but this unpredictable disease has taught Liz compassion, understanding and to never judge a book by its cover. The eternal optimist, Liz firmly believes that life is to be enjoyed each and every day.

For more information

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