Melinda Poole

Melinda Poole remembers feeling shocked and scared when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2007 at the age of 34. Melinda thought she was destined for a life in a wheelchair, dependent on other people. She was also concerned that she wouldn't be able to have a family or live a normal, healthy life. Little did she know that her future could be solid and bright and that life for many people with MS can be just as normal as anyone else.

Prior to her first MS exacerbation, Melinda ran half marathons and trained up to 35 kilometres a week. For Melinda there was nothing more freeing than the feeling of running at full speed and leaving life's worries behind her. Melinda can't run the way she used to but she has found other forms of exercise to enjoy such as boxing, bike riding and swimming. Melinda believes that regular exercise, and a healthy diet and lifestyle, are an important part of living with and managing her MS, as it should be for anyone wanting to make the most of life.

In many ways MS has allowed Melinda to make life changes that have made her healthier and less stressed than ever before. If it wasn't for her MS Melinda is not sure she would have ever 'got the hint' that she had some life and career changes to make. A Business Development Professional with over ten years experience in the corporate arena, Melinda and her fiancé are now planning a wedding and looking forward to starting a family together.

Melinda believes that MS had made her a nicer, softer person and she now knows less than 20% of people living with MS will require a wheelchair. As an MS Ambassador, Melinda will help raise the awareness of the disease and hopes to shed some light on why research and funding is so essential in order to give people with MS every chance for a bright future free from MS.

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