Wayne Cross

"Life is a journey within which MS is a speed hump - not a dead end"

Wayne, active, driven and a self confessed sports nut was floored when diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) - the most common chronic neurological disease of the twenty to fifty age group. Initially misdiagnosed, this upbeat and resilient man was already learning to manage life with a lifelong neurological challenge and didn't know it!

There was a time when, professionally, this dynamic husband and father lived life in the "here and now" - confident and self-assured, he anticipated the future with great hope, enthusiasm and clarity. He had a happy, loving marriage, two young sons and his health. Through hard work and a natural aptitude for business building and management, Wayne was entitled to smile, reflect on his achievements and growing stature as a forward thinking, high energy, business executive - successful and confident that his destiny was his to decide.

The need to manage the many developing issues and challenges associated with MS was critical to maintain any quality in his rapidly changing lifestyle. Scared but undaunted, Wayne's background and experience allowed him to apply his well devoped business management mindset to the task by managing the diversity and uncertainty of living with the challenge of common, mostly ad-hoc symptoms ranging from vision disturbance, mobility issues, diminished dexterity and fine motor skills, fatigue and the resultant, often unforeseen emotional challenges.

Whilst the road from first diagnosis to today's advocate has not been without detours that included denial, anger, self-pity and hopelessness, the journey has delivered this self aware, articulate and compassionate man to a destination of understanding and acceptance.

Wayne's diagnosis and its continuing progression have not diluted his commitment to "stare-down" the MS scourge, managing his goals and personal vision flexibly to co-exist with his unwanted life partner - Multiple Sclerosis. Wayne brings his considerable capacity, experience and enjoyably positive outlook to MS Australia - ACT/ NSW/VIC and all Australians affected by multiple sclerosis - his stated aims are simple and unpretentious, "to involve all, to inform many, to educate whomever I can and to participate whenever I can". His role as an MS Ambassador provides both substance and benefits to all involved.

MS Australia - ACT/ NSW/VIC highly recommends MS Ambassador Wayne Cross who is an experienced, articulate and entertaining presenter who will share with you his reflections of uniquely contrasting experiences in his continuing journey from boardrooms to occasional incapacity and other life challenges.

For more information

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