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The MS Show
Creating awareness of MS through the eyes of a nation
When Bobby Bajram was diagnosed with MS at the age of 13, he had no idea that 25 years later he would be helping to improve the lives of thousands of people living with MS.
When the MS Show goes to air commencing the week 03 June 2007, Bobby and his production team (Laurie Hall and John-Carl Mazzarotta) will have spent six months interviewing people in Victoria and NSW about their experiences with MS.
With the endorsement of MS Australia, Bobby has also interviewed staff from the MS Society, people newly diagnosed with MS, researchers, carers, residents of MS residential units, fundraisers and volunteers.
The MS Show is being aired nationally through the generous support of C31.
In the following interview, the show's host Bobby Bajram talks candidly about living with MS and his inspiration for educating Australia about the journey taken by over 18,000 Australians.
How long have you had MS?
I was diagnosed at the age of 13, so have been living with MS for over 25 years.
What has the journey been like?
It has definitely been a rollercoaster. I have a spent a combined total of fourteen years in a wheelchair, without the use of my legs, arms, speech or eyesight. Not only have I lost all of my senses at some stage of my life, but I have also lost count of the number of times I have spent the night in hospital, even during filming of the series.
Why did you want to put together a series on MS?
I felt that Australia needed to really learn what MS is all about it. It's not just something you get and it goes away. It cannot be cured. It can come and go. It is indiscriminate as much as it is unrelenting. Until there is a cure, it is a disease that you have for a lifetime. And I want to let people know that it's not just about being in a wheelchair. It's about the hidden symptoms that most people don't understand. It's about attitude. It's about knowledge. And it's about readjusting one's life to cope with the uncertainty of what lies ahead.
What are the goals of the show?
Throughout my 25 years of living with MS, I have been laughed at because of the way I walk and talk and yelled at when I hop out of my car in a disabled parking area. So first and foremost I want to create a greater awareness of what MS is and how it affects people. Secondly, I want to educate Australia about the excellent services provided by MS Australia to help people with MS manage their symptoms. And if possible, to raise funds to continue and expand these services and help 16 000 people around Australia.
Has doing this show taught you anything about MS?
Living with MS for over 25 years has taught me a lot. However, hosting the MS Show has shown me that my MS has become a lifestyle for me, and it has helped to re-educate me about the differences I face every day from people who don't live with this insidious disease. The people I have also interviewed throughout the show have definitely taught me that attitude does make the difference - that I may have MS, but it doesn't have me.
Have you enjoyed putting the show together?
The only time I haven't enjoyed was when I spent a week in hospital, but that's MS. One minute you can be fine and the next you are hooked up to a drip and unable to speak. But I've had fun at art classes and talked shop at a men's peer support session. I've jumped in the pool and belly danced at MS fundraising functions. I've met Sarah Ryan OAM, Patron of the MS Society NSW/VIC and Dr John Tickell. But the best part has definitely been the discussions I've had with people with MS. I have interviewed some incredibly inspiring people and I'm sure you will enjoy hearing their stories as much as I have.
Why should people tune in their tv sets?
To laugh. To cry. To be inspired. To be educated.
The MS Show
No matter where you are in Australia, to make sure you don't miss any episode of the MS Show, please find below links to enable you to tune in your TV to C31. For those living outside regional areas, you will be able to view the MS Show online. So stay tuned for all the latest news about what's coming up in future episodes.
Melbourne - C31 - www.c31.org.au
- 11:30pm Monday nights with the same episode screening 3pm Wednesdays.
Please note: Channel 31 Melbourne will be repeating the entire season of The MS Show commencing Monday September 3rd.
Sydney - TVS - www.tvs.org.au
Perth - Access31 - www.accesstvwa.com
Brisbane - Briz31 - www.31.com.au - hope to screen a repeat season later in the year.
Adelaide - C31 - www.c31.com.au
MS Australia would like to sincerely thank C31 stations around Australia for assisting them in educating Australia about MS. To those who were interviewed for the show, your assistance and time is also greatly appreciated.
MS has touched the lives of thousands of Australians. It is hoped you will be educated, moved and inspired by the personal journeys shared throughout the series. Together, you can help create change and ensure freedom from MS.
To email us your feedback on the MS Show, please click here
A dedication to all the MS journeys shared throughout the last 13 weeks. An episode not to be missed.
Volunteers, ambassadors, occupational therapy and a guest appearance by Dr John Tickell. |
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The importance of peer support. |
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The importance of support and the Confident Living Program. |
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A dedication to carers around the country and fulfilling dreams through swimming |
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Living with MS in rural areas and residential care |
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Respite, challenges and rebuilding confidence |
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Senator Lyn Allison, young people in nursing homes and advocacy. |
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It's all about research. |
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Physiotherapy, immunotherapy and Bobby in hospital. |
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How much money is needed and how you can assist |
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The emotions of being newly diagnosed and the aim of the MS Society's lifestyle planning service |
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An overview of MS and services provided by the MS Society including an honest account of living with the disease as a young woman. |
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Thank you. Enjoy next week's episode. |