The Raw Nerve

Today’s episode spotlights older people living with MS and the important issues they face, as we mark International Day of Older Persons 2025 which is celebrated annually on the first of October.We hear from MS Australia Lived Experience Expert Panel (LEEP) members, Vanessa Fanning and Gavin Harper, who represent the important cohort of older people living with multiple sclerosis.International Day of Older Persons is dedicated to acknowledging the contributions of older people and addressing issues that affect their lives. This year’s theme is Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights.MS is the most common acquired chronic neurological disease affecting young adults, often diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 40 and affects both women and men. While no two people experience MS in the same way, everyone ages, so we wanted to talk about what it’s like to be an older person living with MS.Our guests discuss their diagnoses and lived experience with MS, navigating the aged care and NDIS systems, the important issues facing older people with MS, and their passion for advocacy.Today’s guests:Vanessa Fanning lives with Progressive MS, is in her 70s and was diagnosed with MS in 1999.  Vanessa received a My Aged Care package which she surrendered after 12 months after it failed to meet her needs. Vanessa is deeply involved in research focusing on MS and engaged with the local MS Community in the ACT. Through her national and international roles, Vanessa has developed a wide and diverse network of people living with and affected by all forms of MS providing insight into the priorities and concerns of a range of people affected by MS.Gavin Harper has had MS since 1973. Over the past 50+ years he has experienced a wide range of symptoms which he thinks are quite typical of Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS). Gavin has extensive project management, Board, committee, and governance skills plus 50+ years of lived experience with MS, while living in four different countries. Gavin is co-chair of MS Australia MS Member Organisation, MSWA’s client co-design committee.

Today on The Raw Nerve we're taking you to Parliament House in Canberra for the Neurological Alliance Australia (NAA) Day of Action held on 4 September 2025 with over 100 members of the neurological community and Parliamentarians in attendance.NAA Chair and CEO of MS Australia, Rohan Greenland presented the government with a Blueprint designed to inform and guide the development of Australia's first National Action Plan for Neurological Conditions, with economic modelling that shows such a Plan could actually save Australia $7 billion a year.The Blueprint was developed by the Neurological Alliance Australia, working closely with people living with neurological and neuromuscular conditions, researchers, clinicians, industry, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and many others.Australia has funded national action plans for other major disease groups – cancers, cardiovascular diseases and mental health. But there is no national action plan for the estimated seven million Australians living with some form of neurological condition and it’s time.As our various speakers attest, a funded neurological action plan with clear goals and targets will save lives, improve quality of life and bring substantial economic benefits for the entire nation.Our guests on today’s podcast:Senator Wendy Askew, Co-chair, Parliamentary Friends of Multiple SclerosisNicole Gaupset, General Manager, Alexion PharmaceuticalsRohan Greenland, NAA Chair and CEO of MS AustraliaJack Rowland, person living with Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy

Join us for a special episode on women’s health and MS, hosted by Dr Tennille Luker, MS Australia’s Head of Research, exploring diagnosis and lived experience, mental health, work and chronic illness, pregnancy, midlife, menopause and MS research.MS is the most common acquired neurological condition affecting young Australians and is three times more common in women than men. The reason for this is an enduring mystery of MS research and Dr Luker talks about some of the clues we have, to unravel this mystery.This year’s Women’s Health Week theme is ‘Say yes to you’ and we look at how some of the daily themes (every check matters, take the lead, heart smart, pain to power and be kind to your mind) relate to MS and are experienced by women living with MS.It’s important for women to stay up to date with health checks, arm themselves with the right knowledge and tools to get more out of health appointments and be aware of other health conditions that may intersect with MS. Seeking help for MS pain is vital and so is recognising that looking after your mind is as important as caring for your body. In the first instance, talk to your trusted healthcare team or contact your local MS organisation for support and advice. Also check out MS Australia’s new Living well with MS guide.Today, we’re speaking with three fascinating women living very different lives but with MS as a common factor.Our guests are:Samantha Seymour - Mental health counsellor and Psychotherapist from Newstart who lives with MS and works with women with MSSally Irwin - MS Australia Lived Experience Expert Panel (LEEP) member and Head of Data Change for HSBC Australia, facilitating the implementation of Regulatory and Procedural change as it relates to the bank’s usage and storage of data and who lives with MSAssociate Professor Vilija Jokubaitis - MS Researcher | Deputy Head of the Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine at Monash University and Neuroimmunology Genomics, Prognostics and Women's Health Group Lead, who is recruiting to her current project The Multiple Sclerosis Australian Women’s Midlife Years (MS-AMY) Study

MS Australia CEO Rohan Greenland sits down with Dr Lydia Makaroff, Chief Executive of the MS International Federation (MSIF), during her visit to Australia. Lydia shares insights from her first six months leading the MSIF.They explore the global challenges and opportunities in MS advocacy, including the importance of accurate prevalence data, capacity building in low-resource regions, and the push for early diagnosis. Lydia discusses MSIF’s role in convening international research efforts, integrating lived experience into decision-making, and supporting the WHO’s global action plan for neurological conditions.From grassroots volunteer-led organisations to large national bodies, Lydia highlights the power of collaboration and shared learning in the fight for a world without MS.

The MS community is brimming with extraordinary people whose remarkable efforts inspire us all. Today on The Raw Nerve, we celebrate some of these outstanding individuals and discuss why and how to nominate someone special for the 2025 MS Australia Awards.We talk with the recipients of our 2024 Awards who have made incredible contributions for and out in the Australian MS community.You will hear about the prestigious John Studdy Award and our new Research Award and Advocacy Award, which shine a light on people doing wonderful things.Our guests talk about their passion for giving back, as well as the deep significance of their awards and you will hear how you can nominate, recognise and applaud someone you know for their remarkable contributions.The MS Australia Awards spotlight the amazing people, local heroes and those humble, ‘quiet achievers’ driving change, compassion, and progress across the MS community. From dedicated researchers, passionate advocates, volunteers, and carers to longtime champions whose impact spans a decade or more, these awards recognise individuals, many living with MS, whose efforts uplift, empower, and inspire. To nominate someone for the 2025 MS Research Award and/or the MS Advocacy Award, complete the online form on our website by Sunday 7 September.Our guests today are:Lynda Whitton – MS Australia 2024 John Studdy Award Winner from Bunbury, Western AustraliaProfessor Jeannette Lechner-Scott - Senior staff specialist and Conjoint Professor, John Hunter Medical Research Institute, MS Australia Board Director and MS Australia 2024 MS Research Award Winner from Newcastle, New South WalesMarianne Gaul AM - MS Australia 2024 MS Advocacy Award Winner, MS Plus Peer Support champion and enthusiastic participant and fundraiser for The May 50K from Tamworth, New South WalesSharlene Brown - MS Australia Board Director, Chair of the MS Australia Awards Committee (which includes the John Studdy Award) and Chair of the Advocacy CommitteeAll four have extensive and deep connections to MS and the MS community.

Today on The Raw Nerve we spotlight our newly launched 2025 Incubator Grant round, which supports out-of-the-box ideas aimed at opening new directions in multiple sclerosis (MS) research. MS Australia has funded four exciting projects targeting MS research priorities – including causes and prevention, better treatments and cures via repair and regeneration of cells.Join us on the Raw Nerve, as we delve into these exciting new research projects and talk with three of the researchers about their work.Dr Laura Laslett from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania is investigating whether smartwatches and the MySymptoMS app can effectively monitor sleep and symptoms in people with MS over extended periods. Dr Laslett is recruiting for participants and is keen to hear from people living with MS in Southern Tasmania via this link: Collecting better data on sleep in people with MS: Screening SurveyDr Monokesh Sen from the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney is investigating whether macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles (MEVs), tiny messengers released by immune cells, can support myelin repair in MS. Dr David Stacey from the University of South Australia is leading a world-first Australian study using DNA to identify a person’s genetic risk of developing MS to understand how their immune system responds to a common virus linked to the disease. And joining with us to help unpack this work and its impact and that our of our fourth Incubator Grant Recipient, Dr Alastair Fortune, from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania: Are brain vascular cells dysfunctional in MS?, and to discuss the MS Australia research program, is MS Australia’s newly appointed Head of Research Dr Tennille Luker.Additional GlossaryMS Australia Brain BankMS WIRE - MS Australia’s monthly newsletterCentral nervous system - the brain, spinal cord and optic nervesPBMC - peripheral blood mononuclear cellsSize exclusion chromatography – technique used to separate molecules based on their sizeOligodendrocytes - the cell in the central nervous system that makes myelin

On this episode of The Raw Nerve we mark World Brain Day, an annual event observed on July 22, which aims to foster quality neurology and brain health worldwide.What is brain health for people living with MS? How can you keep your brain healthy?Our brain is the most complex organ in our body, allowing us to sense, feel, think, move and interact with the world around us. The brain helps us to regulate and influence many of our body’s core functions including those of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and immune systems. Many factors can affect our brain health even before we were conceived!Host Dr Fiona McKay and three experts discuss brain health and MS, their work and some exciting outcomes from research funded by MS Australia. We explore how to keep your brain healthy while living with MS, early intervention in MS, treatments and monitoring at different stages of life, progressive MS and some exciting new research to develop therapies to repair the brain.Having a healthy brain that functions well is important for people with MS, and our panel talk about some of the key recommended steps, including as outlined in MS Australia’s new Living Well with MS resource.Our guests are Dr Olivia Wills Associate Lecturer, Associate Research Fellow from University of Wollongong’s EatRightMS research group. A dietitian, Olivia recently completed her PHD on brain health and MS and led a study revealing 16 evidence-based recommendations to boost brain health for people living with MS. From Monash University, we have Dr Steven Petratos, a researcher in neuroscience and Head of The Petratos Group. Rounding out the panel is neurologist and MS researcher ⁠Dr Izanne Roos⁠ from the University of Melbourne. Izanne’s ⁠current MS Australia-funded project⁠, work and interest is early intervention with high-efficacy treatments for people living with MS (including for those with severe MS) and her work from ⁠MSBase⁠.Join us as we spotlight brain health and MS, early interventions, new research, new treatments and repairing the brain in MS, plus lifestyle recommendations for people with MS to maximise brain health.

A reading revolution, the MS Readathon has been empowering kids and bonding families since 1978 and has made a huge impact on awareness raising of and fundraising for multiple sclerosis (MS) and literacy.What is the MS Readathon? How does it work and make a difference? What do kids, their families and teachers think about MS Readathon? How can people participate?  In this episode, Raw Nerve Host Jeremy Henderson, Head of Advocacy at MS Australia chats with David Curd, CEO of MS Queensland, one of MS Australia’s four MS Member Organisations and Rachel Kerr, passionate MS Queensland and MS Readathon Ambassador and the recipient of MS Australia’s 2023 John Studdy Award about MS Readathon, an annual reading challenge aimed at raising funds for families affected by MS and as you’ll hear, other neurological conditions.We explore MS Readathon’s history, its impact on awareness of MS, its role in promoting literacy among children and instilling a love of books. David and Rachel share personal stories and insights on how MS Readathon fosters community connections and encourages participation from families and schools. They also discuss the exciting developments planned for MS Readathon 2025.A national event run by MS Queensland on behalf of MS Australia’s other MS Member Organisations MS Plus, MS South Australia & Northern Territory and MSWA, MS Readathon has impacted generations and for many is their first introduction to MS, is inclusive, allowing for various reading formats and encourages friendly competition among children.David tells us how fundraising efforts directly support those living with MS and how future plans aim to broaden the event’s reach and impact. Rachel talks about her kids’ passion for MS Readathon and the involvement of fellow event Ambassador, superstar children’s book author Andy Griffiths.Join us as we spotlight MS Readathon, its history, multi-generational impact on awareness raising and incredible legacy helping those impacted by MS and other neurological conditions.

Together with the broader sector, MS Australia is extremely disappointed with the recently released 2024-2025 NDIS Pricing Review.What is the Annual NDIS Pricing Review? What were we expecting or hoping for? What has been announced and why are we so concerned? What are the potential implications for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), the wider disability community, our MS Member Organisations and allied therapy supports? What are we requesting and seeking from the NDIA and the Federal Government?In this episode, Raw Nerve host Jeremy Henderson, Head of Advocacy at MS Australia speaks with Magriet Raxworthy, CEO of Dietitians Australia, Dr Rik Dawson, National President of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, Melanie Kiely, CEO of MSWA one of MS Australia’s four Member Organisations and Rohan Greenland, CEO of MS Australia about the NDIS Pricing Review announcement, our response and reaction.We explore what the National Disability Insurance Agency’s Review announcement means for the panel’s respective organisations, the broader sector and to people who rely on these services. We discuss our position, where to from here and what the sector would like to see going forward.In essence, MS Australia is concerned by the decision to reduce pricing for essential therapy supports including physiotherapy, dietetics, and podiatry, to freeze prices for occupational therapy and speech pathology and to slash travel funding by 50%.These reductions along with no increases in pricing for level 2 and level 3 support coordination and plan management will put further pressure on our Member Organisations who deliver essential services to people living with MS and other neurological conditions. Our Member Organisations are already subsidising the delivery of services, proving many hours of unfunded support coordination and plan management. This latest pricing decision further threatens the viability of many providers, including our Members, who provide vital tailored disease specific services.  MS Australia is calling on the NDIA to urgently consider the impacts of these pricing arrangements and to establish clear independent pricing including releasing the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority’s review of NDIS pricing.  We also discuss the sector’s public facing campaign efforts mobilising the community including the Allied Health sector’s Change.org petition led by Australian Physiotherapy Association, Dietitians Australia, Australian Podiatry Association and Australian Psychological Society.The NDIS Pricing Review decision ultimately hurts the sector and the disability community who will no longer be able to access the vital services they require. The price is NOT right!

Reflecting on the recent World Continence Week 2025 which spotlighted bladder, bowel, incontinence, mental health and other issues, MS Australia explores this important subject area which is common for many people including those living with MS.What is incontinence? What are some of the typical bladder and bowel issues people with MS experience? How do MS nurses assist people with continence issues? Where to go to for help? Why can humour alleviate such a serious subject?In this episode, Raw Nerve co-host Dr Julia Morahan, Head of Research at MS Australia speaks with MS nurse K-J Lazarus from Austin Health and Andrew Potter, Lived Experience Partner at MS Australia, about working with patients and living with continence issues, respectively.Specialist MS nurse K-J Lazarus is passionate about continence and Andrew Potter, diagnosed with MS over 25 years ago, has experience with continence issues. Together they discuss the elephant in the room - continence - and its impact, noting there’s help close at hand and why it’s important to speak up. K-J explains continence dysfunction known as incontinence, which for people with MS can manifest as bladder frequency and urgency, bowel constipation or conversely bowel frequency and the importance of tailored management strategies.Our host and guests share many laughs, and Andrew talks about the importance of planning ahead when travelling and visiting new spaces. With continence issues prevalent for many people living with MS, K-J and Andrew discuss options for assistance and handy resources including the MS Australia website, our state and territory MS Member Organisations, the National Public Toilet Map and App, the NDIS (for those eligible) and Continence Health Australia.K-J Lazarus is MS Immunotherapy and Continence Support Nurse at N-CRESS, the Neuro-Immunology Clinical Research, Education and Support Service, at Austin Health, Victoria.Andrew Potter from regional Tasmania, Lived Experience Partner at MS Australia lives with MS and has a long history of advocacy and lobbying and substantial experience in the disability and inspectorial sectors.With the right information, support and resources, continence issues can be managed effectively to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Marking International Men’s Health Week 2025, MS Australia explores the important issue of men’s health - physical, mental, also emotional wellbeing - particularly as it pertains to the male lived experience of MS.How do men experience MS? What is it like living with MS and being male? What is Boccia? What is MS Australia’s Lived Experience Expert Panel? How do lifestyle and support networks play a role in MS management? How can we better support the men in our lives living with MS?In this episode, Raw Nerve co-host Jeremy Henderson, Head of Advocacy at MS Australia speaks with two ordinary Aussie blokes, Chris Brady and Alex McKay about the Paralympic sport of Boccia, MS Australia’s Lived Experience Expert Panel (LEEP) and living with multiple sclerosis. Chris and Alex, diagnosed 30 and four years ago respectively, discuss their passions and very different MS journeys, their symptoms, managing MS and day-to-day lives.Roofing expert Alex works in the hot Queensland sun and Chris from the northern suburbs of Melbourne is hemiplegic, a form of paralysis. Together they talk about the importance of connections, support networks, finding balance, accessible spaces, transport, supports and adjustments, immersion therapy, advocacy, climate and MS and the impact of MS on their sporting endeavours and how staying physically active benefits their MS, health, and wellbeing.With one in four people diagnosed with MS in Australia being men, this is a chance to spotlight the male experience of living with a chronic condition. The guys share many laughs, tell it like it is and provide an honest insight into their lives with MS, the challenges, joys, their personal mantras and advice from what they have learnt.Chris Brady from Victoria is a passionate Boccia player and advocate for physical fitness and was diagnosed with MS in 2005.Alex McKay is a small business owner from the Gold Coast in Queensland, a keen surfer and golfer, and a member of MS Australia's Lived Experience Expert Panel, the LEEP.Hear from two guests in a candid and insightful episode spotlighting men and MS for Men’s Health Week.

In this special World MS Day episode of The Raw Nerve,  MS Australia's Head of Research Dr Julia Morahan, MS Australia research coordinator Dr Jo Gamble, and Lived Experience Expert panel member and artist Deanna Renee join Raw Nerve host Jeremy Henderson to discuss the new MS Australia publication Living well with MS: Your guide to adapting your lifestyle.Together, they explore the importance of evidence-based lifestyle changes, the challenges faced by the MS community in finding credible information, and the empowering impact of MS Australia's latest resource.Deanna shares her personal journey with MS, and how the new resource has helped her “separate the hype from the help”.“Having control over these lifestyle factors is really empowering for me, and I'm sure, for so many of us in the MS community.”Tune in to hear about the collaborative efforts behind the new guide, and actionable advice for those living with MS. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with MS for a number of years, this episode offers valuable insights and support.GuestsDr Julia Morahan, Head of Research at MS AustraliaDr Jo Gamble, Research Coordinator at MS Australia and one of the authors of the new Wellness GuideDeanna Renee, MS Australia LEEP Member, contributor to the new Wellness Guide and artist. Useful links:Living well with MS: Your guide to adapting your lifestyleLiving well with MS website

On International Nurses Day 2025, MS Australia’s focus is the important role of MS nursing as outlined in our new Report: Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for MS Nurses.What are MS Nurses and MS Nurse Practitioners and how do they work together with neurologists? How can we better support and improve community access to MS Nurses? What are the recent improvements to prescribing for MS Nurse Practitioners?In this episode, Raw Nerve guest host Dr Fiona McKay, Senior Research Coordinator at MS Australia speaks with experts Belinda Bardsley and Tim O’Maley about MS Nurses who provide key support, education, advice, and care for people with MS and their family and carers. Access to MS nurse care brings a range of health benefits and is a highly cost-effective model of care. However, despite this, there is no consistent allocation of MS nurses across Australia including no agreed nurse/patient ratio, challenging employment conditions, no formalised education pathway and a declining number of MS nurses.The panel explore options to reverse this trend and the recent changes made by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee that will allow MS nurse practitioners to prescribe certain MS treatments under the PBS in consultation with a physician. This change is set to dramatically improve access to care for people living with MS, especially in regional and remote areas.Belinda BardsleyMS Nurse, Manager Neuro-Immunology Clinical Research, Education and Support Service (N-CRESS) at Austin Health in Melbourne, Chair of the MS Australia MS Nurses Working Group and co-author of the MS Nurse Care in Australia report.Tim O’MaleyMS Nurse Practitioner, Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Queensland Health and member of the MS Australia MS Nurses Working GroupHear from those caring for the MS community in a candid and insightful episode spotlighting MS nursing.Useful links:International Council of Nurses | International Nurses Day 2025 ReportMS Nurses Australasia

In this episode of The Raw Nerve, host Jeremy Henderson sits down with Evie Boven, an Occupational Therapist at Grafton Base Hospital in New South Wales, who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in May 2024. Evie shares her compelling journey from experiencing initial symptoms to finally receiving a diagnosis, highlighting the challenges and misdiagnoses she faced along the way.Evie discusses the profound impact her health background had on her ability to advocate for herself, the crucial support she received from her husband, friends, and colleagues, and the daily management of her symptoms. She also reflects on how her diagnosis has deepened her empathy and understanding in her professional role, enhancing her ability to support her patients.Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of self-advocacy, the power of a strong support network, and the necessity of living life to the fullest despite a chronic illness. Evie also shares her future plans, including upcoming travel, and offers advice for those newly diagnosed with MS.

Do Australians care enough about healthcare at election time? What are the biggest public health challenges we face? What would it take to put the election spotlight on neurological health? And why is the Australian government continuing to underspend on health and medical research?In this episode of The Raw Nerve, host Jeremy Henderson is joined by Dr Lesley Russell, Terry Slevin, and Rohan Greenland for a candid conversation about the urgent need to prioritise public health and disease prevention in national policy. The panel explores the lack of long-term healthcare commitments from major parties, the chronic underfunding of medical research, and what a minority government could mean for the future of health policy in Australia.Terry SlevinTerry Slevin has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) since May 2018. He is an Adjunct Professor at both the National Drug Research Institute at Curtin University and the College of Health and Medicine at the Australian National University. He is a Fellow of PHAA and was the Association’s first Vice President (Development).Dr Lesley RussellDr Lesley Russell is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Leeder Centre for Health Policy, Economics and Data at the University of Sydney. She is a contributing editor at Croakey and has written the regular Health Wrap column since early 2018.Rohan GreenlandRohan Greenland is the CEO of MS Australia, Chair of the Neurological Alliance Australia, and an occasional host of The Raw Nerve podcast.Links:Prioritising neurological disease research: do our leaders have the nerve? – Medical Journal Insight+, 3 March 2025MS Australia 2025 Federal Election Statement – 28 March 2025The Medical Research Future Fund: Why is so much of the money unused? – Croakey / The Conversation, 3 April 2025Public Health Association of AustraliaCroakey Health Media

The May 50K is fast approaching, ready to inspire people once again to move with purpose and support MS research.Since launching in 2019, this fun and flexible fitness challenge has raised more than 23.4 million dollars to support world-class research into the prevention, treatment and cure of multiple sclerosis.Each May, thousands of people in Australia and around the world walk, run or roll 50 kilometres, or set their own goal, to help leave MS where it belongs, behind us.In this episode, Raw Nerve host Jeremy Henderson speaks with a passionate group of guests who share their personal connection to the cause, how The May 50K works, and the incredible impact of the funds raised.Sophie and Anne-Maree share their experiences of living with MS and how The May 50K supports their health and wellbeing. The group also explores some of the exciting research projects funded through the challenge, including new grants, the PLATYPUS clinical trial and the EBV in MS platform.Guests:Rohan Greenland, CEO of MS AustraliaDr Tennille Luker, Deputy Head of Research at MS AustraliaSophie Drummond, Campaign Manager for The May 50KAnne-Maree O’Neil, an executive assistant in the transport industry, who lives with MS and was a top fundraiser in 2024Whether you are already signed up or simply curious about how movement can drive real change, this episode is a great source of inspiration to get involved.

Victorians Cate Green and Clare Reilly both live with MS and are setting out on epic – but very different – journeys on wheels to raise awareness and funds for MS.Cate is preparing to ride 20,000 kilometres around Australia on a traditional road bike, accompanied by her dog Kobe, to shine a spotlight on MS and on business owners with disability. Her journey begins Saturday 5 April 2025. Cate previously featured on the Raw Nerve podcast in September 2023, ahead of her Camino Trail trek in Spain.Meanwhile, Clare is aiming to raise $100,000 for MS research in 2026 by becoming the first person – and wheelchair user – to complete the Munda Biddi Trail, the world’s longest off-road cycling route (1,070 kilometres) in Western Australia. She’ll take on the trail over a month using her off-road, battery-powered adaptive bike known as ‘The Rig’.In this in-depth and moving episode, Cate and Clare discuss their motivations, training, logistics, and the realities of living with and managing MS on the road. They explore the challenges and supports involved – and how they stay focused through it all.Although they didn’t know each other before recording, we were thrilled to learn that Clare is now helping Cate with the admin side of her journey. With both set to ride through WA, we’re excited to release this episode ahead of MSWA’s Ocean Ride in Perth on Sunday 6 April 2025.We’ll be cheering for Cate as she sets off on Saturday 5 April – and for Clare when she tackles the Munda Biddi Trail next year.To follow their journeys on Instagram go to kobecate and help_me_mind_my_own_business_ | Clare.Reilly and wheelchairmeeetswilderness

MS Australia has funded a record number of projects targeting MS research priorities - including causes and prevention, better treatments and cures via repair and regeneration of cells. Join us on the Raw Nerve, on this, our 50th episode, as we delve into four exciting new research projects and talk with the researchers from around the country who are leading this work.Dr Seyhan Yazar from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research & the University of New South Wales is investigating the early symptoms of MS by analysing large datasets and identifying blood biomarkers, with the goal of enabling faster, more accurate diagnosis.Associate Professor Yvonne Learmonth from Murdoch University leads a new Western Australian-based research initiative developing a co-designed toolkit to provide doctors and nurses with practical resources to encourage and support exercise for people with MS.Dr Iain Comerford from the University of Adelaide is exploring how immune cells, such as neutrophils and T cells, drive inflammation in MS. The research aims to understand how these cells interact in order to identify new treatment targets that could protect nerve cells from damage.  Dr Jessica Fletcher from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania leads a research project designed to help the brain repair itself by activating its own healing processes. This pioneering work will examine how to activate the brain’s natural repair system by boosting the activity of myelin-producing cells, called oligodendrocytes, to encourage new myelin growth.  And joining with us to help unpack this work and its impact,  and to discuss the MS Australia research program, is MS Australia’s Head of Research Dr Julia Morahan.Acknowledgements:The March Grant Round was made possible by the brilliance of our researchers, the dedication and support of our Member Organisations – MSWA, MS Plus, MS Queensland and MS SA & NT – and the incredible support from donors, fundraisers and the entire MS community. MS Australia wishes to thank and acknowledge MSWA for its additional support. MS Australia’s largest ever funding round in terms of the number of projects has been made possible thanks to the investment and support of MSWA. In addition to its normal contribution to MS Australia research, MSWA contributed a further $2.4 million dollars into this grant round which allowed for the funding of an additional 10 of the 35 funded projects, guaranteeing important MS research would commence, not just in Western Australia, but throughout the country. Useful links:MS Research Grants AnnouncementMedia Release Research SnapshotResearch Projects

On the latest episode of the Raw Nerve we're joined by Lynda MacCallum, a professional cutting horse trainer, accredited health and wellness, coach wife and mother of two.A former high school teacher. Lynda has a passion for teaching and an interest in nutrition, fitness and health.  Lynda believes that if we focus on our health, our well-being and developing a strong mindset, anything is possible.We'll talk to Lynda about her 2018 MS diagnosis, how she copes with the physical challenges of a big horse cutting event, and about her passion for horses. “Cutting gave me a goal and a purpose, something to focus on every day, even when things got tough.”

In this episode of the Raw Nerve, host Jeremy Henderson sits down with journalist, producer and Mum of two, Brooke Campbell Bayes.Brooke was recently diagnosed with MS. On the podcast Brooke delves into her recent Sydney Morning Herald series that highlights chronic disease and disability, and discusses her insightful interview with legendary Australian comedian Tim Ferguson.Brooke discusses the importance of showcasing the realities of living with chronic illnesses and disabilities, emphasizing the often-invisible struggles faced by individuals. She shares the overwhelmingly positive public reaction to the series and the profound impact it has had on raising awareness and understanding.Throughout the episode, Brooke reflects on the optimism and resilience of the people she interviewed, who find silver linings in their challenging situations. “I’ve just been blown away by the rawness and the honesty of all the beautiful people that I’ve spoken to,” she says. Their stories are both uplifting and inspiring, offering a raw and honest glimpse into their lives.Join us for an enlightening conversation that sheds light on the experiences of those living with chronic illnesses and disabilities, and the power of storytelling in fostering empathy and awareness.Useful links: Fully Sick podcast episode The Sydney Morning Herald: Tahlia had a stroke at age 10. Today, doing her own hair is an accomplishment