Kristi was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when she was only 13 years old.
Kristi had constant feelings of pins and needles throughout different parts of her body. After numerous test with varying professionals, Kristi was recommended an MRI.
It was quite daunting at that age to have an MRI, it was so full on... I was trying not to freak out. I was quite young and didn't realy know what was going on.
A team of 12 specialists deliberated over the results of the MRI, and finally concluded Kristi had multiple sclerosis.
Kristi has grown up and lived most of her life with MS, it has always been her 'normal'. As her symptoms changed over the years, Kristi has learnt to manage her MS as best she can, even with fatigue being one of her biggest symptoms.
I feel that there is still a lot of confusion amongst people regarding MS, and understanding how symptoms differ for everyone. I have found people have initially treated me a bit differently at the beginning when they find out I have MS, purely due to not knowing much about MS. I have come to understand how to navigate through this and how to explain my situation to them.
Explaining her situation and providing better understanding to the community about MS is why Kristi became an ambassador for MS Plus. As part of this, Kristi gets to share her story with others, to help people who are recently diagnosed, raise awareness and understanding in the wider community and really get across to everyone that each and every case of multiple sclerosis affects people differently.
As I feel not many people understand what MS is and how it can affect people in different ways. My ultimate goal was also to make my daughter proud, so that she could go up and see me advocating and doing my part for the MS community.
Kristi has 2 very young and very active children, so keeping up with them has been one of the joys and hardest parts of Kristi's journey with MS.
I have come to learn the importance of asking for help and also tapping into the many support services offered through MS Plus.
Kristi has benefited from the services and support offered by MS Plus through dieticians and employment support consultants. Services and support fundraising at the MS Walk Run + Roll will provide to Kristi and other Australians living with MS, to meet their goals and live well.
Kristi will be one of our ambassadors the 2024 Sydney MS Walk Run + Roll this May. her favourite part of the event is seeing the magnitude of people that turn up on the day and get involved, whether running, walking or being a cheerleader!
Everyone has such a huge smile on their face and genuinely enjoys themselves. It's great to see people dressed up in team and individual costumes, people in massive groups, people bring their dogs, kids are running, prmas are everywhere. It's clearly a great day for all, no person or dog left behind.
Kristi's message to everyone taking part this May is simple but powerful!
You are amazing for taking part. I wish you all the best with your preparations as well as on the day. Thank you for working hard to raise funds to support people like myself.
I hope you enjoy the day and have lots of fun!
