Kristi was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when she was only 13 years old. She had constant feelings of pins and needles throughout different parts of her body, and after numerous tests with varying professionals, was recommended an MRI.
It was quite daunting at that age to have an MRI, it was pretty intense... I was trying not to freak out. I was quite young and didn't really know what was going on.
A team of 12 specialists deliberated over the results of the MRI and finally diagnosed Kristi with 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 have come to learn the importance of asking for help and also tapping into the many support services offered through MS Plus.
Services such as employment support, a dietician, and a continence nurse have helped Kristi manage the effects of her MS symptoms. It is through fundraising events such as the MS Walk Run + Roll that help Kristi and the other 37,700 Australians living with MS meet their goals and live well.
Kristi has 2 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.
As I feel not many people understand what MS is and how it can affect people in different ways. My ultimate goal is to make my children proud, so that they can see me advocating and doing my part for the MS community.
The MS Walk Run + Roll is Kristi’s opportunity each year to raise awareness of MS, come together with the MS community, share her personal journey, and fundraise for a cause that has deeply shaped her life. In recent years, Kristi has felt honoured to serve as an ambassador and speak on stage before the walk begins.
And Kristi is back and ready to tackle the Sydney MS Walk Run + Roll in a big way in 2026!
After years of normally taking on the walking part of the event, in 2026 Kristi has set herself a bold new challenge – completing the 10km run!
Kristi struggles with fatigue and balance issues, among other symptoms, and with family and work responsibilities, and financial constraints it has made it difficult for her to safely exercise outdoors or at the gym.
But Kristi was a 2025 Go for Gold Scholarship winner and was able to use that to purchase an at home treadmill, allowing her to exercise when she feels her strongest and around her very busy schedule.
With a treadmill, I could finally meet the recommended exercise guidelines, improve my fitness for the 10km run, and manage my MS symptoms more effectively.
She is ready to take on a new challenge at her favorite event - see you there Kristi! We’ll be cheering you over the finish line!
Kristi has a message to her fellow MS Walk Run + Roll participants too:
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 me. I hope you enjoy the day and have lots of fun!
