The ultimate 'Sister Act'

Today over 21,000 Aussies are battling a debilitating and unpredictable disease which attacks their central nervous system. The culprit, multiple sclerosis (MS), is a progressive disease that can cause a range of physical and neurological problems and most often strikes when people are in their prime.

One courageous young woman bucking the statistics is Jacqui Tracey. Five years ago, Jacqui was like any other 24 year old – career‐focussed with a thriving social life. Jacqui also shared a close bond with her older sister Lisa.

In 2007, Jacqui began experiencing difficulty with her left leg and visited her GP. After a referral to a neurologist, Jacqui received earth‐shattering news, she had MS.

Although Jacqui’s leg returned to full strength her MS progressed. She had difficulty with her balance and battled fatigue. Everyday tasks became troublesome–walking up and down stairs, unable to run or even wear high‐heels (a disaster for a 24 year old)!

Particularly worrying was the potential threat MS could have on her prospering career in event management. For many, a MS diagnosis can be a barrier, be it physical or mental, especially in terms of reaching career goals. In fact, within 10 years of diagnosis, 80 percent of people with MS are unemployed, with the total annual cost of MS to society estimated at about $1,034 million.

Although developments in the management and treatment of MS have recently improved, including the availability of oral therapies, there is still no cure in sight.

Jacqui refused to fall victim to her condition and now works with M&a, a renowned international marketing agency. Although Jacqui still struggles with her MS symptoms, she has managed to establish a solid career and successfully manages her condition.

“Being diagnosed with MS at such a young age was devastating. I struggled to understand how I could continue living my everyday life and what this meant for my career.

Luckily my employers have been incredibly supportive and helped me move around the company into a role I love. My MS symptoms don’t limit my professional career and a huge driving force behind my positive attitude and determination is my sister,” Jacqui remarks.

In 2009 Jacqui joined Foundation 5 Million + (F5M+), a community fundraising initiative of Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia (MSRA). Jacqui’s involvement with F5M+ has allowed her to put her expertise to practice by planning events for the charity.

Not only has Jacqui’s employer been hugely encouraging, but on a personal level, Jacqui’s sister has been a beacon of love and support.

The support of a sister

Lisa, a prominent Australian business woman, grew up looking out for Jacqui. Since Jacqui’s diagnosis, Lisa has been a pillar of support, working alongside Jacqui to assist the MS community!

Actively participating in MSRA activities, Lisa and another business woman created the MS Angels – a select group of well‐connected women from the Australian business community dedicated to helping find a cure for MS through research. The MS Angels is an invitation‐only forum for senior women who are able to make a significant financial contribution towards MS research each year and in return a series of fabulous, exclusive networking events are organised. MS Angels are now operating in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Through her professional career and position as a MS Angel, Lisa advocates for increased corporate philanthropy and for equality in the workplace, not only for her sister, but the 21,000 Australians living with the disease. Lisa urges Australian businesses to provide the support and cooperation required for a condition such as MS – just as Jacqui has received.

“Australians living with chronic conditions like MS, continue to face barriers in the workplace despite their ability to contribute to all aspects of society for years following diagnosis. There are many debilitating diseases which need not impact the employment prospects for Australians. All it takes is some ingenuity and encouragement on the part of the employer.

“I am extremely proud of Jacqui’s journey and together we continue to help others realise their full potential, particularly within the workplace,” comments Lisa.

Jacqui is not alone in her battle against MS and continues to pursue both personal and professional goals. Many renowned Australians are living with MS, such as Australian of the Year, Simon McKeon.

Together these inspirational individuals prove living with MS does not limit your ability to contribute to all aspects of society, including the workforce.

How you can help!

There’ll be one yacht racing from Sydney to Hobart this Boxing Day in the name of a good cause: Kiss Goodbye to MS.

The crew of Beyond Outrageous, rebranded as Kiss Goodbye to MS, will be raising awareness and funds for research into MS. The Boxing Day race is a fantastic precursor to the 2012 Kiss Goodbye to MS campaign which will take place throughout May. To support the crew’s effort, donate here.

For more information on MS and how you can contribute, please visit the MSRA website or Kiss Goodbye to MS website.

Fast Facts

• Nearly two in three (64%) Australians with MS are not in paid workforce, despite 87 per cent of people with the condition being of working age
• More flexibility in workplaces could increase these participation rates, and provide employers with access to additional skills and labour
• The total cost of lost productivity due to MS is nearly half a billion dollars ($500 million) with MS costing each person almost $50,000 ($30,000 of which is due to a loss of productivity).
• In fact, the total cost of MS to Australian society is estimated at about $1,034 million each year.