ELIZABETH SOBECKI
Lizzy is 19 years of age and was diagnosed with MS when she was just 15 years old. Lizzy says that as hard as the disease is to live with, she doesn’t let it get her down and uses it as an opportunity to make her stronger – every day.
Lizzy is a member of the Para-Equestrian National A Squad (in Dressage) and is striving to compete in the London Paralympics in 2012.  She will use her Go for Gold Scholarship to assist with accommodation and travel costs to enable her to participate in forthcoming Paralympic qualifying events in Tamworth and Werribee.

ERICA CASSIDY
Erica was diagnosed with MS in 2001.  Prior to her diagnosis she enjoyed going for long walks, but this is now difficult for her as she is unable to lift her right foot properly.  This awkward gait also results in a sore hip, back and knees and means that Erica is in constant fear of tripping.
Erica was recently referred to an orthotist who recommended using an ankle foot orthosis.  After trialling this foot support Erica kept saying “Look, I can walk!” Her improved mobility in turn enhances her self-confidence and self-worth which are vital when faced with diminishing abilities.
The Go for Gold Scholarship will enable Erica to fund the purchase of an ankle foot orthosis to enhance her gait. 

NADENE CRANE
Nadene is 41 years old and has spent the last 4 months in the Repatriation General Hospital undertaking Rehabilitation. She has the ongoing frustration of being unable to go home, except for short duration day trips, because there is no funding for the care hours she needs to be safe at home.
Nadene’s hospital stay has achieved significant improvement in her health status with a focus on falls prevention. She places high importance on maintaining her health and is seeking to sustain her improved function when she finally returns home.
The purchase of a Therafit Exercise Machine will allow Nadene to participate in daily exercise which she believes is the only way to maintain her health and function.  It will greatly enhance her quality of life and the time that Nadene and husband, Barry, are able to spend together in the community and away from hospital.

HEATHER LEUSCHEL
When diagnosed with MS in 1999 Heather took it all in her stride and strove to minimise the impact MS had not just on herself but her husband, family and friends.
Heather had been attending the Reynella MS Exercise Group, which she thoroughly enjoyed and which she found benefited both her mobility and emotional well-being.  Sadly, her husband Ralf, who was her main carer and on whom she relied on for transport, passed away earlier this year.  Catching public transport is no longer an option and given it’s a 30 km round trip taxis are prohibitively expensive.
Heather will use her Go for Gold Scholarship to assist her with travel expenses to attend the MS Exercise Group and to enable her to reconnect with the friends and regain the support she has found within that group.

KAMAL LOTFALI
Kamal moved to Darwin from East Timor in 2009 so that he could maintain regular contact with his two daughters, who live with their mother in Darwin.  Shortly after arriving in Darwin, Kamal was admitted to hospital with a severe relapse of his MS.  Unable to work and unable to receive a pension due to his immigration status, Kamal was essentially homeless.
He recently received the good news that he can move into a Northern Territory Housing Unit.  However, it is unfurnished and there is no air conditioner.  With his Go for Gold Scholarship Kamal will be able to purchase a refrigerator to enable him to store his medication, and to install an air conditioner, as heat plays a big part in exacerbating his MS symptoms.  This will also enable Kamal’s daughters to visit him at home, rather than having to meet with him after school each day at the local library, where he assists them with homework and chats about their day.

ROCHELLE EVANS
Rochelle is the mother of 3 children aged 16, 9 and 7.  Her MS symptoms include right-sided weakness, fatigue, heat sensitivity and balance issues.
It is important for Rochelle to be able to exercise at home as she is unable to drive and her impaired balance makes it difficult for her to go for walks in the community.
Rochelle plans to purchase home gym equipment with her Go for Gold Scholarship.  This will enable her to exercise whilst seated to eliminate balance as a barrier and to improve fatigue management.  Heat sensitivity will also be limited if Rochelle does not have to leave the house to exercise.

PAUL SCARDIGNO
Paul lives with his wife Susan and two children.  Prior to his diagnosis of MS in 2004 Paul spent a lot of time at the gym and the family bonded through shared exercise activities.  Since that time, Paul has been unable to exercise in the gym without assistance.
The Therafit was introduced to Paul at the MS Society and he then hired it for a month. He was excited after its use and welcomed the familiar ache and muscle fatigue after his work out as well as feeling a sense of achievement at doing physical exercise.  Strengthening Paul’s leg muscles would also make stand transfers easier and hopefully help to optimise his independence.  Paul plans to purchase a Therafit Exercise Machine for use at home with his Go for Gold Scholarship.

ELAINE VENT
Elaine is a widow who was diagnosed with MS when she was in her 30s.  Until recently she enjoyed exercise in the pool, but a wrist injury limited her ability to use her walking frame to get to the pool.
Elaine has been exercising with motorized pedals on loan from the MS Society for a month now, and it is noticeable that she is regaining more mobility and stamina to do the things she enjoys.  This will also assist in helping her maintain her ability to manage independently in her own home.
Elaine plans to purchase a Therafit Exercise Machine for home use with her Go for Gold Scholarship. 

KELLY DOULTON
Prior to her MS diagnosis Kelly was a keen runner.  She found this to be a great stress reliever, as well as keeping her fit.
Kelly’s son and carer, Chris, left home this year to forge his own life, and is determined that his departure does not mean that his mother should have a less than full life.  Kelly has recently commenced hydrotherapy sessions with the MS Society and has really enjoyed participating in these classes.  Her goal is to regain her fitness levels.
With her Go for Gold Scholarship Kelly plans to take swimming lessons and obtain pool membership, and she hopes to be able to participate in next year’s Mega Swim.

RICHARD HARRIS

Richard was diagnosed with MS in 1989.  He lives with his wife Linda and is a regular attendee at the MS Society’s Reynella Keep Fit classes.
Richard particularly enjoys using the Therafit Exercise Machine at these classes as it really makes him feel good to have his legs given a good workout and it improves his circulation and reduces the swelling in his feet and ankles. 
Richard will purchase a Therafit machine for home use with his Go for Gold Scholarship, which will be especially helpful as he is now no longer able to walk and as travelling to classes is becoming more difficult.

RUTH HAY

Ruth lives with her husband and 2 daughters and has lived with MS for 20 years.  Outside exercise is difficult for her due to heat sensitivity and balance issues.  Nevertheless, Ruth and her family have participated in every one of the MS Mega Swim events and her daughter Jess must hold the record for the most hours spent in the pool during the Mega Swim.
With her Go for Gold Scholarship Ruth plans to purchase a Wii Fit console and balance board which will enable her to exercise at home where it is cooler and will allow her to pace her exercise to when it suits her best and around the needs of her family.  Ruth hopes that by increasing her fitness and stamina she will also be able to participate even more actively in the next Mega Swim.

JOSIE KENNETT

Josie was diagnosed with MS in 1984.  Despite her physical limitations she continues to lead a productive life through a number of volunteering activities and is an active participant in various exercise programs.
Josie has found great benefit from weekly one-on-one training sessions with a personal trainer and her commitment and enthusiasm has lead to significant strength gains.  She has become quite flexible, her posture has improved and during her sessions the amount of muscle stiffness and spasms in her legs has greatly reduced. 
Her Go for Gold Scholarship will enable Josie to continue with these very beneficial exercise sessions. 

IRMA JOSIPOVIC

Irma was diagnosed with MS in 1999 at the age of 66 and now uses a wheelchair.  Irma attends the MS Society’s Keep Active Program when she is able but feels she needs to do more exercise to keep mobile.
Irma’s fitness levels slipped back after a period of hospitalisation last year.  She saw the improvement in Josie’s fitness levels since Josie began working with her personal trainer, Roy, and felt that she too would benefit from some one-on-one sessions.
Irma’s Go for Gold Scholarship will enable her to embark on some individualised fitness sessions with Roy, which will give her the extra boost she needs to regain a large part of her mobility and independence.

ROSIE BALLINGER

Rosie is one the Society’s Northern Territory clients and has lived with MS since 1988.  Rosie has wanted to get back into regular exercise for a number of years but has found that her family life has always taken over and not allowed her the time.  She is also fatigued after work and finds exercise doesn’t come easily, which is frustrating as she was once very fit playing cricket and other team sports.
With her Go for Gold Scholarship Rosie will employ the services of an exercise physiologist who specialises in chronic disease.  She feels that she will benefit from individual personal training sessions and needs that extra encouragement and attention that a personal trainer can give as she has lost the confidence in her body that she had in her younger years.

MARCUS OVERTON

Marcus was diagnosed with MS in 2001 and is now living in supported accommodation in a regional area.
Marcus has lost most of the use of his legs, which causes him a lot of muscle pain and poor circulation in his lower legs and feet.  He has just trialled some motorised pedals and cannot believe the way it makes his legs and hips feel so much better, even hours after he has used them.
With his Go for Gold Scholarship Marcus will be able to purchase a Therafit Exercise Machine to enable him to gain these benefits on a daily basis and to enhance his overall physical and emotional wellbeing.

CLAIRE GORDON

Claire obtained her Nursing Degree in 2005 but due to her MS has found the physical demands of nursing very difficult.
These days Claire is managing her illness and has a positive outlook.  In an attempt to regain some of her independence, Claire has decided to pursue a career in a related industry of health awareness.
Her Go for Gold Scholarship will assist Claire in her studies towards a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree at university so that she can pursue a career that is more suitable for her, and in doing so help others become more aware of health concerns like her own.