Gordon Wilkins

Pins and needles down his left arm followed by a number of sensory symptoms was what prompted this high profile executive, husband and father of three to seek further advice.

He says his “heart sank" upon the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, the most common chronic neurological disease of young Australians. Although he didn't know exactly what multiple sclerosis was, he just knew that whatever it is - he didn’t want it!

Receiving the life changing news on his 49th birthday was stunning in its timing and the first challenge was to get his head around what this diagnosis meant for him and his family, and he mentally went through the typical "what ifs" and "why mes".

This young gentleman thrives on challenges but he knew this situation was a whole new ball game. Highly aware from the beginning this was going to test him, but with the support from his family and friends, who were there when he needed them, and didn't allow thoughts to cascade to doom and gloom.

Since then, Gordon has put in place good management strategies to reduce impact on his professional life and busy lifestyle and realised that having a chronic disease with no known cause or cure can have advantages. Efficiently and deliberately he tried to not put important things off and in fact brought them forward.  He seized the moment by travelling overseas on three occasions with his family and embraced opportunities to experience new and exciting things, like a rollercoaster ride with his children in Paris' Disney World - "I hated it and the kids loved it - but it was another memory that I will treasure".

He continues to work full time as the General Manager, Human Resources for Disability Services Australia.
MS is delighted to have this young gentleman join our team who will share information about multiple sclerosis and its effects and how to successfully traverse life challenges.