Maree Thompson
"Facing challenges head on," is the thought uppermost in the mind of Maree Thomson. This energetic and motivated individual, along with her tremendous drive, will compel you to work around life's challenges and face problems head on.
While busily working as a devoted primary school teacher during 1978, Maree experienced visual, balance, sensory and fatigue symptoms resulting in a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis during 1990 at the age of 35.
Turbulent initial reactions ranged from grief to happiness because this independent lady hates "not knowing" and she was therefore pleased to be able to logically explain these troubling episodic symptoms. Later came 48 hours of tears, denial, grief and then not wanting to share her diagnosis with anyone.
Maree faced the challenge head on and continued working full time teaching her beloved preps. However, she soon realised her unpredictable health status could place unfair disruption to the children in her care. With 100% devotion, she made the heart-wrenching and selfless decision to retire at the age of 39. This is living with multiple sclerosis.
This “people's person” loves travelling, her dogs and getting her thrills as a member of a classic car club. Maree loves life and loves people and her heart still reaches the lives of her memorable preps, some of whom still keep in contact to this day. You too will be refreshed by Maree's attitudes to life, love and the people around her, as she shares her methods of getting on with it and working with whatever life gives you.
Maree was bestowed with the highest award available by MS – the 2013 Sir Louis Pyke Award which acknowledges her outstanding service to people with multiple sclerosis and the MS organisation.
MS Ambassador Maree is an articulate and motivated speaker, who will assist you to consider your action and reaction while looking at the big picture.
What people have said about Maree's speaking spots:
- “Maree was fantastic, very inspirational – I admire her enormously – great information session”. - City of Banyule
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