Maree Thompson
"Facing challenges head on," is the thought uppermost in the mind of Maree Thomson.
Maree was a busy and devoted primary school teacher when she first experience visual, balance, sensory and fatigue symptoms in 1978, but it was some time before Maree was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, at the age of 35.
Her turbulent initial reactions ranged from grief to happiness because Maree hated "not knowing" but she was also pleased to be able to logically explain the troubling episodic symptoms she had experienced over the years.
Maree faced the challenge head on and continued working full time, teaching her beloved preps, despite her grief, denial and not wanting to share her diagnosis with anyone. In time however she soon realised that her unpredictable health could create 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 “people's person” loves travelling, her dogs and getting her thrills as a member of a classic car club. Maree also loves life and people and her heart still touches the lives of her memorable preps, some of whom still keep in contact with her to this day.
In 2013 Maree was awarded the Sir Louis Pyke Award, which acknowledges her outstanding service to people with multiple sclerosis and is the highest available award from MS.
Maree is an articulate and motivated Ambassador who will assist you to consider your action and reaction while looking at the big picture. She is an energetic and motivated individual, and along with her tremendous drive, will compel you to work around life's challenges and meets problems head on.
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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