2019 scholarship stories
Here are some of the recipients' stories for MS Go for Gold scholarships.
ACT
Belinda Darcy – Travel
Belinda’s dream is to travel to Germany with her husband to visit family whom she has never been fortunate enough to meet. → Show more.
This Go for Gold Scholarship will help with airfares, giving Belinda a life-changing opportunity; not only will she meet her German family, she will also have the chance to find out more about her father whom she lost when she was just 6 years old.
NSW
Nicole Stewart – Education
Nicole’s dream is to study interior decorating so that she can hold DIY workshops and share her knowledge with others → Show more.
As a single mother, Nicole never had the time nor the financial means to pursue her interest in interior decorating. Then, when she was diagnosed with MS, she lost her job, and this severely impacted her self-esteem and sense of purpose.
However, Nicole’s inner strength has prevailed and now with renewed purpose and a firm belief that where there’s a will there’s a way, she plans to study interior decorating, hold her workshops and buy a laptop with her Go for Gold Scholarship money.
Catherine Ayob – Education
Catherine’s dream is to become a medical researcher in multiple sclerosis so she can develop new medications that reduce the suffering of others living with the condition and hopefully stop its progression. → Show more.
Catherine was forced to discontinue her career as a vet because of her MS, a decision that took a toll on her mental health until her loving family suggested a career change.
Now studying a Bachelor of Medical Science, this Go for Gold Scholarship will contribute towards Catherine’s student fees, allowing her to complete one semester full-time. It will also provide relief to her husband who, apart from caring for their two young children so Catherine can concentrate on her studies, also works many hours to cover the family’s expenses.
Daryl Crew – Sport
Daryl’s dream is to complete the 58km course of the 2019 MS Sydney to Gong Ride and then in 2020, setting his sights on the 82km course. → Show more.
Whilst his MS diagnosis has affected his self-esteem, Daryl is hopeful that this challenge will boost his confidence and morale and give him a goal to work towards.
And, even though he requires a walking stick to move about, Daryl isn’t going to let that stop him from taking part! He’s building strength through aqua fitness and plans to buy an eTrike with his Go for Gold Scholarship money. The eTrike will allow him to ride comfortably and safely, something which he would otherwise not be able to do with his limited financial means.
Mark Crockett – Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Mark’s dream is to share the coastlines, sunrises and sunsets he captures through his photography, in the hope that they will put a smile on someone’s face and save them from ending up in the dark place he was → Show more.
During the lowest point in his life, Mark discovered an interest in photography and, one photo at a time, he realised he was smiling more, and that life was getting better.
Unable to afford camera equipment, Mark takes all his photos on his phone. With his Go for Gold Scholarship money, Mark will purchase proper camera equipment and run an online store making his photography accessible to everyone.
Sophie McLelland – The Arts
Sophie’s dream is to learn more about famous painters and become more proficient in her own painting, eventually sharing her new skills and knowledge with children and other MS sufferers. → Show more.
Sophie’s artistic and creative nature led her to a career in advertising but, as her MS progressed, she was no longer able to continue in this competitive industry.
Recently, she’s taken up painting and has found it to be wonderful; it’s significantly boosted her wellbeing and has been a happy respite from the many limitations she now experiences since being diagnosed.
Sophie will use her Go for Gold Scholarship money to purchase art supplies, take lessons and visit the Matisse / Picasso exhibition in Canberra.
Allison O’Dwyer – Travel
Allison’s dream is to travel to Canada to finally meet her husband’s family. → Show more.
Prior to her diagnosis, Allison and her husband were making plans to travel to Canada to visit family for her first ever white Christmas. The money they’d been putting aside was, however, soon needed for everyday expenses.
After many years of heartache and turmoil, this Go for Gold Scholarship will enable Allison not only to enjoy her first white Christmas, but also introduce her newborn baby to her Canadian family!
Jennifer Rees – Travel
Jennifer’s dream is to visit the Jamala Zoo in Canberra to see some of the world’s most dangerous and endangered animals up close. → Show more.
Once an avid golfer, Jennifer now relies on a walker and wheelchair to get around her home which she says, “has all but burst my bubble!”
Jennifer’s recent access to in-home physiotherapist and pilates services means she is now able to venture out once a week with her support worker to see a movie, have some lunch and socialise with everyone she meets along the way.
Now feeling more confident, Jennifer will use her Go for Gold Scholarship money to expand her horizons even further and travel to the incredible Jamala Zoo in Canberra.
TAS
Cynthia Awruch – Travel
Cynthia’s dream is to attend the Holocaust Survivors Reunion in her grandmother’s home city in Poland. → Show more.
Discovering that her Polish grandmother, who had suffered significant loss in the Holocaust, was part of the resistance movement helping many Jews in need during WW2, was a turning point for Cynthia in finally accepting that she has MS.
Cynthia says the history of her grandparents and the courage of her grandmother constantly inspires her, guiding her to navigate through this life and manage the issues associated with living with MS.
Drawing comfort from the words in The Dancer of Auschwitz, “Survivors do not have time to ask, why me? For survivors, the only relevant question is, and now what?” Cynthia will take action, using her Go for Gold Scholarship money to travel to Poland to be at the Reunion.
Yvette Chatwin – Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Yvette’s dream is to buy a new laptop so that she can stay independent for as long as possible. → Show more.
Her MS diagnosis in 2014 forced Yvette to resign from her job, her condition escalating quite rapidly. Now, for Yvette, her ageing laptop is her lifeline; it provides invaluable assistance in her daily life and keeps her connected to everyone who supports her.
This Go for Gold Scholarship will enable Yvette to replace her ageing laptop; allowing her to maintain her independence, stay in touch with family and friends (particularly with her adult children who don’t live nearby), as well as former classmates with whom she’s reconnecting in preparation for her upcoming 40th school reunion.
Sean O’Moore – Education
Sean’s dream is to become a master practitioner in hypnosis and pursue his personal belief that hypnosis will help alleviate his MS symptoms. → Show more.
Since receiving his diagnosis and being unable to continue his work as an electrician, Sean set a goal to reinvent himself and completed studies to become a hypnotist.
Confident that with time and practice hypnosis will help alleviate his MS symptoms, Sean is keen to further develop his skills and will use his Go for Gold Scholarship money to help pay for his course to become a master practitioner.
Sylvia Romeike-Coussa – Employment
Sylvia’s dream is to start her own business designing personalised greeting cards, newsletters, logos and community periodicals. → Show more.
Becoming a business owner and contributing to her family and society in general will give Sylvia a sense of satisfaction and purpose, taking her back to how life was prior to her diagnosis.
Having already completed several graphic design courses, this Go for Gold Scholarship will help Sylvia purchase the software and insurance she needs to get started.
VIC
Paul Gallagher – Travel
Paul’s dream is to publish a series of blogs, essays and photographs of a trip that will inspire other people with chronic conditions. → Show more.
Once a published writer, Paul’s MS has impeded any further work in this capacity. This Go for Gold Scholarship will give him the opportunity to return to the type of writing he loves, capturing observations and details of culture and history through writing and photography, as he visits cultural, historic and environmental sights of significance during an eight-day trip through New Zealand’s North Island.
Accompanied by his wife of more than 30 years, the trip will also give them an opportunity to take a much-needed break from the tireless work his wife does to keep the family afloat.
Sue Pinyon – Sport
Sue’s dream is to ensure she can remain living safely in her own home for as long as possible and to also have the confidence to travel outside her hometown. Sue believes that improving both her physical and mental health is the key to achieving this. → Show more.
This Go for Gold Scholarship will finance a two-year gym and pool membership so Sue can commence a regular exercise program focused on building strength, improving her mood and reducing falls so that ultimately, she may enjoy a long-awaited holiday with her husband.
Kimberley Croxford – Travel
Kim’s dream is to go on a holiday, for the first time ever, with her husband and their two young children. → Show more.
Kim’s MS has rendered her unable to work, placing financial strain on her family and the possibility of travelling out of reach.
This Go for Gold Scholarship will enable Kim and her family to finally go on a holiday and make happy memories, an opportunity which she believes will be life changing.
Leanda Helmke – Travel
As she approaches her 60th birthday, Leanda’s dream is to travel on the Ghan and see more of our beautiful country. → Show more.
This Go for Gold Scholarship will enable her to finally put a tick on her bucket list and enjoy a much-needed break watching Australia’s stunning scenery go by.
Rebecca Irving – Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Bec’s dream is to write a book and create a health and wellness lifestyle business that supports her family and accommodates her needs as a person living with MS. → Show more.
Bec’s previous work as a myotherapist has sparked in her a deep passion to help others thrive and has led her to study life coaching. “It [life coaching] lights me up and allows me to live with so much passion and purpose. I seriously love what I do,” she says.
A passionate believer in a person’s ability to create the life they want, this Go for Gold Scholarship will help Bec write a book and start a business that supports others on their life journey.
George Kafantaris – Travel
George’s dream is to travel to Greece to reconnect with his Greek heritage and visit the MS Society in Athens to learn about the services and treatments they provide. → Show more.
Having migrated to Australia with his parents when he was two years old, George has since lost both his parents and has developed a strong desire to return to his place of birth to spend time with his extended Greek family. In addition, living with MS has made George curious to learn how people with MS who live in Greece cope with their condition.
This Go for Gold Scholarship will help George’s get to Greece, enabling him to fulfil his desire for emotional reconnection and intellectual knowledge.
Stuart Luscombe – Travel
Stuart’s dream is to go on a revitalising family holiday to Bali with his partner Hailey and daughters Alana and Mackenzie. → Show more.
In his efforts to find a place in the workforce that allows him to manage his MS symptoms, Stuart has had to change jobs twice in the last year, which has placed a huge strain on his family.
This Go for Gold Scholarship will enable Stuart to take a holiday in Bali with Hailey and their daughters, giving them the opportunity to put their worries aside, reconnect with each other and relax, providing a welcome relief from their daily routine.
Dragan Milovic – Travel
Dragan’s dream is to return to Serbia, his country of birth, to spend time with his ageing mother and his Serbian relatives whilst he still has some mobility. → Show more.
Although he regularly speaks to his family over the phone, it’s not the same thing as seeing them in person and having that physical contact.
Dragan will use his Go for Gold Scholarship money to travel to Serbia and see his relatives. Most importantly he will spend time with his mother, which will bring him great joy.
Stephen Philp – Sport
Steve’s dream is to complete the 2019 Around the Bay in a Day Bike Ride, a challenging 300 kilometre ride around Port Phillip Bay. → Show more.
An active person all his life, Steve started using an exercise bike after reducing his gym activity in order to manage his MS. The exercise bike ignited a passion for cycling and now he would dearly love to take on a physical challenge to feel a sense of accomplishment.
Steve sees the Around the Bay in a Day Bike Ride as an achievable goal to focus on and this Go for Gold Scholarship will assist him in purchasing a bike and the necessary equipment to give him every possible chance to complete the challenge.
Anna Plummer – Travel
Anna’s dream is to travel around Tasmania with her husband whilst she is still able and capture her memories to create something that inspires others. → Show more.
Having always envisaged life as a grey nomad (a dream which unfortunately hasn’t eventuated), this Go for Gold Scholarship will allow Anna to fulfill her dream of travelling.
And, through the memories she will capture during her trip, Anna plans to create either an illustrated story book for kids, or a motivational tool to inspire others to follow their dream and realise their own potential.
Melanie Thomson – Employment
Formerly a lecturer at Deakin Medical School, Melanie’s dream is to set up a small business with the mission of improving stakeholder engagement between patients and healthcare professionals and delivering better person-centred care solutions in the health sector. → Show more.
Melanie began developing her business in April 2018 and has fulfilled all the basic administration and governance tasks but has not had the financial means to finish setting it up.
This Go for Gold Scholarship will enable Melanie to purchase the necessary insurances and set up her website as a platform to advertise her services.
Meagan Marshall – Travel
Meagan’s dream is to go on a long-awaited holiday with her partner and kids to spend quality time together. → Show more.
Medical and ever-increasing daily expenses have made recent years difficult for Meagan, with the stress caused by financial difficulties taking its toll on everyone. Consequently, the family has been running on auto pilot with the pressures of daily life leaving little space for quality time together.
This Go for Gold Scholarship will give Meagan a chance to unwind and spend time with her loved ones, providing a welcome relief from her stress and fatigue. It will also give the family the opportunity to take a long-awaited break, allowing them to reconnect as a happy family.
Congratulations to all of this year’s Go for Gold Scholarship winners! We wish you continued success in making your dreams a reality. To find out more information about the scholarships and how to apply for 2020, please go to MS Go for Gold Application Guidelines.