MSWA is centred around providing vital support and services to people living with neurological conditions in Western Australia. This includes people living with multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, motor neurone disease, and acquired brain injury, to name a few.
Debbie Evans is one of those people. She lives with multiple sclerosis, a condition that occurs when the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord. A condition that put a halt on her passion for sport, martial arts, and spiritual work, as well as her teaching job of 28 years. A condition for which there is no cure.
The symptoms began when Debbie was in her late 20s and within a few years, her life changed forever. It started with vision problems, blurred sight, and a condition known as optic neuritis. Her symptoms further developed into consistent discomfort and the sensation that her hands and feet were constantly covered in sand. Then it was the muscle weakness in the arms and legs, trouble with coordination, and spasticity. She went from walking with a stick to a walker, and now uses a wheelchair. She also requires day-to-day assistance from the carers at MSWA’s Butler accommodation — where she’s lived for the past two years.
“My main symptoms include impaired balance, and bladder and bowel issues. I have to wear a catheter with a bag. MS changes your whole life. I need so much help and the humiliation is awful,” Debbie said.
While the life she once knew has now changed, the support and care provided by MSWA makes a world of difference.
“It helps living with people who are living with the same condition, even though everyone suffers differently. The carers make it so much easier. They are like angels — so brilliant, accommodating, and easy to get along with. You can ask for something if you need it, and they will help you,” she said.
“You ring a bell to let them know you’re awake, and they come to check on you and assist with whatever you require. The carers help me with everything from cutting food and showering, to washing and cleaning.”
It hasn’t been easy, far from it. But according to Debbie, MSWA changed her life for the better.
“MSWA has given me hope to feel more settled in this whole ordeal. The time and assistance from carers ease the whole process that you’re going through. As well as the physio sessions, outreach, and social offerings. You don’t even have to ask, they know what you need.”
“Actually admitting I needed the help was — and still is — the hardest part. You’ve been independent and then you lose that, it’s really difficult. You go through a lot of grieving. But starting to accept the help makes everything a lot easier.”
While Debbie stays in one of the ten units at MSWA Butler for six nights a week, she goes home to spend a night with her husband every Sunday.
“It’s a big step to leave your home and try and make a new one. But everyone here has really helped me through that. My husband Ken is very patient, understanding, and caring. He’s just on the same page with me. It’s a godsend that I can go home and spend time with him.”
She’s also in the process of writing a book for people living with multiple sclerosis. She said she wants to help other people who are in the same boat.
“Words are very powerful, they can be very uplifting. I’ve always felt quite strong but my sense of humour and spiritual belief have helped me to travel through this. I have realised that nothing in this life is a punishment, it’s for your soul’s growth.”
Debbie said support for organisations like MSWA is vital and makes a tremendous difference.
“Through donating to MSWA or taking part in its initiatives, you support people having to deal with the whole process of MS at various stages. Sometimes you need more things [support] than others, and that takes money. Without the support of MSWA, my life would be a lot harder.”
Today, MSWA’s team of experienced nursing and allied health professionals provide information and a range of support from the time of diagnosis. In addition to direct care services, MSWA funds vital, innovative research projects into neurological conditions.
Last financial year, MSWA was able to provide 856,000 hours of service support to more than 2,200 clients. Even more impressively, over the past decade, the support of West Aussies through donations and lottery tickets has allowed MSWA to commit more than $38 million to life-changing research.
