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.
A fashion enthusiast, Eskimo Joe fan, and MS fighter
Kate Gild is one of those people. She’s also a fashion fiend, coffee lover, and huge Eskimo Joe fan. She lives with multiple sclerosis.
Almost 20 years ago, she was faced with the discovery of MS in her 30s. A time that’s meant to be about finally realising who you are and harnessing the courage to act on it. A time to go on the adventures you’ve always wanted to go on. But as it happened, this discovery was going to be a different kind of adventure.
“I grew up in Perth but was living in London and working at the BBC when I got the diagnosis. I had come back to visit family for two weeks but as I stepped off the plane, my dad saw the way I was walking and marched me to his chiropractor,” Kate said.
“The chiropractor took one look at the way I was walking and said, ‘you don’t need to see me, go to a neurologist.’”
She consulted a neurologist, underwent a series of diagnostic tests, and finally received her diagnosis.
“Here I was, sitting at my mum’s kitchen table, balling my eyes out because I didn’t know anything about MS. Then, I stopped crying because my diagnosis explained so much. I’m not actually clumsy, like I thought I was. I didn’t have a weak ankle because it would roll and I’d be stumbling around. It was strangely empowering.”
Kate returned to London, believing she could handle it. However, after six more months, she decided to come back home as her MS progressed.
“Being diagnosed with MS was terrifying. But it was also because I didn’t know much about MS, and what I knew was frightening. They say knowledge is power and that’s true. The more I learnt, the better I began to feel.”
The MSWA impact
When Kate moved back to Perth, she was introduced to a team member from MSWA, who was a beacon of positivity, knowledge, and reassurance. From that moment, she felt more positive and supported. She knew she wasn’t alone.
“Thankfully, I’m a naturally positive person. I’ve always been lucky because I have a really supportive family. At times, if I’ve needed my ass kicked or a bit of tough love, they’ve given me the right support and encouragement.”
She started accessing MSWA services including hydrotherapy at MSWA Wilson and stayed at the MSWA Treendale Gardens Accommodation and Respite facility on and off before living there for three years. As soon as the MSWA Butler Accommodation was built and opened, she moved in as it meant being closer to family.
“I was still walking when I started to get involved with MSWA. I would walk to hydrotherapy, and initially, I found the people in wheelchairs all very confronting. But now, a wheelchair is nothing, so yeah bring it on.”
While the life she once knew has now changed, the support and care provided by MSWA make a world of difference.
“Since moving to the MSWA Butler Accommodation, I’ve really thrived. Living here has been an absolute dream and I’m so happy. The staff are expertly trained, professional and most importantly, provide the care and warmth of a family.”
“I also receive physiotherapy and occupational therapy tailored to my needs, helping me live life to the fullest. MSWA’s support allows me to thrive, so I can continue doing the things I love the most — whether it’s diving into a true-crime novel, crafting, or fashion.”
She said it’s going to break her heart to leave everyone at the MSWA Butler Accommodation when she moves to Montario Quarter — think urban, lifestyle village — which is currently being built in Shenton Park and set for a 2026 completion.
“Every time MSWA builds something, the next time is better. This has been amazing to live in, but the Montario Quarter is going to be, oh my god. I’m so excited!”
Why is support for MSWA vital?
“It’s important to donate to organisations like MSWA so they can continue to give support to people like myself, allowing us to have a better quality of life and access to these sorts of facilities.”
“What does my future look like? There’s something exciting about the unknown, and it’s not frightening in the slightest because I know I have all the support in the world.”
“20 years ago, I was terrified of MS. Now I say, bring it on!”
The power of MSWA
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.
Two Australians are diagnosed with MS every day, with three out of four diagnosed being women. At MSWA, West Aussies living with neurological conditions are empowered to live their best lives, not limits.
Your generous gift this holiday season will ensure MSWA is able to continue to provide essential support services to help people like Kate who are living with neurological conditions, and to advance neurological research.
A gift that will help this holiday season
Just $50.00 contributes to activities at MSWA centres that help stimulate cognitive and social connection for people living with MS and other neurological conditions.
A gift of $120.00 contributes to exercise and therapies that help people overcome difficulty with everyday tasks, from personal care and household activities to work, hobbies, and interests.
Or for something a little more, $250.00 contributes to two weekly physiotherapy sessions which support people to address physical and functional challenges caused by their neurological condition.
Change a life, and give now.
