Beth was born in a small town in the upper Hunter Valley in NSW, the third of 4 children. Her family lived on a property along with her beloved grandparents.

After finishing her schooling at a Sydney boarding school Beth had a number of career changes before serendipitously landing a not-for-profit community based aged-care position, where she remains today.

Diagnosed with MS at age 41, Beth focused on researching ways to reduce the impact and slow the progression. In the two decades since diagnosis her main issues have been a decline in her mobility, severe heat intolerance and some cognitive challenges.

2023 sees Beth still employed full-time in a challenging and rewarding role with aged and disability provider Annecto.

Beth lives in Canberra, has 2 adult sons, a wonderful husband and 2 lovely mini dachshunds. Beth has an optimistic outlook on life in general and her future in particular. She loves to read, travel and spend time with friends and family.

Purchase Whispers Of Resilience: Our Stories of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) here: https://amzn.asia/d/dDuzhpy

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher
https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
+61403564942

John Van De Putt's life has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Born to Dutch immigrant parents, he had a great childhood with many siblings. He achieved success in sports and business, but his life took a turn when diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Ignoring the early symptoms, he faced numerous relapses and hospitalisations. His marriage struggled due to his health, but he found love again and embraced fatherhood. MS changed him physically and emotionally, leading to self-discovery and humility. The introduction of NDIS improved his life, allowing him to work as a support coordinator.

Despite challenges, he cherishes each day and encourages others to embrace their dreams.

Purchase Whispers Of Resilience: Our Stories of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) here: https://amzn.asia/d/dDuzhpy

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher
https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
+61403564942

Lachlan Terry led a vibrant, active life until the unsettling prospect of being confined to a wheelchair emerged. In his 42 years, he had avoided debilitating injuries, relying on a mix of good luck and management. The gradual and unexpected onset of his condition hindered job opportunities and even mundane tasks like picking up a coin.

The question "Why me?" lingered, but Lachlan learned to accept life's unpredictable nature during 13 years of uncertainty, misdiagnoses, and hurdles. His upbringing on an outback station instilled a pragmatic outlook, and he embraced the idea of playing the hand he was dealt.

Despite his undiagnosed condition, Lachlan remained mobile, using a walking frame or electric mobility scooter, covering an impressive 5,500 kilometers in a year. He remained devoted to various roles as a Scouts Australia leader, radio DJ, home barber, traveler, photographer, and Art Leasing business entrepreneur. Grateful for opportunities, he eagerly shared his story, embracing the power of politeness and gratitude that had always guided him. Determined and resilient, Lachlan Terry showed the world the strength to seize every chance life offers.

Purchase Whispers Of Resilience: Our Stories of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) here: https://amzn.asia/d/dDuzhpy

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher
https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
+61403564942

Kerrie was born in the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia in 1975. She is a disability advocate and uses her lived experience of disability to help perform her role as a community member of her local council Access and Inclusion Committee. 

Kerrie writes short poems and is a chin cup painter and will be publishing her first book soon. She is passionate about arts and uses this as not only a therapy for herself but a way to give back to others.
 
Kerrie excelled in her education years and was on her way to fulfil a career in corporate banking until the progression of Multiple Sclerosis changed her pathway.  Through Kerrie’s perseverance, strength and courage she continues to share her life experience with others including this MS chapter. 

Purchase Whispers Of Resilience: Our Stories of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) here: https://amzn.asia/d/dDuzhpy

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher
https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
+61403564942

Tanya was born and raised in Brisbane, Queensland. She still lives in Brisbane with her husband, son and fluffy puppy. She actively attends physio weekly and enjoys (sometimes) hydro fortnightly.

She is currently volunteering for a wonderful start up called Enabled.vip. Enabled.vip was created and is run by people with a disability for people living with a disability.

It is an online platform dedicated to engaging with disabled Australians to become their own entrepreneur! Tanya feels strongly about Enabled.

VIP and believes it is the way forward for disabled Australians for employment in Australia.

Purchase Whispers Of Resilience: Our Stories of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) here: https://amzn.asia/d/dDuzhpy

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher
https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
+61403564942

Clare Reilly (she/her) was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in April 2017. With a background in outdoor education, Clare loves spending time outdoors.

Clare lives on the Bellarine Peninsula, near Geelong, with her husband and son. Clare explores various arts and crafts, is passionate about environmental sustainability and enjoys sharing good food with loved ones.

She is an advocate for those with MS and chronic illnesses, sharing thought-provoking posts on social media and hosting the podcast MS Understood.

Clare's podcast has nearly 100 episodes, providing hope and understanding to newly diagnosed individuals and their families.

Notable guests include Tim Ferguson of Doug Anthony All-Starts, Chantelle Otten sexologist and Emily Padfield from Netflix’s Win The Wilderness, along with individuals sharing their MS stories.

Clare has received awards for her business excellence and has now contributed to three published anthologies.

With a Bachelor's degree in Psychological Science in progress, she aspires to provide therapy and counseling for people with new disabilities or chronic illness diagnoses, and dreams of writing her own novel. Find the MS Understood podcast on all major platforms.

Purchase Whispers Of Resilience: Our Stories of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) here: https://amzn.asia/d/dDuzhpy

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher
https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
+61403564942

Kristi Paschalidis is an accomplished senior internal recruiter with over 11 years of experience across multiple industries. She holds a B. Social Science degree, majoring in Human Resource Management from UNSW. Additionally, Kristi is a qualified Diversity and Inclusion specialist.

In 2015, Kristi married her husband and they have been blessed with two beautiful children who bring immense joy to her life.

At the age of 13, Kristi was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and has since faced the challenges of living with this "invisible disease." Despite the obstacles, she successfully completed high school and university while actively maintaining a social life and travelling.

Over time, as her symptoms progressed, Kristi learned to adapt, and remains hopeful for a cure. Initially, she kept her diagnosis private, however, she has now embraced her role as an MS Ambassador, speaking at various MS community functions to educate others and raise awareness of MS. Kristi also provides support to individuals who have been diagnosed with MS, understanding firsthand how overwhelming the journey can be.

Her mantra for others has always been, "We can't be a superhero every day. There are days when being human is more than enough."

Purchase Whispers Of Resilience: Our Stories of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) here: https://amzn.asia/d/dDuzhpy

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher
https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
+61403564942

Elizabeth Neal, a woman of unwavering strength and optimism, has faced life's challenges with determination and a sense of humor. Diagnosed with MS in 1991, she endured misdiagnosis and hostility in the RAAF. Despite constant fatigue, dizziness, and falls, she found joy in her marriage, motherhood and pursuit of higher education.

Through it all, Elizabeth's resilience continues to shine exploring various treatments and exercise routines to manage her condition. She discovered the empowering benefits of pole dancing and even ventured into stand-up comedy to embrace life fully.

Tragedy struck in 2020 when her beloved son Valentine passed away unexpectedly. Amidst the grief, Elizabeth remains hopeful, seeking a cure for MS while cherishing her son's memories.

With an unwavering spirit, Elizabeth faces each day with optimism, refusing to let MS define her. Her determination, support from friends and family, and love for life inspire those around her.

Purchase Whispers Of Resilience: Our Stories of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) here: https://amzn.asia/d/dDuzhpy

JUSTINE MARTIN
Award winning Speaker, Author, Artist, Coach, Publisher
https://linktr.ee/justinemartincorporation
+61403564942