Walk for MS

Multiple Sclerosis South Africa inland branch (MSSA) held a 4 km walk to raise awareness about and support for the illness. The walk that took place on 18 March, started at the MSSA headquarters in Sophiatown. The halfway mark was at the Spar in Melville where the participants handed out information pamphlets about the disease.

Chairperson of MSSA inland branch, Ivan Standers has been living with the disease for over 16 years and said that he was diagnosed after feeling tingling sensations in his feet and legs.

“My doctor did the pencil test and referred me to a neurologist who did a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test that concluded that I had the debilitating disease,” Stander said.

He pointed out that he was one of the lucky few who gets treatment that costs on average around R10 000 per month.

“I used to be a property manager before I was diagnosed. Now I am on pension as I am unable to work due to the fact that the illness requires a stress-free life,” he added.

He described the disease as a variable condition with no predictable patterns and added that symptoms varied from patient to patient. “The symptoms can be (but not limited to) changes in sensation in the arms, legs and face, optic neuritis, weakness, double vision, unsteadiness when walking and balance problems,” he explained.

Actress and teacher Irene Stephanou, who is also part of the MSSA inland branch said that she was officially diagnosed with the illness in 1988 after suffering temporary blindness in her teens. “It was upon returning from a trip to Greece that I experienced numbness in my feet and went to see a doctor and I was diagnosed with the disease,” she said.

The actress said that she is leading a full life despite her illness. She goes to work, drives herself around and goes to Yoga classes twice a week. “I have been married for over eight years and it showed me that I can lead a normal life even with this disease,” she added.

Contact Details: MSSA inland branch, 011 477 3540