By NATALIE GALLENTI
Hillside resident Briony Gardner hasn’t let multiple sclerosis stand in the way of her achieving her goals. 99854 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
BRIONY Gardner isn’t prepared to let anything stand in the way of her leading a happy and successful life – not even multiple sclerosis.
The Hillside resident was diagnosed with the debilitating disease five years ago, and instead of falling into a heap, she has risen above the illness and is loving life.
But it has taken a lot of positive thinking and determination to get Briony to this point.
In 2009, the 37-year-old had a simple scratch on her stomach that had become numb. She ignored it believing there was no cause for concern, however as the sensation of numbness moved higher up her chest Briony decided to visit her local GP.
It was then that the term MS started being bandied about.
“The doctor started throwing around the term MS and apart from doing the MS Readathon at school I didn’t know anything about it,” Briony told Star.
She was sent straight to the local hospital, and visits to a neurologist and MRI scans followed. Finally, after almost two months, she was diagnosed with the disease which affects the ability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other effectively.
Briony then decided she would not become a helpless victim and fall prey to the disease. Instead, she did extensive research and chose to change her diet, exercise and use positive thinking as part of her therapy.
“It’s very easy to fall into a victim mentality, but I didn’t want to miss out on anything just because of this label put on me.
“You have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself, you can prove that you can still be strong, determined and happy … and you can achieve anything, just grab it with two hands and go with it.”
And go with it she has. The Jetstar employee has participated in the MS Walk and Fun Run for the past five years and again headed out with a group of friends last weekend to raise awareness of the disease. She has also competed in the Tough Mudder competition for the past two years and will this year compete in a half marathon.
“I like to say I’m not defined by MS, I’m refined by MS.”
