New office supports those living with MS in Rockhampton

WHEN Rachel Kerr started her final school exams at 17, all she worried about was doing well.

But when she suddenly went blind in both eyes, her life changed forever.

Rachel was flown to Brisbane for treatment and eventually diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

In the wake of the diagnosis, Rachel said she turned to Google for information about the neurological condition and immediately starting thinking about the worst-case scenario.

When she was diagnosed in Brisbane in 2006, Rachel had to start looking for Rockhampton specialists and said it was a few years before she contacted MS Queensland.

The opening of a new MS Queensland in Rockhampton will mean more than 180 Central Queenslanders living with MS, including Rachel, will be able to access support and services locally.

Previously, Central Queenslanders living with the condition worked with MS Queensland's Regional Service co-ordinator on the Sunshine Coast.

On Wednesday, the first of three information sessions for people with MS, their family and friends was held in the new Central Queensland office.

The new office will also link people with the condition to suitable medical practitioners in the area.

"The future looks a lot brighter than it did when I was diagnosed," Rachel said.

Multiple Sclerosis

Over 23,000 Australians living with the disease, 3700 Queenslanders

Central Queensland office: Community Solutions Building, 189 Musgrave St, North Rockhampton.