Ten people in Australia are diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis each week. Two people in South Australia are diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis each week. It is currently the most common neurological condition affecting young Australians, and as of today, there is no cure. This is where the MS Game Changer Lottery comes in. Those who enter have the chance to win either a $1.6 million house, or a $1.5 cash prize, with all proceeds going towards funding research and assisting those living with MS.
Multiple Sclerosis is often known as the ‘invisible disease’ due to few early symptoms/signs. This is something 20-year-old Nicolia Arharidis is all too familiar with. We’re going to give her the writing ropes to give us an insight into her story. Here’s Nicolia.
“For the most part, I’m pretty much like every other 20-year-old you’ve ever met. If you looked at me today, you’d have no idea that I’m living with an incurable disease that impacts each and every day of my life.
The first hint that something wasn’t right came in Year 12. I was in the midst of exam study when I woke up one day to find I had lost all feeling from my stomach to my toes. I was still able to move, but I couldn’t feel anything.I was completely terrified but I ignored it, and after three months, my hopes were realised when it just went away. I put it down to the stress of exams. I was wrong. The following year, I was on a family holiday to Greece and I was so tired I couldn’t leave the hotel room. I missed out on all the sightseeing and couldn’t understand why I was so exhausted. Eventually, the tiredness wore off. Fast forward to January 2018. I was studying film and television and had just started a new job when I began to get terrible headaches and blurry vision. I went to the doctor who thankfully referred me to a neurologist.
After some tests and scans, I eventually received a diagnosis. I had relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Suddenly, my symptoms over the last two years made sense. I had no idea what to expect and what it would mean for my future.
My neurologist put me in touch with the MS Society who organised a meeting with one of their MS specialist nurses, which helped me come to terms with my new situation. My family have been incredible and I am so grateful to them and the MS Society for all their help. I am not sure what the future holds, but I feel confident I can handle it.”
Every ticket purchased in the MS Game Changer Lottery helps the MS Society support Nicolia and many others who are living with MS by guaranteeing crucial research and client services support.
The Grand Prize in the lottery gives the winner a chance to choose between an award-winning $1.6m Metricon home and land package (in the location of their choice) or $1.5 million in cash. In addition to the Grand Prize, there is a one in fifteen chance to win from over 4,600 prizes valued at over $2.8 million. Luxury cars, dream holidays, adventure packs and electrical goods, as well as several other goodies, are on offer.
MS Game Changer Lottery tickets are now available at www.msgamechanger.com.au or by calling 1300 983 991.
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