Six months after a period of great uncertainty for South Australians and Territorians living with MS, the MS Society SA & NT marks its first World MS Day under new leadership with landmarks to be lit up red across Adelaide and Darwin.
For Adelaide woman Adele, the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Society brought back many of the same emotions she experienced when first diagnosed with MS in 2022.
“When they went into administration, I fell into a deep pit. It felt like being diagnosed all over again,” Adele said.
MSWA stepped in to maintain access to essential supports and services for people living with MS in late 2025.
Adele first noticed unusual symptoms in 2022 when she lost function down the entire right side of her body while meeting a friend for dinner.
“I just stood there thinking, I’m going to die,” she said.
Following months of tests and uncertainty, Adele was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
“The diagnosis had my head all over the place. I thought I’d lose my independence,” she said.
After connecting with the MS Society SA & NT, Adele accessed neurological nursing and physiotherapy support as she navigated the uncertainty of life with MS.
“The team understands. People look at me and think there’s nothing wrong with me, but the team see deeper than that,” Adele said.
Chief Executive Officer Melanie Kiely said Adele’s story reflected the importance of ensuring people living with MS remain connected to neurological support throughout every stage of their journey.
“For people living with MS, continuity of care is critical,” Ms Kiely said.
“Stories like Adele’s are a reminder that neurological conditions are often invisible, yet they reshape lives in profound ways.”
Ms Kiely said World MS Day was an opportunity to recognise the resilience of the MS community in SA and NT following a challenging period for the sector.
“Over the past six months, our focus has been on ensuring people continue to have access to the support and services they rely on, while rebuilding confidence and stability through coordinated, community-based care close to home,” Ms Kiely said.
“The challenges faced in SA and NT also reflect broader pressures across the disability and social care sector, where sustainable long-term support remains critical.”
As part of World MS Day, landmarks will light up red in solidarity with the MS community, including SA Parliament House, Adelaide Convention Centre, Riverbank Footbridge, Adelaide University City West Campus as well as City of Palmerston in Darwin.
Now working in an oncology clinic, Adele said her experiences have changed the way she sees life and the importance of support.
“When I was diagnosed, I was terrified,” Adele said.
“But start with the MS Society. They are everything I could have needed.”
“But start with the MS Society. They are everything I could have needed.”
