Karen's diving in for good cause

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has taken a lot away from Redcliffe’s Karen Patzer, but she is still determined to give back.

Ms Patzer is urging her community to join the My Health Team MS Swimathon on May 16 at Redcliffe War Memorial Pool and raise funds for those living with MS.

For 10 years she had MS symptoms, such as extreme fatigue and difficulty walking, before being finally diagnosed in 2013.

Refocussed

“Fatigue stops me at times from doing certain things, so I refocussed on things I can do like swimming,” said Ms Patzer.

“When some doors close others open. It has also taught me to keep positive people in my life, that help lift me up.”

Ms Patzer has been the driving force of MS Queensland’s event since bringing the swimathon to Redcliffe in 2018. She also runs the MS Support Group in Moreton Bay.

Amazing people

“I’ve met some amazing people through running MS Queensland’s Moreton Bay MS Support group. I couldn’t imagine how lost we’d be if we had to fight MS alone,” she said.

“Our Redcliffe event has had overwhelming support to date, and we can’t wait to get the community involved this year.”

MS Queensland has introduced important changes this year to meet COVID regulations.

Changes made

“As the health and wellbeing of our supporters is our number one priority, we’ve made changes to events including QR code check in on entry, hand sanitising stations, and increased cleaning for high frequency areas,” said MS Queensland Executive General Manager, Supporter Impact Daniel Lalor.

Eight MS Swimathons are being held to support services like physiotherapy, exercise therapy, counselling, service coordination, phone line and nursing support.

The My Health Team MS Swimathon will be at Redcliffe War Memorial Pool on Sunday May 16, 2021 from 6am-6pm.

Registrations are open. Visit msswimathon.com.au

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