Stawell resident Kerryn Santuccione is a quiet, private person, but she has decided to share her story to help raise awareness and funds for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The month of May has become an important month in the battle against MS, with the Kiss Goodbye to MS: The May 50k a key fundraising effort many choose to participate in.
There has been a strong uptake of the challenge in Stawell, including the Slorach's who have been involved in fundraising efforts of their own.
For Ms Santuccione, a team of her closest loved ones have joined together to create the 'Glitter Angels' who have completed The May 50k, and raised a heap of funds.
Ms Santuccione said she was diagnosed with MS in November, an event which has had a profound effect on her life.
"I was rushed to Horsham in November and they ran lots of MRIs and by the end of the day I had been told I have MS," she said.
READ MORE:
"That means I am on monthly treatments and infusions to hopefully slow the progression down, which takes its toll and makes me feel pretty unwell.
"You have daily struggles and everyone with MS will tell you the same thing.
"It is a disease that is so different for every single person. You could know somebody else who has it and we could have totally different symptoms.
"And I have had to change certain aspects of my life because of dealing with days that aren't very good."
Ms Santuccione said she has found it hard to describe the emotion felt as a result of the support of her family, friends and everyone who has donated to the cause.
"I am completely overwhelmed by everyone's support and I am truly touched," she said.
OTHER NEWS:
"I won't be ever able to thank them enough, for being there for myself, my husband and all three of my kids.
"They have been the greatest support in this new journey of mine, as I call it.
"It is hard for me to put into words how much they all mean to me and how they have gone and done this on my behalf."
So far the Glitter Angels have raised over $10,000 with everyone completing the 50 kilometres challenge in the month.
At the head of the pack Ms Santuccione's, daughter Sienna, has travelled 83 kilometres in the month and has raised $5,406, with donations still open.
Ms Santuccione said she is incredibly proud of her daughter's efforts.
"Sienna is already planning on doing it next year, it will be her annual thing," he said.
"She has done so much study into looking into where everyone's money goes, what they donate, she has looked into what every dollar means and what it could mean for hopefully finding a cure.
"For a 12 year-old girl she is very, very mature, mature beyond her years.
"We are very, very proud of her."
If you can see this message, you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Stawell Times-News, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and for allowing us to continue telling Stawell's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great town.
