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Jeanette Robins was diagnosed with MS five years ago. After the initial shock of the diagnosis had worn off, Jeanette’s positive attitude kicked in and she moved on, determined to live as full and active a life as possible.
Jeanette’s passion in life has been riding, competing and judging dressage horses, a sport she’s participated in for the past 20 years. Unfortunately as her MS progressed, balance issues and weakness in her lower legs meant she had to give up the sport. At that time, she thought that her riding days were over.
She and her husband Jim, an equine veterinarian, made the hard decision to sell their horses and gear. However, Jeanette soon became depressed, which prompted her friends and co-workers to start thinking of alternative pursuits for Jeanette. Western riding was suggested and it proved to be a more accessible sport for a person with MS.
A few months later she took on the Western riding circuit with vigour and was named Rookie of the Year in 2005, riding her quarter horse, “Riarmis Cotton Candy” – affectionately known as “Floss.” She successfully competed in the amateur grade this year and remains listed as a dressage judge and New Zealand D Level trainer/coach.
Jeanette is a shining example of someone with MS who is prepared to live her life to the fullest. She is always promoting the positive sides of life with MS and is willing to put her hand up to help with MS matters whenever she can. On top of this, she also works full time as a Registered Nurse in a rest home.
Doug cared unflinchingly for Fay since the day he walked her down the aisle 54 years ago. And yet he doesn’t believe he has done anything special at all, simply looked after his soul mate.
Fay’s first symptoms appeared when she was 28 years old, but her actual diagnosis didn’t come until she was 36. Despite her symptoms, she raised four children and worked in a clothing factory for 20 years.
As Fay’s mobility declined until she had to use a wheelchair, Doug spent more time helping her. Major alterations were undertaken at their home to add an accessible ensuite, shower, and a ramp up the front door.
The gradual loss of mobility continued, and eventually outside help was required to help care for her. This, coupled with a 3 week hospital stay, convinced the two of them that it was time for Fay to move into a rest home so she could receive the care she needed. Although disappointing, it was a possibility they’d discussed many times before.
Living apart took some getting used to, but Doug made a point of visiting Fay twice a day at meal times, so they could still share their days in as normal a way as possible. Fay died peacefully at the end of 2007.
Doug and Fay were members of the MS society for the past 20 years. A builder by trade, Doug offered his services as a volunteer and became the handyman for the office. Whenever anything needed to be constructed, repaired, picked up or invented, Doug was always there with a ready smile, happy to help.
Doug continues to volunteer for the MS Society today. He serves as a reminder of the value of relationships and friendships and how important it is for us to care for one another.
» Read about previous years' winners
