The Raw Nerve

The May 50K is fast approaching and today we explore its impact on MS (multiple sclerosis) research, and how participants support important research advancements.Since launching in 2019, this fun and flexible fitness challenge for individuals and workplace teams has raised more than $25.5 million to support world-class research into the prevention, treatment and cure of MS.Each May, thousands of people in Australia and around the world walk, run, roll, swim 50 kilometres, or set their own goal or activity, to help leave MS where it belongs, behind us.In this episode, Raw Nerve host Jeremy Henderson speaks with three passionate May 50K champions and participants about the importance of community, exercise, and fundraising in the fight against MS.Today’s guests are Dr Fiona McKay, Deputy Head of Research at MS Australia, Sophie Drummond from our Member Organisation MS Plus and Campaign Manager for The May 50K, also Dr Amanda Kennedy, a member of MS Australia’s Lived Experience Expert Panel (the LEEP) and Lecturer in Marketing at The University of Sydney. Sophie and Amanda also live with MS.Key topics include:The significance of The May 50K event in MS research fundingHow exercise benefits people living with MS and the communityThe role of community and teamwork in fundraising successResearch priorities and breakthroughs in MS, including EBV (Epstein-Barr virus) and progressive MS trialsPersonal stories of MS diagnosis, advocacy, and participation in the May 50K and strategies for fundraisingNew innovations and incentives for May 50K participantsMS Australia’s Lived Experience Expert PanelYou will hear how to register for The May 50K 2026 and clock the kilometres, to help support life-changing research into the prevention, treatment and finding a cure for MS.Whether you are already signed up or simply curious about how movement can drive real change, this episode is a great source of inspiration to get involved.For helpful MS contacts in your local area, visit our Support and Services page and check out MS Australia’s new Lifestyle Guide for people living with MS.

On today’s Raw Nerve, we present part two of an interview with Stephen Crawford, a Canberra-based artist and musician who lives with multiple sclerosis (MS).In part one, Stephen shared with us his uniquely individual story – starting with his childhood in Scotland and moving to Australia in the 1980s – and many fascinating anecdotes, with his signature dark humour, resilience, and positivity.Stephen creates artwork to help people understand what it’s like to live with MS. In this second part, Stephen discusses the intersection of MS and his art, and his plans for how he hopes to continue to educate and inform others. He introduces us to his art practice and methodologies, and where it all began, his painting journey, and what his artworks represent. He shares many references to popular culture and their link to MS, and colourful analogies to help describe what is going on inside his body. Stephen also talks about MS symptoms, his love of storytelling, the importance of fundraising for MS research, and advice for others newly-diagnosed with MS.No two people experience MS in the same way, and so too everyone finds strength in their own way, as Stephen’s story attests.If you listen carefully, you will hear that Stephen is drawing throughout the conversation. Below, we have included some of his artworks.This episode includes mentions of injuries, medical procedures, and some dark themes, in the context of the interviewee’s unique life journey.For helpful MS contacts in your local area, visit our Support and Services page and check out MS Australia’s new Lifestyle Guide for people living with MS.Stephen Crawford's Art

On today’s Raw Nerve, we present part one of an interview with Stephen Crawford, a Canberra-based artist and musician who lives with multiple sclerosis (MS).Stephen shares with us his uniquely individual story – starting with his childhood in Scotland and moving to Australia in the 1980s – and many fascinating anecdotes, with his signature dark humour, resilience, and positivity.Stephen creates artwork to help people understand what it’s like to live with MS. In this first part, Stephen talks through his recent MS diagnosis, the process he went through, and life with a chronic illness. He also discusses symptoms, the impact of MS on his career and day-to-day work, and other elements of his life, dealing with adversity and various humps along his journey.No two people experience MS in the same way, and so too everyone finds strength in their own way, as Stephen’s story attests.If you listen carefully, you will hear that Stephen is drawing throughout the conversation. Below, we have included some of his artworks.In a future episode, Stephen discusses the intersection of MS and his art, as well as his plans for how he hopes to continue to educate and inform others.This episode includes mentions of injuries, medical procedures, and some dark themes in the context of the interviewee’s unique life journey.For helpful MS contacts in your local area, visit our Support and Services page and check out MS Australia’s new Lifestyle Guide for people living with MS.Stephen Crawford's Art

Join us for a special episode of the Raw Nerve Podcast as we celebrate excellence in MS Australia research, showcase exciting projects from our most recent MS Research Grant Round, and discuss the need for greater government investment in neurological research.MS Australia has invested millions into funding and facilitating MS research in Australia and around the globe. Outside of government, we are the largest funder of MS research in Australia, having invested over $75 million to date.In this episode of the Raw Nerve podcast we take you to Parliamentary Friends of MS event at Parliament House Canberra.You’ll hear from Parliamentary Friends of MS Co-Chairs Senator Wendy Askew and Senator Deborah O’Neill and explore MS Australia’s research program with Dr Tennille Luker, Head of Research at MS Australia. Member for Griffith, Renee Coffey MP speaks about the value of MS research through the lens of lived experience and political representation. And Dr Monique Ryan, Independent Member for Kooyong discusses the critical importance of medical research and the need to unlock and invest more Commonwealth funding.Useful links:MS Research Grants Announcement

Today’s Raw Nerve episode explores the major new report: Multiple Sclerosis Prevalence and Health Economic Impact in Australia 2025.Released at MS Australia’s 2025 Progress in MS Research Conference, the report reveals that a record 37,756 Australians are now living with multiple sclerosis (MS) – a 13.3% increase in just three years since 2021.The report is the third major publication on the cost of MS in Australia, commissioned by MS Australia and produced by the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania. The primary data source is the Australian MS Longitudinal Study (AMSLS).Joining guest host Dr Fiona McKay, Deputy Head of Research at MS Australia are report lead author Dr Julie Campbell, Senior Research Fellow at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania; report author Professor Bruce Taylor, Neurologist and Academic Lead – also from Menzies and Dr Tennille Luker, Head of Research at MS Australia. Professor Taylor is also co-recipient of MS Australia’s 2025 MS Research Award, recognising more than 25 years of leadership in advancing MS research and improving outcomes for people living with the condition.We wanted to help listeners understand a bit about the report and what it all means, including the impact of MS on quality of life and employment, what might be contributing to the increased prevalence of MS, key findings and recommendations for improving outcomes for those affected by MS and the importance of sustained and rigorous MS research funding and response.For Dr Luker, the report is a clear, credible story of what MS looks like today in Australia: how people are affected, what MS costs and where the biggest gaps are and she shares many other key takeaways.Also mentioned today is the Global MS Prevention Initiative which MS Australis is co-leading along with MS Canada, the important role of MS Nurses, Brain Health, PLATYPUS and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and its Agency (the NDIA).Visit our Support and Services page for contacts in your local area and check out MS Australia’s new Lifestyle Guide for people living with MS.