<p><a href="https://join.themay50k.org/welcome?utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=event&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23659089332&gbraid=0AAAABDFVaC_wfkma3uFOMVoukOwWw8Cwq&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1OOjjfDzkwMVASaDAx0VewV-EAAYASAAEgIAtvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The May 50K</a> is fast approaching and today we explore its impact on <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/research/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MS (multiple sclerosis) research</a>, and how participants support important research advancements.</p><p>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 <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/what-is-multiple-sclerosis-ms/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MS</a>.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Today’s guests are Dr Fiona McKay, Deputy Head of Research at MS Australia, Sophie Drummond from our Member Organisation <a href="https://www.msplus.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MS Plus</a> and Campaign Manager for The May 50K, also Dr Amanda Kennedy, a member of MS Australia’s <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/leep/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lived Experience Expert Panel</a> (the LEEP) and <a href="https://profiles.sydney.edu.au/amanda.kennedy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lecturer in Marketing at The University of Sydney</a>. Sophie and Amanda also live with MS.</p><p>Key topics include:</p><ul><li>The significance of The May 50K event in MS research funding</li><li>How exercise benefits people living with MS and the community</li><li>The role of community and teamwork in fundraising success</li><li>Research priorities and breakthroughs in MS, including EBV (Epstein-Barr virus) and progressive MS trials</li><li>Personal stories of MS diagnosis, advocacy, and participation in the May 50K and strategies for fundraising</li><li>New innovations and incentives for May 50K participants</li><li>MS Australia’s Lived Experience Expert Panel</li></ul><p>You 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>For helpful MS contacts in your local area, visit our <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/supports-and-services/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Support and Services page</a> and check out MS Australia’s new <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/lifestyle" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lifestyle Guide for people living with MS</a>.</p>