north east regional extra | May 8 - 14, 2019
nemedia.com.au
1.
May 8 - 14, 2019
◆ DETERMINED: Katelyn Papakostas is passionate about raising awareness of, and funds for, multiple sclerosis. PHOTO: Mel Guy
By KYLIE WILSON
SPENDING six months last year in medical limbo before finally receiving a diagnosis of a rare paediatric form of multiple sclerosis (MS), Wangaratta teenager Katelyn Papakostas is passionate about raising funds for research into the condition, as well as raising awareness. She first went to the doctor in February 2018 after experiencing tingling sensations in her leg, along with weakness and even falling asleep in class, but said doctors initially believed it was related to her anxiety. After having an MRI, doctors believed she may have had a tumour, and she soon had further tests done at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. While the tumour was ruled out, medical teams then thought she had demyelination (loss of protective covering) of a nerve in her back, but when symptoms recurred, she was finally diagnosed with MS in August last year. Multiple sclerosis in young people is rare, with only about five per cent of people with MS experiencing disease onset before they reach the age of 18, but Katelyn is philosophical about her situation. “The main thing now is just living with it everyday,” She said. “I have a different outlook on things now.” Balancing her medical needs with her Year 12 studies, Katelyn has plenty of big plans for this year.
Sharing her
Story
Ŷ
Continued page 3
GARDEN HINTS
PET CARE
WINE TALK
YOUR HEALTH
TECH & SCIENCE
with GRANT
with MABEL
with ANITA
with SOPHIE & BELINDA
with CHRIS
Low ongoing variable comparison rate.*
Home loans made simple and easy - as they should be. Visit WAWCU.com.au/backtobasics or call 1300 368 555 to make the switch.
Terms & Conditions apply. Standard lending criteria, fees, charges, terms and conditions apply. WAW may vary or withdraw this offer at any time without notice. *WARNING: The comparison rate is only true for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts may result in a different comparison rate. The comparison rate is based on a secured owner occupied principal and interest loan of $150,000 over 25 years. AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 247298. ABN 48 087 651 787.