Shani Marais is a part-time photographer and full time Mom to two children, living in Franschhoek. She is married to the Winemaker at Grande Provence Wine Estate, Jaco Marais. She was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1999. We asked her a few questions about the disease...

WH: Tell us briefly what MS is and how it changed your life?

Shani Marais:
Multiple Sclerosis is a disorder in which patches of myelin and underlying nerve fibbers in the eyes, brain, and spinal cord are damaged or destroyed. I went from being young and carefree to appreciative and grateful in a very short time in 1999. Suddenly sunsets and beautiful mountains are more important than meeting deadlines. Living for now is no longer a cliché, but a way of life.
I now take responsibility for my well-being by healthy living and take these matters into my own hands.

WH: Were you fit and healthy before you got MS?

Shani Marais:Yes

WH: What is the treatment for MS and how big a role does diet have on living with the disease?

Shani Marais:
Interferon is available which slows down the process in your body, but these injections are very costly and Medical Aids do not cover it unless you meet their requirements. I have applied twice for Avonex since December 2009 and have been declined both times.

Healthy living certainly plays a big role in living with MS, as it does living without MS. If you keep your body strong and healthy it will be able to carry you through any challenges your health might throw at you. That said, keeping your mind positive is equally important.

WH: What’s been the hardest thing for you being diagnosed?

Shani Marais:
Putting my family through a diagnosis must have been the hardest thing for me. Being a parent now myself, I realise the helplessness they went through.

WH: Is there a lack of knowledge of MS in SA?

Shani Marais:
For me, with the World Wide Web at the tip of my fingers, gaining knowledge is never a problem. But I am very aware of the many, many people not as fortunate as me. I am also aware that not many people that I have encountered have known what MS was until I explained. Unless you are involved somehow with MS, either by being diagnosed yourself, or having a relative or friend diagnosed – MS is still a big question mark for many. Once you do get diagnosed or a loved one does, the MS Society Western Cape is there to educate you, should you not have access to internet and need support etc.

What are your goals going forward?

Shani Marais:
I am a full-time mom and part-time photographer living with MS. My goals are simple. I want to be the best mom my kids could wish for. I want to exhibit my work. And I want to continue to help where I can to create awareness of MS.

WH: Any advice to other MS patients out there.?

Shani Marais:
What has helped me through the past 10 years was to know that God will never give me a mountain that I cannot climb. Acknowledge your fears and disappointment; wallow in them if you have to and then – get over it! My dad has these words for me whenever I think life can’t get any harder: “Luckily you don’t have two left feet, my girl! Imagine walking in circles all day long!” Then I laugh – as laughter is healing, I can truly recommend it. Eat and live healthily – this will keep your mind positive and strong. And a strong mind is what pulls you through. Also stress management. As far as you can – manage your stress. The stress you have no control over you can deal with as you need to, the stress that you can avoid or cut out of your life – go ahead! Lastly – we only have a very short time here on earth – so make the best of it every day.

Support MS in SA
Want to know more or support those with MS. Join the Grande Provence “Big 5” Luncheon for Multiple Sclerosis.

The ‘Big 5’ luncheon, held annually in order to create awareness and funds for The Multiple Sclerosis Society of South Africa (MSSA), Western Cape, will take place at the 5-star Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate in Franschhoek on Sunday 2 May 2010.

The “Big 5” 2010 event will feature 5 leading South African Chefs who will present a fabulous 5-course gourmet meal, complemented by the award-winning Grande Provence wines. Live entertainment will take place throughout the day and 5 spectacular items will be auctioned.

Tickets can be purchased from the Estate and regular updates will be made available via www.grandeprovence.co.za. Due to the generosity of all involved the entire cost of the tickets goes directly to MSSA with absolutely no deductions. To make a reservation please call Grande Provence Wine Estate on 021 876 8600 or email reservations@grandeprovence.co.za