In memory of Wendy Lovelace.
Feature image: Architecture & Access Brisbane team
MS (multiple sclerosis) is a disease of the central nervous system, affecting more young adult Australians than any other chronic neurological condition. The average age of diagnosis is between 20 and 40 years old, and interestingly three times more women are affected by MS than men.
In Australia, over 33,300 people currently have MS, however this figure is increasing as diagnosis methods become more advanced.[1]
The MS Moonlight Walk is one of MS Queensland’s flagship events, taking place in October each year to raise funds and help make a real impact for those living with MS.
Architecture & Access’s Queensland Access Leader, Patricia Flores has traditionally participated in this annual event with a dear friend and colleague, Wendy Lovelace. Fuelled by her love of architecture and informed by her lived experience with MS, Wendy was a passionate advocate on behalf of people with a disability. Wendy experienced life richly prior to sadly passing away peacefully in May 2022.
Image: Wendy Lovelace
And so with Wendy in mind, the Architecture & Access Queensland team decided to participate in the 2023 MS Moonlight walk to raise funds. On Saturday 28 October, celebrating 25 years of the MS Moonlight Walk in Queensland, we found each other at Davies Park, West End with walking shoes, tutus and a sense of humour in tow for a 5km walk. Partner’s and pets included, we strolled with throngs of supporters from West End to South Bank and back as the sun set and the red lanterns lit the pathway.
As a team, with help from our supporters, we raised just short of $1000, contributing to the goal of $300,000 for MS, and made new discoveries about each other. The evening was rounded off with a debrief drink and bite to eat before retiring the lanterns until October 2024.
[1] https://www.moonlightwalk.com.au/about-ms
