For lifelong Broncos fan and rugby league player Bailey, a recent diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) brought one immediate question to mind:
Will I still be able to play rugby?
It was a confronting moment for 16-year-old Bailey, who has lived and breathed rugby league for the past 12 years, and for his family, who endured a long and emotional journey to finally get answers.
His mum, Narelle, said the diagnosis process was an emotional rollercoaster.
“It took a lot to get diagnosed because we kept getting told, ‘Oh, he’s a healthy teenage boy, you’re fine,’” Narelle said.
“But through persistence and some teary phone calls, we finally got through to the right people and were able to get him diagnosed.”
Neurological conditions affect 1 in 4 Queenslanders and MS is the most common chronic neurological condition affecting young adults, with most people diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.
While there is currently no cure, MS Queensland provides vital support and services to Queenslanders living with MS and neurological conditions, including stroke, motor neuron disease (MND), dementia, epilepsy, chronic migraine and Parkinson’s disease.
As part of the Brisbane Broncos’ Round 13 Charity Partnership with MS Queensland, Corey Jensen and Preston Riki visited the organisation’s Neuro Wellness Hub in Milton to meet Bailey and learn more about the services supporting Queenslanders living with neurological conditions.
During the visit, the Broncos toured the facility and saw the CMiLL — a first-of-its-kind neurological rehabilitation device helping people living with neurological conditions improve movement, mobility and quality of life.
MS Queensland CEO David Curd said for people like Bailey, having the Broncos charity partnership meant he could meet his idols while giving him hope for the future.
Neurological conditions steal the best from people and with the support of the Broncos and the amazing Broncos matchday crowd, we can offer the 1.3 million Queenslanders who live with a neurological condition hope — hope for a cure, hope to live the best they can with the right supports, services and community connection that helps them do that.
David Curd
MS Queensland CEO
“We are incredibly grateful to the Broncos and their fans for their support of MS Queensland.”
Despite the challenges that come with an MS diagnosis, Bailey remains focused on staying positive and continuing to chase his dreams.
“You’ve always just got to look forward and look for the positives in life,” he said.
Just keep going.
Never give up.
Always go for your dreams.”
Bailey
For more than 65 years, MS Queensland has been the state’s largest provider of neurological support services, helping thousands of Queenslanders access life-changing care, connection and community support.
The Brisbane Broncos will proudly support MS Queensland during Sunday’s Round 13 clash against the Dragons, with proceeds from the 50-50 Charity Raffle going directly to the organisation.