March 3rd 2011
My name is Joanne Blesing and I was a successful Melbourne designer. Over six years ago my illustrious career was irrevocably disrupted by MS. I took my diagnosis in my stride. I returned to Adelaide for the support of my parents whilst I recovered enough to resume a somewhat normal life.
My initial diagnosis however, turned into a rapid onset of full blown chronic case of secondary MS. This combined with a spinal injury sustained as a result of an earlier car accident made for an unbearably painful daily existence for which even doctors had no solution.
At this low point, I completely withdrew from all social interaction purely and simply for the purpose of personal survival.
2 years ago, after 4 years of waiting, I started my personal battle to fight again for my health. This included the initialisation of the 1000 document submission and justification process for an electric wheelchair to which the end result has been Julia Farr through the MS McLeod Benevolent Fund, providing me a grant for the new ‘Levo’ electric standing wheelchair which is the first of its kind in South Australia. The grant also covered an exercise bike of an amazing style, which I had been able to cycle at rehab, (even though no one believed, it had been possible the years of cycling previously in my life as a triathlete allowed the memory to remain within the nervous system). The purpose of this grant is to research the impact of these innovative pieces of equipment on my active participation within the community and to identify and promote the benefits that result, so that others may be given the opportunity through the government funding.
Through my desire for personal growth and change, not only did I achieve the above, I also managed to acquire for myself a voluntary lecturing role at Adelaide University this being my first step in the direction of social reintegration.
Through determination and willpower, www.imageshift.info was created to shift as few or as many into a different state of consciousness.
The planning of this event has been achieved in spite of multiple, adverse factors and is the first stage of a larger framework for the return to work and society.
Five months ago now, I was granted the Levo C3 standing wheelchair. This amazing piece of technology has enabled me to stand up, providing independence and a new level of mobility.
Being able to be elevated to standing height makes such a difference in my mobility, and has increased my level of independence. But apart from the obvious physical advantages, one of the real changes has been to the way others see me and the way I see myself.
Being at everyone else’s level gives you a presence, makes you feel equal, and allows you to see the world from their perspective. It’s been amazing for my self-esteem and morale.
Whilst I can say that giving up was never on my radar, my new sense of self with the combination of my background of design and creativity, my desire to recreate and reestablish myself into the public eye, and obviously my experience of living with a severe disability, sparked the creation of “Image Shift”.
A Black Tie Masquerade Charity Dinner with the inclusion of a fashion parade of support team and the disabled was my way to make a difference. I wanted to give others the opportunity to be made glamorous, feel beautiful and play dress up - not only those in the parade but those attending as well. I had been playing dress up and presenter for years before my illness, and love the Melbourne designer within. I want to impart this knowledge and belief to others that may enjoy this aspect of life. The event, sponsored by Napoleon Perdis, Toni & Guy Adelaide, and Smallacombe Real Estate amongst others, showcased a fashion parade of beauty and glamour against all odds.
