Non Smit

John Baldwin once thought he was having a stroke. Instead, he began a long journey toward a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. In this MS Lens story he shares the fragile mathematics of living with MS and the quiet strength required to rebuild life.

At 25, newly qualified and physically strong, Dr Jan-Gert Nel was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This is the story of a doctor who became a patient — and the identity shifts that followed.

As we close our MS Heroes Series for MSSA’s 75th anniversary year, it feels fitting to end with someone whose life is a quiet, steady reminder of what it means to live with courage, humour, and grace. Today, we share the story of Arlene Aldawaimeh — not as a symbol, not as a headline, but as a woman who has learned to adapt, to redefine her path, and to greet each day with intention, even when her body resists her plans. A Story of Adaptation and Choosing Joy Arlene spent most of her professional life in the corporate world. When she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2013, she did what so many South Africans with MS do: she carried on, adjusted where she could, held onto hope, and found ways to keep moving through unpredictable terrain. But the pandemic shifted many realities — including her own.Her physical ability changed, and with that came a crossroads. At 54, she made the brave decision to leave the certainty of a corporate routine and step into a new chapter: helping people create the travel experiences she once loved taking herself. Travel has always been Arlene’s heartbeat. “Give me the bush over a mall any day,” she laughs — and anyone who knows her will smile at that truth. She loved photography so much that her camera bag was always heavier than her clothing bag. While travel is now more demanding, she still lives that passion by helping others explore the world. Finding Beauty in the Slow Moments At home, Arlene has created a space that feels like an extension of her soul — quiet, green corners nurtured through her love of gardening. When she can’t be in nature, these spaces meet her halfway. When movement is limited, she finds comfort in wildlife documentaries or engineering shows (a favourite surprise for many who know her). Her days may look different now, but they are full. They hold meaning.They hold choice. The Long Road to Diagnosis For two years before her official diagnosis, Arlene lived with unexplained symptoms and episodes that didn’t make sense. When MS was finally confirmed in November 2013, she felt something unexpected: relief. The unknown was over — at least one part of it.But as she now understands, MS is a journey of constant recalibration. “MS has taken plenty,” she says, “but it has also made me far more sympathetic toward others fighting their own battles.” Arlene speaks honestly about learning to walk away from conflict — understanding that her energy is a precious resource, something she chooses where to place. “It’s not weakness,” she says. “It’s wisdom.” Her faith has strengthened in these years, grounding her: “I don’t fear the tomorrows I live with. Whatever today brings — I face it. And I still make plans to travel and enjoy as much of the wild and my life as I can.” The Challenge of Finding the Right Support Like many people with MS in South Africa, Arlene has struggled to access the right physical-rehabilitation support. She is searching for clinicians who understand MS and can help her build targeted strength, mobility, and core stability. Her only regret? “That I didn’t start sooner, when I was more mobile.” This reflection is one we hear often — and one we hope changes as more people receive earlier diagnosis, earlier treatment, and earlier access to knowledgeable healthcare professionals. Arlene’s Message to Others Living With MS There is one thing Arlene wants people with MS to hold onto: “You are braver and stronger than you realise. More resilient than anyone will ever give you credit for. When you feel like giving up, look back at what you’ve survived already — then tell me that what you’re facing right now is bigger than that.” She reminds us to celebrate the small victories — the ones nobody else sees — because those are the ones that build us. “Choose to remember what that feels like.” A Special Word of Appreciation for Tyler Leigh Vivier As we close this remarkable series, we also want to honour Tyler Leigh Vivier of Good Things Guy, whose dedication, empathy, and exceptional storytelling have shaped every one of these MS Hero features. Tyler has not only reported on these journeys — she has held them with care. Her ability to listen deeply, write truthfully, and celebrate the humanity behind each story has helped South Africans see MS through a more compassionate, hopeful lens. Her commitment has ensured that each hero’s voice was honoured with dignity, accuracy, and heart. You can read her full feature on Arlene here: https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/arlene-aldawaimeh-ms-hero/ Honouring the Final MS Hero of 2025 As we conclude this year’s 75th anniversary storytelling series, Arlene stands among an extraordinary group of South Africans who have let us into their lives — their vulnerabilities, their strength, their humour, and their hope. Their stories will live on our platforms as a resource for the newly diagnosed, for families, for clinicians who want to understand the lived experience, and for anyone searching for a reminder that MS does not end a life — it reshapes it. Arlene reminds us that resilience does not always roar.Sometimes, it simply smiles — even on the hard days.