Title: From Relief to Personal Motivation: One Woman’s Journey as an MS Fund Collector
Tamar‘s story starts, as many journeys do, with a question mark. In 2010, she found herself in a whirlwind of medical appointments and tests, seeking answers for herundefined symptoms. After being transferred to the Ikazia Hospital’s neurologist, Tamar underwent a series of tests to rule out potential conditions like a brain tumor, MS, Parkinson’s, Lyme disease, or a bacterial infection. Initially, she was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, but further investigations at Erasmus MC couldn’t confirm this.
In the waiting room of Erasmus MC, Tamar saw a flyer from the National MS Fund (Nationaal MS Fonds) seeking collectors. Having just received the news that she didn’t have MS, she felt immense relief. Driven by a desire to help others who might face the diagnosis, Tamar signed up as a collector.
However, Tamar’s personal journey took a twist. After more tests, her own neurologist at Ikazia Hospital confirmed her worst fears – she had MS. This revelation changed her perspective on collecting, turning it into a deeply personal mission. She wasn’t just collecting for others anymore; she was collecting for herself and her community.
Tamar’s experience as a collector has been nothing short of inspiring. She started as the sole collector in Zuid-Beijerland, with her family by her side. Over time, their small team grew into a robust group of around 30 active collectors. Tamar’s role evolved too, from a simple collector to a co-coordinator, before easing back into the primary role of collector.
The most rewarding part of collecting, Tamar notes, is the minimal time investment that yieldsmaximum satisfaction. Her advice to potential collectors? "You don’t need to have MS to make a difference. It’s about caring and making a personal commitment to helping others."
Her words echo the broader sentiment that everyone can play a part in the fight against MS. So, if you’re inspired by Tamar’s story and share her passion for helping those affected by MS, consider joining her as a collector for the National MS Fund. Every moment you give can make a world of difference.
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