Dianne is a woman with a lot of positive energy surrounding her, a lot of gratitude for her life and a lot of hope for the future. This is not to say that Dianne’s life has been without challenges or obstacles, quite the opposite in fact, but it’s her unique journey that has given her this positive perspective and unyielding strength in life. And she’s still here, taking it day by day, enjoying what her life has to offer.

Dianne was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in 1999, Multiple Sclerosis in 2014, and also had a stroke in 2019. Due to her conditions, Dianne experiences decreased strength and range of motion on her left side which affects her daily tasks and mobility. She can walk short distances around the home with the aid of a gutter frame and her support workers help her access the community in her manual wheelchair. Fortunately, she has a power wheelchair on the way which will bring her increased independence and access. 

Currently, Dianne lives with her cat, Hugo. She receives daily support to assist with self-care, domestic tasks and community access. Despite the formal support Dianne receives, she remains very self-sufficient and as independent as possible in many areas of her life. Dianne is also incredibly grateful to have two very supportive daughters in her life and a strong group of friends who she meets regularly at the local shopping centre. The informal support in Dianne’s life, such as her family and friends, are what has helped keep her going and in a positive mindset.

Dianne loves her hobbies around the home – namely gardening, cooking and crafts. She’s always loved to “see how things grow”. She will often rescue plants that are destined to be thrown away from her local Bunnings and take them home to revive them. Seeing them flourish gives her great satisfaction. Cooking for her family is something very meaningful to Dianne, and she is very pleased with a recent kitchen modification that now accommodates her wheelchair. A self-described “craft-y”, Dianne gets into sewing and knitting as well. Often knitting anything she feels like, from baby clothes for a future grandchild to more practical items like beautifully crafted covers to hold her hot bowls of food, ensuring safety and style while eating!

Dianne’s biggest focus is being around for her kids and making sure they are happy. She has many hopes for them and their futures and she feels so grateful to still be here to witness them living their lives. Several years ago, she was told she would not have long to live, so she considers this bonus time to spend with loved ones. 

Dianne acknowledges there have been many hiccups throughout this bonus time, but she is still here. She believes she has a choice to either live or “roll up in a ball and give up”, and she chooses to keep living. Dianne constantly reminds herself, “day by day, another month, another year” and she feels very thankful.

While each individual’s health journey is unique, positive thinking and a shift in mindset has been a powerful tool for Dianne. She believes that, despite her health challenges, she still has a life that she has control over. By sharing her story, Dianne wishes to instill hope and encourage others to know that “if you put your mind to it, you can achieve things. You don’t know until you try.”