From swimming to hosting quiz nights, Claudia Dieckmann is using her inside knowledge and strength to raise awareness and funds for MS South Africa.
Cape Town, South Africa (12 February 2025) — This year marks a very important celebration for Multiple Sclerosis South Africa. The incredible organisation is celebrating 75 years of raising awareness and support for South Africans with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). To honour those South Africans, we are delighted to highlight their inspiring stories as they face the unknown battles with their bodies to live life to the fullest. Today, we meet Claudia Dieckmann, who is going above and beyond to raise awareness.
The disease is still underrepresented in South Africa, but that is about to change! Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (MSSA) is raising the profile of the disease, offering support for families and raising funds to help make a difference. Their goal is to unite Africa and create a federation for the continent that will empower thousands of sufferers.
We hope to highlight many stories for their 75th anniversary; a diamond jubilee so to speak. A celebration of all the gems who aim to make living with MS a little easier.
What is Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. It interrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body. Symptoms can range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis.
Every case is proving unique, and the progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted but advances in research, and treatment is moving closer to a world free of MS.
Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide. MS is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. Today, over 2,500,000 people around the world have MS.
There is so much more to the disease, which we have shared for World MS Day 2023 here.
Claudia Dieckmann’s Take on Life with MS.
Born in Joburg, Claudia Dieckmann has lived life in many places. She spent eight years in the United Kingdom before returning to South Africa and settling in Cape Town.
Claudia was diagnosed in 2011, shortly after returning home. The MS diagnosis came with its typical challenges and has meant she had to reassess her working ability. Now medically boarded, she focuses her energy on staying healthy and raising funds for MSSA.
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While there have been great challenges, Claudia has also managed to find some triumphs, making the most of her situation.
“It is an ever-changing journey, but learning my limits and accepting my “new normal” continues to be a challenge. I really struggled with finding my purpose.”
Claudia’s purpose has come from raising awareness and funds for MSSA through swimming challenges, which is the only sport she can now safely do, and through hosting quiz nights. She has become a committee member of MSSA, volunteering as the Fundraising Coordinator. Claudia does Swim4MS and Quiz4MS as ways to boost revenue. Quiz4MS has become a highly successful monthly calendar event. Claudia has several events planned for 2025, so she says, “Watch this space”!
As for advice for others, she shares some truly sound advice.
“Motion is lotion. I can’t stress enough how important it is to keep moving. Keep strong. This relates to emotionally and physically.
When I was diagnosed, I was petrified of landing up in a wheelchair. With the right medication and a holistic approach to managing your disease. Being in a wheelchair will probably never happen.
Also, reach out. Join the MSSA. It is a font of information and support. Being diagnosed and living with MS can be a lonely road… but it doesn’t have to be.
Get a good Doctor. I know South Africa has few Neurologists and even fewer specialising in MS but get one in your corner. They will help make the right decisions for you regarding the management of your MS and will give comfort to your loved ones.”
And lastly,
“Make peace with the fact that you will have an ongoing and frustrating relationship with your Medical Aid.”
There is much to learn, and if you find yourself facing a diagnosis of MS, please know you are not alone. You can join the community here.
Sources: GTG Interview
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