Meet Adri van Zyl, the Limpopo Mom, Adventurer and Healer Living Boldly With MS

Photo Credit: Adri van Zyle

Limpopo’s Adri van Zyl joins South Africa’s MS heroes, showing how resilience, love and adventure carry her through every challenge.

Limpopo, South Africa (03 December 2025) – Today, we meet Adri van Zyl, who joins a group of inspiring South Africans who are sharing their journeys living with Multiple Sclerosis. These heroes have been sharing their life stories in an effort to raise awareness about the disease and in honour of the 75th anniversary of Multiple Sclerosis South Africa. To date, we have met ten heroes who have helped to dispel misconceptions and challenge stereotypes, and Adri has become our 11th for 2025!

The disease is still underrepresented in South Africa, but that is changing! 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 people suffering from these health issues. And in a world where state healthcare struggles to meet basic demands, they unite those who face uncertainty in treatment, advocating for change!

Our hope this year was to highlight many stories in celebration of their 75th anniversary, a diamond jubilee, so to speak. It is 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 are 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 2.9 million people worldwide. MS is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system.

There is so much more to the disease, which we have shared for World MS Day 2023 here.

Adri Takes on Mountains to Live Her Best Life

Adri van Zyl has an adventurous heart. Living in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo, with her husband Anton, and sons Jaco and Elardus, she runs the local wound clinic, caring for the community and making sure they have everything they need to heal.

When she isn’t helping others, her adventurous side comes out. Being based in Louis Trichardt means she and Anton get to enjoy the outdoors. They enjoy tandem mountain biking in the plantations near their home and walking, with Adri’s trusty walking stick by her side.

“Our greatest indulgence is spending a night or two in the northern part of the Kruger National Park, relaxing with our binoculars and cameras. We’re becoming more and more like “birdies”!”, Adri chimes in.

But the adventure of this beautiful life has come with challenges. Adri was diagnosed with MS in 2011 after an episode of double vision wouldn’t clear. She spent two months working with her GP, an ophthalmologist, and finally a neurologist, who sent her for an MRI, which confirmed the diagnosis. Adri shared that it was a massive shock because she had never even heard of the disease.

With damage to her left optic nerve, she learned that there were parts of life she would have to give up, namely her love for squash. Before they started treatment, her neurologist wanted to see how the second flare would present itself. Adri experienced severe balance problems and paralysis of her left leg.

Treatment was started, and while it was meant to help, Adri didn’t have a great time, experiencing chills, headaches and pain.

She slowly started learning to walk using her walking stick, but had to give up cycling and dancing.

“I was unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster, angry, sad, and sometimes trapped in the company of the “black dog.”

I felt no one would understand, because I didn’t look sick, except for my wobbly walk.

Fortunately, someone told me about MSSA, which helped me find support and understanding.”

She spent six years struggling through her first treatment plan, but decided it was time for something new. She was enrolled in a trial treatment, which made a massive difference.

“It made a difference. I began to live healthier, walked more, and got more sunlight.”

Ahead lay a mountain she never imagined, filled with challenges and lessons, but most importantly, hope.

Anton had always dreamed of climbing Kilimanjaro, and Adri wanted to be there alongside him. She started training, and her sons also decided to join in, making it a major family adventure. They planned to reach the top on the 31st of December 2019, to see in the new year together and start the new decade off with a major win.

Unfortunately, despite all her hard work, Adri had to turn back just 600m from the top. Her lack of oxygen was causing hallucinations, and it was just too risky. She was devastated, saying it was one of the hardest decisions to turn back.

Despite this heartache, Adri has carried herself forward in faith and found peace in her life. She shares that MS challenges not only oneself but relationships, too. It is in these challenges that one finds their truest bonds.

She has lots of insights to share for anyone who is setting off on this journey for the first time.

Keep your brain active – puzzles, word games, or a hobby like jigsaw puzzles.
Do something physical – even if it’s just a walk around the block or beginner Pilates. Swimming is also a great option.
Enjoy small moments – drink your tea on a beautiful porch in the sun.
Limit junk food and drink plenty of water.
When you open your eyes in the morning, thank your Creator for a new day—and in the evening, thank Him for His grace that has carried you.

Adri proves that even when you face challenges or have to let go of something you love, you find a way forward; whether it’s with a trusty walking stick in hand or a loved one helping you stay balanced.