Sisters of Compassion

News Archive 2004

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week - Sr Duchesne

Sister Duchesne was at a peak in her nursing and midwifery career when she was diagnosed with MS.

"I was driving and I noticed I had to actually pick up my leg to use the accelerator."

"I was always tired but I kept finding excuses."

Sr Duchesne

Sister Duchesne's sight began to be affected and she went from being a carer to eventually needing to be cared for.

"It was very hard to accept. I had expected to work until a late age and I had always seen myself as a nurse. Suddenly, I needed to be looked after."

Sister Duchesne's religious life helped her find meaning in the illness and ultimately cope with it, she said. She still helps where she can within the Margaret Wilson home where she lives and spends time with the patients each day.

Article courtesy of The Timaru Courier, 2 September 2004