When Rachel was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis just after finishing high school, she had no idea how deeply it would one day shape her family life. Today, Rachel is a mum of two, navigating school drop‑offs, family outings and bedtime reading - all while living with a condition that brings fatigue, uncertainty and invisible challenges. MS isn’t just something Rachel lives with; it’s something her whole family plans around, every single day. 

For Rachel’s kids, Tate and Sophia, MS is part of everyday life in quiet ways many people don’t see. Family adventures are carefully chosen around accessibility and energy levels. Appointments, treatments and recovery days are mapped into the calendar. And on harder days, it’s about slowing down, resting and reading together. Those moments matter - not just as downtime, but as connection, comfort and routine when things feel unpredictable. 

That’s why MS Readathon is so special to their family. Rachel remembers doing Readathon herself as a child - long before her own diagnosis - and when Tate and Sophia, were old enough, getting involved together felt like a full‑circle moment. Reading side‑by‑side, cheering each other on and turning pages into purpose helps her children understand that even small actions can make a big difference for other families living with MS. 

Support from MS organisations has helped Rachel’s family feel less alone on this journey. Through events, resources and connections like the Help Line, they’ve found community, understanding and reassurance during moments that could otherwise feel isolating. That’s what MS Readathon fundraising does - it turns reading into real‑world support, helping families feel seen, supported and hopeful when they need it most. 

So when you sign up, read and fundraise, you’re doing more than building kids’ reading habits. You’re standing beside families like Rachel’s. You’re helping children understand empathy, action and kindness. And you’re reminding parents living with MS that they are not facing this alone - page by page, family by family.