“But I’m still here. Still pushing forward. Still me.”- Peter Munari’s story

Meet Peter Munari, a long-time client of the MS Society SA & NT, who is well-known for his quick wit, quality humour, and ability to make anyone laugh. But behind the infectious personality is a powerful story of resilience and strength in the face of a life-changing diagnosis.

Peter was just 28 years old when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1989. At the time, he was thriving in a sales role, excited about the future, and had never even heard of MS.

“I was in the toilet at work when my legs just went numb,” Peter recalls. “I had no idea what MS was; I had to look it up in an encyclopedia.”

After a week of tests and hospital visits, Peter received the diagnosis – MS. Like many clients, MS can be very unpredictable, and for many years, he never experienced any symptoms; he felt fine and even convinced himself it wasn’t real.

For nearly a decade, he continued to work, pushing through and staying positive. It wasn’t until years later that the symptoms began to take their toll: fatigue, weakness, nerve pain, and eventually, the inability to continue working. Luckily, at this stage, Peter had done some research and had also been in contact with the MS Society.

Peter has faced many tough days and even weeks. He recalls the day he woke up and couldn’t speak or write.

“There was a point I couldn’t talk or write for two weeks. It was terrifying,” he shares.

“It scared the hell out of me”.

His neurologist at the time, Dr Donald Burrow, who is now retired, immediately sent Peter to the chemist, where he was treated with medication to ensure his speech and writing came back.

After a couple of weeks, Peter was able to talk and write again, but he is still fearful of this happening again.

Peter has faced many physical and emotional challenges since, but his determination remains. He attends gym, physio, and hydrotherapy sessions put on by the MS Society and lives by the motto, “Move it or lose it.”

The MS Society’s support has played a crucial role in Peter’s journey. From hydrotherapy to helping him navigate the disability pension system, he says our guidance has made a real difference.

“They’ve always pointed me in the right direction, especially when things get complicated”, he says.

“They just understand.”

Through all the highs and lows of living with MS, his biggest support system has been his beloved wife, Maria. His steady rock and strongest ally.  “She’s had to take on a lot more. I try not to be a burden, but she’s amazing,” he says.

The journey has not been easy. Peter speaks openly about the mental toll and the importance of seeking help. “Mentally, it’s tough. I see a psychologist, and he really helped shift my thinking”.

His psychologist said, “Focus on what you can do”. That’s when Peter’s mindset shifted; he started doing things that brought him happiness, like going to the dog park.

“I don’t even have a dog at the moment”, he says.

“But I go every night. That’s my therapy”.

Despite everything, Peter remains determined and optimistic. Never allowing the lows of MS to win, although, like many, some days he wants to.

With courage, humour, and resilience, Peter continues to face MS head-on. “I refuse to let go,” he says. “I’ll keep going until I can’t. And I hope that day never comes.”

Peter knows MS can be overwhelming, especially at the beginning.

His advice to others: “Stay positive. Don’t let it drag you down. Use what you’ve got left, and make it count.”

Though MS has changed Peter’s life, it hasn’t changed who he is. “Yeah, I thought I’d be travelling the world by now,” he admits. “But I’m still here. Still pushing forward. Still me.”