In this episode, Claudia Dieckmann shares her personal journey of living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and how she transformed her diagnosis into a driving force for community action and purpose-driven fundraising. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Claudia is not only an MS advocate but also a creative event organizer behind campaigns like Swim4MS and Quiz4MS, supporting the work of Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (NPO 003-275).

Claudia speaks openly about her diagnosis, treatment changes, symptom management, and the emotional side of adjusting to a “new normal.” She also reflects on the importance of community, mindset, and creating fun, inclusive spaces that raise awareness and funds for MS.

• How Claudia experienced her MS diagnosis and what helped her move forward

• Why self-empowerment and community are key pillars in her life

• Her personal routines and what “motion is lotion” means to her

• Insights into organizing MS fundraising events in South Africa

• Her hopes for the future of MS treatment and awareness

• 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://ms-perspektive.com/123-claudia-dieckmann

• 🏊‍♀️ Multiple Sclerosis South Africa: https://multiplesclerosis.co.za

• 📱 Follow MSSA on social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter/X)

“Mindset is everything. You are not alone—and you don’t have to do it all on your own.”

Best place to keep up to date is via the MSSA website and social media platforms.

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter (X)

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Thank you Claudia for all your fundraising efforts.

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

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In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I speak with Christelle Taute, Vice-Chair and Treasurer of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of South Africa (MSSA). Christelle shares her personal MS journey spanning over two decades, including her experience with a stem cell transplant, how she built resilience, and her passionate advocacy work in South Africa.

💚 Whether you’re newly diagnosed, living with MS for years, or supporting someone with MS, Christelle’s story offers hope, honesty, and practical insight.

👉 Full blog post with transcript: https://ms-perspektive.com/122-christelle-taute

• Christelle’s MS diagnosis story and early challenges

• Choosing (and delaying) treatment in the South African system

• Undergoing aHSCT in 2015: how, why, and what changed

• How gratitude and structure help her navigate daily symptoms

• Her advocacy work with MSSA and participation in the May 50K

• Thoughts on what needs to change in MS care in the future

• Her wishes, goals, and advice to her younger self

• MSSA – Multiple Sclerosis Society of South Africa: https://multiplesclerosis.co.za

• Christelle’s blog on her stem cell journey (archived): https://christelletaute.wordpress.com/

• MSIF – Multiple Sclerosis International Federation: https://www.msif.org

• The May 50K Campaign: https://www.themay50k.com

• Interview with Prof. Roland Martin on aHSCT: https://ms-perspektive.com/40-ahsct-roland-martin/
• Interview with Prof. Christoph Heesen on aHSCT: https://ms-perspektive.com/115-ahsct-heesen/
• Interview with Dr. Claudia Marck on smoking and MS: https://ms-perspektive.com/014-smoking/

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit and consider subscribing to the podcast for more personal MS stories and expert interviews.

💌 For more inspiration, visit ms-perspektive.com 📸 Follow along on Instagram: @ms.perspektive.international

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

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Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

🔗 Full interview & blog post to read: https://ms-perspektive.com/121-susanne

In this interview, Susanne Melanie Schmid shares her journey with multiple sclerosis, how she found strength in vulnerability, and what helped her push beyond limits—literally and figuratively. As part of the international TheMay50K challenge, she not only walked over 60 kilometers, but also built meaningful connections, including with MS advocates in South Africa. Susanne speaks about her diagnosis, therapeutic path, and what drives her today with warmth, clarity, and optimism.

This conversation originally aired as part of the MS Perspektive International podcast. A German-language version of the interview is also available.

• Introduction – Who is Susanne Melanie Schmid?
• Diagnosis and status
• TheMay50K
• Wishes and goals
• Quickfire Q&A Session
• Farewell

• MS International Federation (MSIF): https://www.msif.org

• Book: Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn: Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn

• The May50K Challenge: https://www.themay50k.org/how-it-works

Susanne Melanie Schmid: We’re all human. Don’t be afraid to show it. Support each other. It’s more fun to be surrounded by warm-hearted people.

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See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

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👉 Read the full interview as a blog article (including all quotes and topics): 🔗 https://ms-perspektive.com/120-luigi-azzarone

00:00 – Introduction 02:15 – Luigi's background and MS diagnosis 05:42 – How MS led him to neuroscience 08:30 – Speaking at the European Parliament 12:10 – Main messages to policymakers and youth advocates 15:20 – Barriers in accessible housing for young people with disabilities 18:55 – Why information and awareness are crucial 21:10 – Practical solutions for inclusive housing 24:05 – Transitioning existing buildings into accessible homes 26:30 – The role of youth voices in shaping policy 29:45 – Encouragement for young people with MS 32:10 – Balancing life as a researcher and a patient 35:00 – Hopes for future autoimmune disease research 38:05 – Quickfire questions 40:20 – Final reflections and message to the MS community 42:30 – Where to find Luigi online

In this episode, Nele speaks with Luigi Azzarone, a young Italian scientist living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Diagnosed at age 17, Luigi transformed his personal experience into motivation for scientific and social impact. Today, he works in regulatory affairs and neuroscience research while actively advocating for accessibility, inclusion, and patient rights.

We discuss Luigi’s speech at the European Parliament, the urgent need for accessible housing, and how awareness campaigns can empower people living with chronic conditions. He shares how living with MS informs his research — and how young people can make their voices heard in science, politics, and beyond.

A must-listen for anyone looking for hope, perspective, and real-world action.

• MS International Federation (MSIF) – global information & resources 🔗 https://www.msif.org

• Luigi Azzarone on LinkedIn – connect and follow his work 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/luigi-azzarone-1b348119b/

• European Youth Event (EYE) – where Luigi spoke 🔗 https://european-youth-event.europarl.europa.eu/

💬 If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to share it with others in the MS community. And if you’d like to support the podcast, consider leaving a short review — it helps others find these inspiring stories.

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

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👉 Read the full blog article here: https://ms-perspektive.com/119-mssa

In this powerful episode, I speak with Non Helena M. Smit, CEO of MS South Africa, about the unique challenges and inspiring progress in the fight against multiple sclerosis in South Africa. From personal loss to national advocacy, Non Helena shares her journey and the work her team is doing to improve care, increase awareness, and empower people living with MS.

This conversation is part of my international series, showcasing how MS impacts lives across the globe — because while the disease may be the same, the experiences are not. Let’s learn, support, and stand together.

• The structure of MS care in South Africa (private, public, allied)

• Major challenges: delayed diagnosis, lack of access, stigma, and employment insecurity

• MS South Africa’s successes: MSIF membership, nationwide peer support, GP training, workplace advocacy

• Ongoing projects: public access to DMTs, MS registry, EBV prevention, Africa-wide early diagnosis

• Clinical trial diversity and why representation matters

• Mental health support, SADAG partnership, and emotional resilience

• The crucial role of families, caregivers, and informed self-advocacy

• The legal protections available to people with MS in South Africa

• Why early diagnosis and prevention should be top priorities in the next 5 years

📝 Full Blog Article & Interview Transcript https://ms-perspektive.com/119-voices-of-leadership-ms-south-africa

🌍 MS South Africa Website https://www.multiplesclerosis.co.za

📱 MS South Africa on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/multiplesclerosis

💼 MS South Africa on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/multiplesclerosis-sa

📘 MS South Africa on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/multiplesclerosisSA

▶️ MS South Africa on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@multiplesclerosisSA

📲 WhatsApp Support Line Available via the contact page on their website: https://www.multiplesclerosis.co.za

💬 South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) https://www.sadag.org

👟 The May 50K Campaign (Global MS Research Fundraiser) https://www.themay50k.com

🌐 Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) https://www.msif.org

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who needs to hear more about MS advocacy and support around the world. Together, we can raise awareness, build community, and push for better care — everywhere.

🎤 Host: Nele von Horsten 🌍 Podcast: MS-Perspektive International – The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast 📬 Contact: https://ms-perspektive.com/kontakt

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🔗 Read the full blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/118-brain-health

In this inspiring episode, I’m joined once again by Dr. Sanja Gluscevic, who you may remember from episode #081. This time, we dive into something both powerful and practical: brain health—what it means, why it matters, and how you can start protecting yours today.

Sanja introduces us to the Brain Health Challenge 2025, a global awareness campaign encouraging people to prioritize their brain health in creative, accessible ways. From wearing a helmet as a symbol of brain protection to sharing personal brain-boosting strategies on social media, the challenge is making brain health visible and actionable—especially for people living with MS and other chronic conditions.

• What brain health really means—and why it’s especially important for people with MS

• How invisible symptoms like cognitive fatigue, anxiety, and brain fog impact everyday life

• Sanja’s personal motivation for co-founding the Brain Health Challenge

• Simple, evidence-based steps to improve your brain health (yes, even with MS!)

• Real-life examples of how cognitive training can make a difference

• How the challenge empowers people to take action and build community

Whether you're living with MS, caring for someone who is, or simply curious about how to protect your brain for the long haul—this episode will leave you informed and inspired.

📌 Join the challenge and protect what matters most: 👉 https://brainhealth-challenge.org/

Thanks for that great initiative to Sanja and everybody else involved.

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

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Read the full blog article for this episode here: 👉 https://ms-perspektive.com/117-fear

In this deeply personal episode, I talk about a feeling we all know too well: fear. Whether it's the fear that comes with a new MS diagnosis, anxiety around health uncertainties, or concern about the state of democracy and social justice—fear can be overwhelming.

I share my own journey with fear and how I’ve learned to regain control through small, powerful steps like journaling, healthy routines, and taking civic action. I also talk about why engaging outside your social media bubble and using your voice—especially by voting—can help counter the fear of political shifts that may affect vulnerable groups, including people with chronic illnesses.

You’ll also hear tips on:

• How to recognize when fear is becoming too much

• Where and how to seek professional help

• Using success or gratitude journals to shift your mindset

• Why your personal choices matter—and how much power you really have

💬 Quote of the episode: "The three-letter superpower isn’t the USA—it’s YOU."

Whether you're living with MS or supporting someone who is, I hope this episode gives you encouragement, clarity, and a sense of agency.

💛 Let’s stay connected: Website: ms-perspektive.com Instagram: @ms.perspektive.international Newsletter: Sign up on the website to never miss an episode!

🎙️ Thank you for listening— Take care, and remember: you are stronger than your fear.

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🔗 Read the full blog article here

In this episode, Dr. Franz-Werner Dippel—medical scientist and nutrition expert—joins us to explore the widespread impact of excessive sugar consumption on our health. Drawing from 73 high-quality meta-analyses, he explains which diseases are linked to sugar and why reducing intake is important for everyone—especially for those already managing chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS).

While there is no clear causal link between sugar and MS itself, the concern lies in the fact that comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and fatty liver are more likely to occur with high sugar intake—and those conditions can complicate the treatment and progression of MS.

If you're living with MS, your health is already under enough pressure. Avoiding unnecessary additional burdens is key. This conversation is a powerful motivator to rethink your daily habits and take control of your long-term well-being.

• What science really says about sugar and chronic illness

• How excess sugar contributes to weight gain, insulin resistance, and inflammation

• Why sugar-related diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular issues matter even more if you have MS

• Findings from a landmark global study on sugar and 83 health conditions

• The role of sugary drinks and processed foods in driving chronic disease

• Understanding different types of sugar (glucose, fructose, galactose)

• How to read labels and spot hidden sugars

• Sugar addiction: fact or myth? And how can you break the cycle?

Dr. Franz-Werner Dippel is a biologist and medical scientist with more than 30 years of experience in nutrition-related metabolic disorders. He lectures across Germany and collaborates with the Technical University of Berlin.

His passion for nutrition began in his teens, when quitting sugar helped cure his severe acne. Today, he’s dedicated to educating others about the long-term consequences of excessive sugar intake.

• “The Big Sugar Lie” – ARTE documentary (in German) Watch on YouTube

• Books:

  • Robert Lustig – Fat Chance: The Bitter Truth About Sugar

  • John Yudkin – Pure, White and Deadly

  • Gary Taubes – The Case Against Sugar

  • Michael Moss – Salt Sugar Fat

This conversation was a wake-up call for me personally. While sugar might not directly impact MS, I certainly don’t want to add preventable health issues on top of an existing diagnosis. Starting today, I’m committed to cutting back on sugar—and maybe this episode will inspire you to do the same.

📌 I’ll be sharing more content on this topic soon. Until then, I highly recommend checking out the twin study on MS and the gut microbiome, featured in [Episode #156 with Dr. Lisa-Ann Gerdes].

💌 Want motivation and science-based insights in your inbox? Subscribe to my free newsletter. 🎙️ See all podcast episodes here

What this episode is about: In this episode, I speak with Prof. Christoph Heesen from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) in Germany about stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis. We explore when it makes sense, how it works, who it might benefit – and what the risks are.

Prof. Heesen draws from both clinical experience and ongoing research. He explains the process step by step and gives a transparent look at a clinical trial currently running in Germany. This study compares stem cell therapy with established high-efficacy MS treatments like Lemtrada and Ocrevus – with the long-term goal of securing broader access and insurance coverage.

👉 The original interview was conducted in German and translated into English for this podcast.

You can read through the interview on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/115-ahsct-heesen

🧠 What you'll learn in this episode:

• Who is eligible for stem cell therapy and why age and disease duration matter

• How the treatment is performed – from stem cell mobilization to immune system rebuilding

• Why stem cell therapy may work better than current medications for some patients

• What risks are involved: from infertility to secondary autoimmune diseases

• What recovery looks like – and what to consider if you have children or a demanding home life

• How Prof. Heesen and his team support patients in decision-making

• The structure and goal of the ongoing German clinical trial comparing stem cell therapy with Lemtrada and Ocrevus

🔗 Useful Links:

• UKE Hamburg: https://www.uke.de

• German MS Society (DMSG): https://www.dmsg.de

• ClinicalTrials.gov entry for related stem cell MS studies: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov

🎧 Tune in now to better understand if stem cell therapy might be an option for you or someone you care about. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others in the MS community or leave a review.

💬 And remember: “Find your own path with MS – and look for doctors who will support you on it.” – Prof. Christoph Heesen

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

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✨ Episode Summary: Traveling with Multiple Sclerosis can feel overwhelming at first—I’ve been there. You might be wondering: Can I still fly long distances? Will my meds stay safe? What if I get sick abroad? These are all valid concerns.

But trust me, with a bit of planning and the right mindset, MS doesn’t have to hold you back. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 practical travel tips from my own experience—having visited places like Australia, Japan, Namibia, Cuba, and more since my diagnosis.

👉 Read the full blog post here: https://ms-perspektive.com/114-traveling

💬 What I’ll Share with You:

• How to choose the right destination with MS in mind

• Why your medication belongs in your hand luggage—always

• How to deal with heat, fatigue, and jet lag

• Adjusting medication timing across time zones

• What to know about vaccinations and medical prep

• How to keep meds cool even on long journeys

• Tips for organizing your documents and staying safe

• Why you should still chase your travel dreams

❤️ From Me to You: I’m not here to sugarcoat things—but I am here to show you that traveling with MS is totally doable. You deserve adventures and unforgettable memories. Let me help you feel more confident hitting the road, the skies, or even the ocean (yes, I went scuba diving!).

🧳 Bonus: Grab my free travel checklist for MS from the blog to make sure you're fully prepared.

🎧 Listen Now Let’s get you ready for your next trip—MS and all. I’ve got your back.

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.

Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.