Jemma hitting MS over the fence
Across nearly 150 T20 matches in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), Adelaide Strikers all-rounder Jemma Barsby has some impressive cricket stats to her name. The 30-year-old also has the rare ability to bowl both left and right-handed.
But it’s her courage and ability to stare down multiple sclerosis (MS) that’s arguably her biggest achievement so far. We chat with Jemma to learn more about her battle and her special cause, Whack MS for 6.
How long since your diagnosis and how has it impacted your cricket career?
I was 19 when the doctor told me I had MS, so it’s been about 11 years now. I have my good and bad days, and on the bad ones I’m in bed most of the day with extreme fatigue.
During cricket season, we might be playing and training for more than 20 hours a week. Add to that the hectic travel schedules and it can be pretty draining. So far, my MS hasn’t meant missing any games though, and I count myself lucky I can still play professional cricket and do the other things I love. I have to say, the support I’ve received from the cricketing world since my diagnosis has been incredible.
Tell us about Whack MS for 6
It all started when my manager met Dr Steven Petratos from Monash University, who’s a global leader in MS research. We’d already been doing some MS fundraising, but when Dr Petratos told us about a promising new drug called Dioprotectome, it kickstarted our foundation, Whack MS for 6.
The current drugs help people living with MS to manage their symptoms and delay the progress of the disease. Dioprotectome is different because it has the potential to halt or perhaps even reverse MS by repairing nerve fibre damage among other things.
Through Whack MS for 6, we’re aiming to raise $6 million to help get the drug to the human trial stage and then hopefully approval and manufacture. It’d be pretty special if we can play a part in helping more than 33,000 Aussies living with MS.
What do you find rewarding about your charity work?
I love talking to people and hearing their stories. In the past, I’ve tended to hide from it a bit because it’s an invisible disease and if you looked at me you wouldn’t know I had it. I’ve mainly focused on just getting on with things, but over time, I’ve become better at communicating how I’m feeling and helping educate others about MS along the way.
As both a person living with MS and a professional athlete, I can use my voice to start conversations and raise awareness and break down the stigma. Unfortunately, not all workplaces are as understanding as mine and some people face additional issues.
I love helping other people and the more I do it, the more rewarding it is. Sometimes people reach out to me and say, “I’ve just been diagnosed, and your story’s inspirational.” You don’t always think of that during your own struggles, but when you hear it, it makes you reflect not just on your own path but on others’ as well. Cricket’s a big part of my life and being able to use it to raise money and help people is amazing.
How can people help?
You can donate online directly to Whack MS for 6 to help us reach our fundraising goal. We really appreciate your support.
Reaching out to people you know who are living with MS can also make their day. Don’t be afraid to ask them how they’re going and if there’s anything you can do to help them. Just asking how they are can lead to deeper conversations and a better understanding of what they’re going through.
Some people find it hard to bring up the topic, but from a personal perspective, it’s wonderful to chat with caring people who have a genuine concern about your wellbeing.