MediKidz comic characters at the launch of the new comic in Sydney
MediKidz comic characters at the launch of the new comic in Sydney

In the lead up to World MS Day, global children’s healthcare education brand Medikidz launched an educational comic designed to explain complex medical information about MS in a format that children will understand and engage with. The project was made possible by a grant from a global pharmaceutical company. Engagement with key opinion leaders within the Australian MS network, including Neurologists, MS Nurses, Health Professionals and most importantly, people affected by MS including a family and some children.

According to the Atlas of MS, over 22,000 people in Australia are living with MS and one in twenty people are touched by MS through a family member, colleague or friend living with the condition. This can be a frightening occurrence for all involved, particularly for children who may not understand what is happening to those around them.

The comic book, titled “Medikidz Explain Multiple Sclerosis – What’s up with Mum?” is based on an Australian family. The stars of the comic book are mother and daughter, Alex and Kate Aylward, from Perth. Alex has been living with MS for the past 20 years and it has affected mobility in her legs. Her daughter Kate is 12 years old and lives with her mum, dad and two older brothers.

Debra Cerasa, CEO of MS Australia said, “MS currently affects thousands of Australians and each day five more people are diagnosed. It’s a confronting disease that affects millions of people around the world. This comic book is a wonderful and much-needed resource for thousands of Australian families.”

“Being diagnosed with MS can be a scary time for everyone, particularly the children who often get scared and confused by the symptoms, which come and go. Symptoms such as difficulty walking, blurred vision, muscle weakness, fatigue and changes in memory can all be difficult to understand through the eyes of a child.”

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