Daughter determined to help mum fight MS

Her mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2011, something Ms Mucciarone said was difficult to come to terms with at first.

“I didn’t know what it was; I felt helpless,” she said.

“I’d heard of it but I had no idea what it was. But soon I realised there was no cure, nor was there anything I could do to make her life easier, other than give moral support.”

Determined to make a difference, the administration worker founded the not-for-profit organisation Face Up to MS.

“I became involved with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western Australia two years ago and finally felt like I was making a difference,” she said.

“Raising funds has become a passion of mine.

“I wanted to do it not just for my mum, but for others in the community suffering from the disease.”

Last year, the charity raised $26,000 through their first Cocktail Gala, along with other events throughout the year.

Face Up to MS will hold its second annual gala in March at the Midland-Guildford Cricket Club, and Ms Mucciarone wants it to go bigger and better.

“We had 300 attend last year; it was a great night,” she said.

“Lilac Hill in Caversham is a great venue and we’re so grateful for the support we get from the club.

“This year’s theme is ‘A night in the Hamptons’, and we’re hoping for equal or more numbers.”

Ms Mucciarone grew up in the Hills, before the family moved to Maylands to be closer to her mother’s medical appointments.

While she did not require full-time care, Ms Mucciarone said she did not know what the future held for her mother. “I’m just a young person who is trying to do something now,” she said.

A Night in the Hamptons is on Saturday, March 11. Tickets are $70 plus booking fee.

For more information, go to www.ticketebo.com.au/face-up-to-ms/face-up-to-ms-cocktail-gala-a-night-in-the-hamptons.html.