Patient Stories

When Jake Goodway looks back on his MS journey, he remembers not only the fear and uncertainty of relapse, but also the strength it took to change course. After years of symptoms, diagnosis, treatment changes, and a major relapse in 2013, he made a commitment to a new way of living that he has maintained for more than a decade.

When Jake Goodway looks back on his MS journey, he remembers not only the fear and uncertainty of relapse, but also the strength it took to change course. After years of symptoms, diagnosis, treatment changes, and a major relapse in 2013, he made a commitment to a new way of living that he has maintained for more than a decade.

Jake believes the first signs of MS appeared when he was 19, but he was officially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis at 26. Early on, he managed his condition privately and stayed active, but in January 2013, he experienced the most severe relapse of his life. The episode affected his movement, vision, balance, speech-related senses, and overall ability to function, leaving him hospitalised and unable to work for weeks.

At the time, his family life was under huge strain. He and his wife were caring for a young child, expecting another baby, and trying to manage a household that was no longer practical for his physical needs. The experience forced him to confront how fragile his health had become, and it pushed him to search for a different approach.

A turning point
That turning point came later in 2013, when he met a GP who introduced him to the Overcoming MS approach and its plant-based lifestyle principles. Jake says the conversation gave him hope and a sense that he had options. He decided to make the change fully, even though he knew the transition would be difficult.

The early phase was not easy. He was coming from a background of being overweight, inactive, and accustomed to a very different diet. As his body adjusted, he experienced prolonged fatigue and significant weight loss, and he worked with a dietitian to stabilise his weight. Over time, he rebuilt strength and found a rhythm that he could sustain.

For Jake, the motivation was never only about himself. His two daughters were a major driver for change, and he wanted to stay as well, and as present as possible for them. More than 13 years later, he has remained committed to the same course.

Staying active
Diet was only one part of the plan. Jake also knew he needed to stay physically active, but he took an approach that suited his body and lifestyle. Rather than focusing on high-intensity training, he built a routine around movement, resistance work, walking, cycling, and practical exercise.

He describes his philosophy as “use it or lose it.” His training includes callisthenics, push-ups, pull-ups, light weights, resistance bands, and regular bike rides. He also joins social sports such as touch football and five-a-side soccer, where the activity feels purposeful and enjoyable. Each November, he takes part in a major charity bike ride from Sydney to Wollongong, riding with family and friends, which gives him a goal to train for.

He has also stayed active through family life, coaching and managing his daughters’ team sports. For Jake, that combination of movement, routine, and purpose has helped him maintain a sense of momentum.

Life now
Jake says the lifestyle changes are now simply part of everyday life. He still has difficult days and occasional flare-ups, but he feels healthier overall and more resilient than he once was.

His advice to others is simple: change is still possible, even when things feel overwhelming. He believes small steps can matter, and that a positive mindset can help people focus on solutions instead of fear. Looking back, he says that without the changes he made, his physical and mental health would likely be much worse.

Jake’s story highlights the power of persistence and the motivation that family can provide. His commitment to a new way of living shows that it is possible to move from crisis to stability through sustained effort and belief in positive change. Today, he is not only healthier but also proof that, with determination and support, even the most overwhelming challenges can be transformed into a life of hope and possibility.

Image: Jake Goodway