MS-Perspektive - The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast16 Jul 2025

#122: Living with MS in South Africa. Insights from Advocate & MSSA Vice-Chair Christelle Taute

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

🔑 Topics covered

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

🔗 Resources & Links mentioned

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/

📬 Stay connected

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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