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Important conversations about health.

Series

“Good, thanks”

This is the response often given by those with a chronic illness or disability when asked how they are – despite this being far from their reality. This series looks behind the masks of those living with chronic illness and takes you into their world.

6 stories
Tim Ferguson, 60, was diagnosed with MS at 32.

After being diagnosed with MS at 32, Tim has found lots to laugh about

Comedian and director Tim Ferguson started experiencing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis at 16. Since then, he’s learnt about the power of optimism.

  • Brooke Campbell Bayes
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Emma Vulin, 44, was diagnosed with the rapidly progressive neurological disease Motor Neurone Disease.

‘I still have a job to do’: The MP diagnosed with motor neurone disease at 44

In Australia, the average survival time after diagnosis is two and a half years.

  • Brooke Campbell Bayes
Tahlia Dias had a stroke at age 10.

Tahlia had a stroke at age 10. Today, doing her own hair is an accomplishment

While “good, thanks” is the standard response of many people with a disability when asked how they are, there’s usually a lot more to say.

  • Brooke Campbell Bayes
Katie Dimond suffers from chronic migraines which have left her feeling ‘completely incapacitated’.

The hidden cost of the chronic migraines that shape this media personality’s life

Quick-witted and always ready with a joke, Katie “Monty” Dimond carries a significant health burden, one she shares with 400,000 Australians.

  • Brooke Campbell Bayes
Michael Wiseman knew something wasn’t right. Then he got his diagnosis.

Michael knew something wasn’t right. His diagnosis knocked him for six

A life-changing illness threw his life into disarray and sent him into a mental health spiral. Finding a way to live with it has helped Michael recover the joy.

  • Brooke Campbell Bayes
Richelle “Rocky” Cranston has been on the waiting list for a kidney transplant for more than a year.

Richelle was the fittest she had ever been. And then she lost her vision

The AFLW player took herself to hospital, where she spent the next two weeks. When she returned to the field, she tried to go on as before. Then reality of her diagnosis set in.

  • Brooke Campbell Bayes

Other series

The Sydney Central Business District, Sydney Harbour and Eastern Suburbs and surrounds are seen on 18 February 2025, in Sydney, Australia from a commercial airliner. Picture - Sam Mooy / The Sydney Morning Herald

Life in the burbs

We’re celebrating Sydney’s suburbs and local writers have been penning pieces about the neighbourhoods they know best. Read all their stories here.

  • 8 stories
Australia's declining fertility rate.

Australia’s baby bust

The fertility rate in Australia is at a record low. We explore why we’re having fewer babies – and what that means for the country’s future.

  • 15 stories