One morning in June, Taylor Hislop woke up to find that she’d lost vision in her right eye, and was struggling to hold her cup of coffee.
Tests revealed that the 23 year old retail manager had multiple sclerosis, with scans showing 11 lesions already on her brain. Taylor’s diagnosis came only a few days after she had bought her first house.
Since her diagnosis Taylor has had to resign from her much loved job as a manager at Spotlight due to fatigue, constant headaches and sight loss in her right eye meaning she is now unable to drive.
Taylor told Ken and Nicky that she was taking things one day at a time.
“I’m just trying to get on top of my symptoms, pain management and keeping an eye on the lesions so they don’t spread any further.”
Taylor was nominated for a 96five SOS by Gayle from Sharp Park River Bend Bush Camping in Canungra, who recently held a fundraiser to assist the Hislop family with changes to Taylor’s house.
“She has been coming camping here at our park on weekends for a few years now,” said Gayle. “Taylor’s house will need to be made suitable for her as life becomes more challenging. We’ve just held a fundraiser at the camp grounds which ended up raising over $16, 000 to help Taylor set up her life as best as can.”
A 96five SOS was also on the agenda to remind Taylor that her community stood with her during this difficult time.
Taylor will be able to make some memories with her partner and family on a Tangalooma Day Cruise with dolphin feeding, and the adventure lover will be able to splurge on some new camping gear with a $500 voucher from Wild Earth.
And there’s also some time to be pampered with a float therapy session at City Cave Float & Wellness Centre, as well as a $100 voucher from Epic Hair Designs.
We need to say a big thank you to our SOS sponsors for helping put a smile on Taylor’s face during this difficult time.
Wild Earth is Australia’s No. 1 Hiking and Camping gear store for people who demand the very best equipment for their outdoor adventures. Stock up on gear for your next adventure with the biggest range, the best brands, great prices, and unrivalled service.
Tangalooma Island Resort is only a 75-minute catamaran cruise from Brisbane. The Resort is the perfect family holiday destination for guests seeking an understated yet unique adventure, educational or nature based experience – right on Brisbane’s doorstep on the incredible Moreton Island.

Epic Hair Designs offer the most highly skilled and trend-setting stylists, creating a unique experience for you, and offering luxury services at affordable prices.
City Cave Float & Wellness Centre aims to build healthier communities through services that support the mental and physical wellbeing of our clients. Each location offers a range of float therapy, infrared saunas, and massage services to assist in your health journey by providing natural mental health remedies and supporting physical recovery.
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