It’s good to start every journey from some sort of common ground. Hope can provide important pathways to help us see ''other sides'' of the MS Mountain that for so long has been dominated by the highly controversial immunotherapy hypothesis - here are some details of Kerri Cassidy’s journey with the aim of enhancing the well-being of those with multiple sclerosis. As a memory jogger you might care to reflect upon the following lyrics we all learnt ages ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGJuoodm_BM About the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) A United Nations sanctioned day that occurs annually on 3 December. The day celebrates and recognises the achievements, contributions and abilities of people with disability. The day also provides an important opportunity to raise awareness about disability issues more broadly across the community and, ultimately, to support the development of an inclusive Australian society. An Australian Multiple Sclerosis perspective is at http://www.msnetwork.org/basics/UN-conventions.htm The National Awards program is an important part of this process. Earlier this month judges said ''We are thrilled to announce that CCSVI Australia CEO, Kerri Cassidy, is the winner of the 2016 Award for the Excellence in Justice and Rights Protection Award - for her long-term commitment to promoting justice and rights protection for people with disability. This is a reflection of her work in raising awareness and calling for equitable access to treatment for Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) for people with Multiple Sclerosis”. They went on to say ‘’Kerri has demonstrated her determination and commitment to raising awareness about the need for justice and rights protection of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) through the equitable access to Chronic Cerebro Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) treatment". Read Kerri's acceptance speech. Kerri’s acceptance speech is at http://ccsviaustralia.com.au/2016-national-disability-awards-winner/ Obstacles and Opportunities For those who may appreciate a refresher on some of the background history, leading to Kerri Cassidy's landmark achievement see the document "United Nations Convention on the Rights of those with Disabilities''. This is an important document for policy makers and government agencies to understand the obstacles faced, and opportunities built upon, by people with Multiple Sclerosis in Australia and the strategic direction to remedy this. A good starting point is http://www.msnetwork.org/ccsvipatient.htm Peter Sullivan. On behalf of Multiple Sclerosis Network of Care, Australia