‘I was sent for an MRI and the diagnosis came very quickly because a few lesions appeared’

Miss Universe Australia finalist Maddison Cottle was just 20 when she was delivered heartbreaking news from her doctor, explaining the reason for her persistent limp.

Miss Universe Australia national finalist Maddison Cottle wants to raise awareness of the debilitating disease she has been diagnosed with, MS. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Miss Universe Australia finalist Maddison Cottle has revealed she is battling Multiple Sclerosis and that her frightening and sudden diagnosis was the catalyst for her joining the beauty pageant.

Cottle, 22 was diagnosed with MS two years ago, just two months before her 21st birthday.

“I was 10 months into my first business venture, I was a happy, healthy 20-year-old,” Cottle said.

“One morning I woke up and I was limping for absolutely no reason. I had not injured myself, nothing like that. I thought it was quite strange, but left it for a little while, however it just did not get better.

“I eventually went to the doctor and was sent for an MRI and the diagnosis came very quickly because a few lesions appeared on my scan.

Maddison Cottle says her Multiple Sclerosis has stabilised with treatment. Picture: Wayne Taylor

“The worst phone call I have ever received was that call confirming I had MS.

“I thought ‘how could this happen to me?’ I have never been more scared for what my future might look like.”

Fortunately for Cottle her condition has been stabilised through medication.

“I get monthly infusions and that suppresses my immune system a little bit, because MS is when your immune system attacks your nerves,” she said.

“There has been no further decline since I have been on that medication.”

It was her MS diagnosis that gave her the push to take part in Miss Universe representing Victoria.

“I believe I was given this condition with manageable symptoms for a reason and that is why I applied for Miss Universe,” she said.

“I want to make a difference. I want to draw attention to MS. I would love to advocate and educate and do everything in my power to support the mental health of people who receive a serious medical diagnosis.”

Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological disease that is often diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 40. According to MS Australia, MS affects three times more women than men. There is no cure for it this stage.