Let’s Dance! But First, Let’s Fight for Jess
If you’ve been here a while, you know I don’t shy away from writing about the tough stuff, especially when it comes to MS. It’s a beast of a condition, one that doesn’t play fair and doesn’t show up the same way for any of us. And yet, amidst the fatigue, uncertainty, and constant adjusting, we find each other. And that’s how I was introduced to Jess, by my amazing friend Lauren Neko. .
Jess Mathers—aka Jess Herself—is one of those people you meet and immediately feel drawn to. A magnetic energy, a kind of electric optimism that cuts through the static. She’s a DJ, a marketer, a creative, a mover and shaker, a bloody hard worker. She’s also living with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (the same form of MS I have). And right now, she’s facing one of the biggest challenges of her life: fighting to stay in the country she’s called home for the past eight years - Australia.
Jess in Her Own Words
To help you get to know Jess a little better, I asked her to share more about her journey in her own words. Here’s what she had to say:
Tell us a little about yourself and when you were first diagnosed with MS.
”My name is Jessica, I’m from Cheshire in the UK, just south of Manchester. I arrived in Sydney in 2017 on a Working Holiday Visa. I quickly became sponsored and met my boyfriend Rob in the hostel! We’ve been enjoying life here since—working, exploring, and ticking off many of our travel bucket list road trips and destinations in Australia.
For several years, I experienced questionable symptoms, but they didn’t last long. I was misdiagnosed for years and told I had nothing to worry about. It wasn’t until November 2022, on a holiday in Byron Bay, that I went numb in the face and things escalated. A week later, I ended up in the Emergency Department at Prince of Wales Hospital, where I was taken seriously. After MRIS, a spinal tap and a steroid drip, I was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.”
When did you first get into DJing and what drew you to music?
“I learnt to DJ when I was younger. Many of my friends would let me jump on the decks at parties. Soon enough, I bought my own decks and for my 21st birthday, held at my Grandpa’s house in the countryside, I hosted a festival called “Jestival”, headlining it myself as “Jess Herself”. This was my first ever DJ gig and a lot of my friends played.
After my diagnosis and learning about neuroplasticity and how music could benefit my brain, I thought I should dive in. This was the start of a very successful DJ and Marketing and Event Business in 2021. It’s something I can focus on to bring me peace, living in a body that was literally attacking myself.”
How has your experience with MS shaped your outlook on life?
“I think life is so short and we have to make the very best of the time we have on this planet and do as much good as we can.”
What’s something about living with MS you wish more people understood?
I’m tired! MS can change so drastically. The energy it takes for me to do something can be so much more than for the average person. And yes, I’m in bed at 9pm most nights and need around 11 hours of sleep!”
What do you do to stay positive and motivated through the tough moments?
“I write down what I’m grateful for each day and all the blessings in my life. The ‘glimmers’ in each day. I look back on how much I have battled in recent years in my health, career and visa issues, and remember it could always be worse. I am still here with a smile on my face!”
The Visa Battle
Can you explain what’s happening with your visa situation?
“I’ve been living with Rob in Sydney since October 2017. We have been working, paying our taxes, contributing to the economy, arts and construction community, but due to my Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis I no longer meet the health requirements for Rob’s visa because my treatment costs are above the threshold. These costs cover my medication that is already paid for under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. On Monday 19 May we have out AAT court hearing and we hope to have the visa granted so we can continue building our lives here!”
How has this challenge affected your life?
“This has significantly affected my career since 2021 when I went to renew my TSS Sponsorship Visa. I was sponsored prior and earning well in Sydney. Since 2021 I have battled with work rights, and being able to secure a full time role on a bridging visa even though I am a hard worker and have continued to make the best of it. I have leaned into all my skills offering freelance services in Sydney. This includes Marketing, Events and DJ Gigs, Waitressing and Nannying in Sydney”
What would it mean to stay in Australia?
”It would be incredible. We have been living in limbo for so many years and we just want to plan our futures. I would be incredibly pleased to continue with my supportive medical team at Prince of Wales Randwick Hospital. Continue DJing in Sydney as I play out every weekend. Maybe I can finally commit to a puppy!!”
Let’s Dance
What inspired the “Let’s Dance” MS fundraiser?
“Every year I take part in The May 50k and organise an event or a walk. I have a team in Australia and the UK walking, running and dancing to raise money for MS Research so treatments can continue to evolve.”
What can people expect from the event?
“DJ Sets from 9pm until 3am featuring several up and coming DJs and Producers”
How will the funds help?
“MS Australia utilizes donations to fund research into MS, provide advocacy and awareness programs, and offer support services for individuals living with MS. Specifically, donations support research into the causes, cures, treatments, and effects of MS, as well as related neurological conditions. They also help fund advocacy efforts, public education, and support services for those affected by MS including myself.”
What’s your biggest hope for the future?
”I hope research continues so we can better understand neurological diseases, what causes them specifically and how to prevent and cure the disease. I am currently on a Disease Modifying Therapy called Ocrevus which is a 6 monthly immunosuppressant infusion but comes with significant side effects. I am pleased to have responded very well to the treatment and will stay on it except for when I am pregnant or breastfeeding in the future.”
How can people follow your journey and keep showing their support?
“I currently have nearly 23,000 signatures on my petition.I have received many character and work references from employers and clients old and new. We have been on TV and mentioned on major news outlets in the UK and Australia. I wanted to organise a fundraiser to say thank you, have a good night and raise money for a good cause. The venue is supporting the campaign and all of the DJs are donating their time to the cause to raise money. Me and Rob are extremely fortunate to be receiving such support. We feel more positive than we have in years!”
Next week, Jess is throwing a party. Not just any party—a full-blown MS fundraiser that she’s DJing, promoting, and pouring her heart into. Let’s Dance is happening on Friday, May 23, and all proceeds will go to MS Australia to support critical research and advocacy.
It’s more than a gig. It’s a love letter to the community that’s held Jess up. It’s a thank you. It’s a way of turning pain into purpose.
🧡 Tickets: Grab yours here
🧡 Petition: Sign to support Jess and Rob’s visa fight
🧡 Donate to MS Research: Support Jess’s May 50K campaign
Jess isn’t just fighting for herself—she’s fighting for all of us living with chronic illness. For everyone who’s ever been told they’re too sick, too costly, or too complicated to belong.
This is our chance to show up, speak up, and move together toward something better.
So let’s stand with her. Let’s rally. And more than anything, let’s dance.