Jemma Barsby’s journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) is a testament to her strength and resilience. Diagnosed at 19, the Adelaide Strikers allrounder has battled the chronic and uncurable disease for over a decade.
“I remember having to get petrol on the way home, and I was bawling my eyes out,” recalled Barsby, recounting her reaction to the news. “It would have been funny for a random at that petrol station to see me.”
Barsby’s MS took a toll on her body, affecting her hands, legs, and spine. She described days where she experienced blurred vision, numbness in her limbs, and extreme fatigue that left her bedridden for most of the day.
In her 10-year journey with MS, Barsby has found ways to adapt and cope, refusing to let the disease dictate her life. She credits her cricket career with helping her manage the condition, saying it gives her a sense of purpose and identity.
“For me, it’s really like extreme fatigue,” she said. “I struggle to get out of bed and do anything. But as soon as I’m playing, I feel like I’ve got my energy back.”
Barsby’s struggles on the field are well-documented. She recounted a particularly tough day in January 2024, where she experienced blurred vision and pins and needles while batting in a WBBL match. “I was trying to face the ball and it was so blurry, I was like, ‘I just hope this isn’t a short ball coming at my head, because I’m struggling to see it here,'” she said.
Barsby is now using her platform to raise awareness and funds for MS research. Despite her condition, she remains optimistic and determined, a true inspiration for her fellow players and fans.
“We’re still going to be friends, right?”
Those were the words of Jemma Barsby’s doctor moments before she told the teen she had multiple sclerosis (MS).
Fast-forward to the present day, and Barsby has played 139 matches across three clubs, learning season by season how to live with her condition. The three-time Big Bash champion has refused to be beaten, even as her MS takes a heavy toll on her body.
