MS is not a “white person disease”. In this episode of Living Well with MS, host Geoff Allix speaks with Minnie St. Claire, a Canadian entrepreneur, digital content creator and advocate living with multiple sclerosis and bipolar disorder. 

Minnie shares her MS journey, including early symptoms, years of denial, relapse, treatment decisions and learning to take her health seriously. She also talks about managing more than one chronic condition, building resilience, using therapy tools, finding BIPOC peer support, and creating routines that protect her mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. 

The conversation explores Canada’s disability benefits system, financial independence while receiving support, working from home with MS, meal planning, movement, hormonal changes, healthcare gaps for people of colour, and why inclusive research and representation matter. 

Minnie’s perspective is honest, practical and rooted in lived experience. 

Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 

01:59 Minnie’s first MS symptoms and diagnosis journey 
03:00 Denial, relapse and learning to take MS seriously 
06:22 Navigating Canada’s complicated disability benefits system 
09:23 Managing MS, bipolar disorder and mental health needs 
12:39 Choosing self-care, rest and boundaries without guilt 
14:42 Why ten minutes of movement can still count 
17:51 Meal planning, vegetables and making healthy food easier 
20:11 Adding fish and trying new plant-based options 
21:25 Therapy tools, peer support and stress management 
23:40 Scheduling stillness, faith and creative self-care 
24:57 Building an online business while managing MS 
27:41 Turning transferable skills into flexible income streams 
28:56 Hormones, mood changes, sleep and symptom tracking 
31:41 Healthcare trust, race and choosing the right doctor 
35:02 Why inclusive MS research and resources matter 
36:57 Finding friendship, mentorship and support online 
39:50 Education, confidence and advocating for your body 

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