Truth Be Told MS

sode thirteen Marie speaks with Cheryl Hile. Cheryl is an amazing advocate for never giving up, even when faced with hardships of living with MS. When faced with the decision of quitting running and letting MS dictate her lifestyle, Cheryl not only fought back and pushed through - but recently completed her goal of 7 on 7 in 12 (7 marathons, on 7 continents, in 12 months!)

They discuss Cheryl's journey from being diagnosed with MS, the challenge of completing her 7 on 7 in 12, the ongoing realities of living with MS, and the importance of having a good relationship with your health practitioners.

In Episode Twelve Marie chats with yoga instructor Anne Green about working with yoga to help with fatigue, balance and muscle cramps associated with living with MS.

Ann is the owner of BLISS Ann Green Yoga, located in Barrie, Ontario. With over 40 years of experience, Ann understands that through proper and regular practice, yoga is an amazing tool to help with mobility and fatigue when practiced regularly.

While on her own journey with a rare but progressive form of MS (Primary Progressive Active MS) Erica has found a connection to the MS Global Support Network that allows her to reach a broad range of people living with MS.

Her goal is inclusion, information, and non-judgment for those that may not be comfortable sharing their journey and choices in support groups or other open social forums.

In episode 10 of Truth Be Told MS, Marie speaks with Kate Welsh, creator of Equity Buttons; a project created to help remove the stigma of requesting priority seating when living with an invisible disability. Kate believes you should not have to explain yourself, or feel pressured to disclose your disability if you are not comfortable doing so, thus the project was born. Listen in as Marie and Kate discuss the project, as well as share their own personal stories about living with an invisible disability.

You can follow Equity Buttons on Instagram.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from the project you can purchase them here.

In Episode Nine, Marie speaks with Steven Chaves, from Employment Services Network, about self-disclosure of your diagnosis to Ontario Employment Services as well as other options and rights you have as a disabled person in Ontario (and Canada.)

They discuss the shift that needs to happen at not only the employer level, but the employee level as well – changes necessary to remove the stigma and allow forward movement and progress.

In trying to help as many people with MS as possible find the future and career that they’re happy with and can look forward to, Marie speaks with Renee Morrison who works with the Accel program; a Centennial College run the program for previous students and alumni helping those 18-29 start or grow their businesses!

Marie speaks with Trish Robichaud, a disability inclusion coach through her company Changing Paces, as well as a compliance consultant with the AODA. Being an author, a facilitator as well as a motivational speaker, Trish is an advocate for those who are living with disabilities. 

They examine the very real financial, and psychological impact unemployment can have on people living with disabilities, and what we can do as a society to positively change these circumstances.

In Episode Six Marie sits down with Stephen Largy, senior consultant and president of ONdisabilities (www.tqskills.com/ondisabilities.) Being a leader in the field of inclusive workplaces and hiring, Stephen shares his point of view on the current state of inclusive hiring in Ontario, and the changes that need to take place in order to improve the situation for everyone.

Rebecca is passionate about helping people understand the relationship between their environment and their body's reaction - diagnosed at a young age and growing up with relatives that had MS, Rebecca has a wealth of stories and knowledge. Being self-taught, she speaks to her own truth and experience living with MS!

When she's not creating beautiful, real, outspoken pieces on her blog www.fuckms.ca. This talented writer, Angela Gagliardi, is also a youth worker for high schoolers and an MS CHAMPION. Our conversation today covers everything from her battle with Neuritis, the cost of medical treatments and the stigma around the appearance of 'not looking sick'.

Hope you'll join us!