Why I Went Public with My MS Diagnosis: A Reflection on Resilience and Growth
Sharing my most personal story—how my MS diagnosis became a lesson in resilience and growth. Listen to the re-release on Extrology out now!
Earlier this year, I did something I never thought I would: I spoke publicly about my journey with Multiple Sclerosis. It was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made, but also one of the most rewarding. Today, as I revisit that episode of Extrology, I want to share why I chose to go public with my diagnosis, what it taught me, and how it aligns with the mission of Extrology to inspire resilience and purpose.
For years, my MS diagnosis was something I kept private. It felt too personal, too vulnerable, and—if I’m honest—too defining. I worried about how people would see me or whether it would overshadow everything else I’d worked so hard to achieve. But as I reflected on the incredible stories shared by my guests on Extrology—stories of resilience, growth, and overcoming adversity—I realised that I couldn’t ask others to be vulnerable without doing the same myself.
Speaking publicly about MS wasn’t just about sharing my story; it was about embracing authenticity. It was about showing that even when life hands you an unimaginable challenge, you can still find purpose and strength.
I’d be lying if I said it was easy. Hitting “Record” on that episode felt like stepping off a cliff. I worried about how people might respond—would they see me differently? Would they pity me? Would they think I wasn’t capable? Those fears were real, but they were also rooted in a version of myself I didn’t want to be anymore: someone who hid behind a polished exterior rather than embracing the messy, real, human experience.
What gave me the courage to do it was the knowledge that vulnerability is not weakness. It’s strength. It’s stepping into the unknown with honesty and openness, trusting that what you share will connect with others in ways you can’t yet imagine.
When the episode went live, the response was overwhelming. People reached out to share their own stories, to thank me for my honesty and to tell me how much it resonated with them. That sense of connection was deeply moving. It reminded me that while our individual challenges may differ, the courage it takes to face them is universal.
By sharing my story, I also felt a weight lift. There’s something freeing about owning your truth, about no longer hiding from it. It allowed me to move forward—not defined by MS, but empowered by the lessons it’s taught me about resilience, adaptability and purpose.
Extrology has always been about exploring what it means to live with purpose and to grow through challenges. Sharing my MS journey was a way to live out the values at the heart of this podcast. It’s about showing that even in the face of life’s hardest moments, there’s an opportunity for growth, for connection and for creating something meaningful.
This story isn’t just about me. It’s about all of us who face challenges and wonder how we’ll get through them. It’s a reminder that resilience is not about being unshaken; it’s about finding the strength to rise after you’ve been knocked down.
As we close out 2024 and step into a new year, I hope this story inspires you to reflect on your own journey. What challenges have shaped you? What truths have you been hesitant to share? And how might embracing those truths open new possibilities for growth?
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your support means more than words can express. If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to comment, share, or connect with me directly. Let’s continue exploring what it means to live with resilience and purpose, together.
Here’s to a meaningful 2025.