#048: Living with progressive MS in Canada. Interview with patient advocate Ardra Shephard

MS-Perspektive - The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast

Ardra Shephard deals with the everyday struggles of progressive MS in Canada and talks about it on her blog and podcast and our interview.

You can find the written questions and answer to on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/048-ardra-shephard

Ardra Shephard has been writing about her life with multiple sclerosis on TrippingOnAir.com for many years, trying to break down the stigmas that people with the disease face. We talk about her life with progressive MS, how important it is to stand up for yourself and the support available in Canada.

She is a particularly fashion-conscious woman who hosts AMI-tv’s Fashion dis and the video podcast Tripping on Air, which she co-hosts with Alex Hajjar, whose wife has MS.

Table of Contents

• Introduction - who is Ardra Shephard?
• Personal Experiences and Coping Strategies
• Treatment and Care in Canada?
• Challenges and Support Systems in Canada
• Education, Awareness, and Advocacy
• Quickfire Q&A Session
• Farewell

Introduction - who is Ardra Shephard?

My name is Ardra Shephard, I live in Toronto, Canada, with my husband and dog Tilly. I’m a writer, podcaster and television host.

Which website can you recommend for people living with MS in Canada?

MS Canada, BARLO MS Centre for the 10k patients in Toronto, and of course trippingonair.com. Of course we are a global community and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention London-based Professor Giovannini’s MS Selfie newsletter which you can find on Substack.

Finally, what message of hope or encouragement would you like to share with individuals living with MS in Canada?

It’s always been helpful for me to know that there are all kinds of people living with MS who, whether they have a few symptoms or a lot of symptoms, are figuring out how to live joyful fulfilling lives. Meanwhile, I take comfort knowing that the best minds in the field are working hard to improve MS outcomes.

How and where can interested people find you online?

You can find the Tripping On Air podcast on youtube or wherever you get your pods, or go to trippingonair.com.

---

Thank you, Ardra, for your continued commitment to people with visible disabilities in general and with progressive MS in particular, and good luck and continued energy for this mission.

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.

Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.