Hi, my name is Patti Bevilacqua, and I am the founder and CIO (Chief Inspiration Officer) of FEARLESS with MS.
In September 1989, I started my dream job; teaching high school physical education. However, five months later, before the end of my first year of teaching, I got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I managed to hold onto my job for five more years, but my symptoms worsened. I was tripping and falling, becoming a danger to myself. But worst of all, I couldn't be the teacher my students deserved.
In 2001, I returned to university to pursue graduate studies at the University of Toronto. My ultimate professional goal was to teach and supervise others keen to enter the same profession. In 2005, I graduated with a Ph.D. in Teacher Development. My research focused on the impact of chronic illness on teacher identity. However, I never secured a tenured position as a teacher educator and went on long-term disability in 2007.
Fourteen years later, I discovered my life with MS was far richer when I focused on living each day as my best self. This shift in mindset led to a newfound purpose in life; to help other women with MS discover their life is not over; it's only different.
I created a personal manifesto titled FEARLESS with MS. The manifesto declares how I want to live with MS daily as my best self. The manifesto is 12 principles that help me to prioritize what's important to me and what I want to achieve. For example, I treasure the good I find in living with MS. Send an email to - patti@fearlesswithms.com - if you want a copy of my FEARLESS with MS Manifesto.
FEARLESS with MS is not just a space on Substack; it is a community, resource and distinct mindset for women with MS from all over the world. If you have MS, I invite you to subscribe to my way of thinking and to acknowledge your life is not over; it's only different. The time has come to release your feelings of loss, frustration, and uncertainty and ignite the power within to be FEARLESS with MS.
Women who read, comment, contribute and engage weekly in FEARLESS with MS on Substack will :
rediscover life with new meaning and purpose
meet MS face-to-face and take back control
be who she wants to be
come to terms with her new identity
live with MS as her BEST SELF
fully participate in life
I have made it my mission to empower women to be fearless, brave, and bold and accept they live with MS. To accompany your journey of transformation, go to www.fearlesswithms.com and sign up to receive the exclusive FEARLESS newsletter devoted to women with MS.
Today, countless women worldwide have joined FEARLESS with MS. They live daily with multiple sclerosis as their best selves. It's not easy, but staying on course and never giving up will serve you well. Additionally, subscribers will find friendship and support from other women who know exactly what you are experiencing and how you feel.
Readers can expect weekly posts on a range of topics:
the causes, symptoms, treatment options for the condition,
ways to manage its impact on their daily lives
coping strategies, such as stress management and self-care techniques, communicating effectively with their family, friends, and healthcare team
clinical trials and new research developments related to MS,
how to avoid feeling lonely and isolated and stay connected with others,
managing daily activities,
finding or creating emotional support,
information and education about multiple sclerosis,
a pen pal program for women with MS,
accommodations in the workplace or at home to help manage MS symptoms.
FEARLESS with MS will offer two levels of subscription; non-paying and paying members. Non-members will get access to limited content, articles, and newsletters made publicly available on the FEARLESS with MS Substack page.
Paid subscribers get access to exclusive content and services unavailable to non-paying readers. Some perks are:
articles,
newsletters,
private FB group, FEARLESS Sisterhood
Q&A sessions,
discounts on eBooks and online courses.
FEARLESS with MS is more than a space on Substack; it's a specific MINDSET for women with MS.
Are you keen to connect with other women who know what you're going through?
Are you ready to live each day with MS as your best self?
Are you prepared to change your mindset and become FEARLESS with MS?
If any questions resonate with you, please subscribe to this Substack page and check out my website at www.fearlesswithms.com.
I look forward to seeing you on the inside.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The journey is more important than the destination."