Who is Patti Bevilacqua?
I got diagnosed with MS in 1990, my life is not over; it's only different!
Hello,
I’m super excited about starting a new journey on Substack. So much that I can’t sit still.
I look forward to connecting with other writers and readers and sharing the content we are most passionate about. For me, it’s women with multiple sclerosis. I help women with MS shift their mindset to release their feelings of loss, frustration, and despair and ignite the fire within to be FEARLESS with MS.
Multiple Sclerosis is notorious for its unpredictability and that there is no known cure. As a result, women with MS often feel hopeless, misunderstood and uncertain about their future. A deep desire for many women with MS is to move beyond their pain points and find joy in life. I know this all too well because it happened to me.
I invite you to read on and learn about my journey with MS.
1989
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 was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Ten years later, I left the only job I ever wanted due to worsening symptoms of MS.
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.
15 years later
Fifteen 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 use arts-based narrative inquiry methods to create image-rich texts, which help women explore their experiences living with MS. By sharing these images with others who understand, women find their voice and feel heard on a deeper level. I use humour and laughter to reduce distressing emotions and cope with tough times more effectively.
I have a Ph.D. in Teacher Development from the University of Toronto. I have interviewed with the MS Society of Canada and several podcasts, including Two Boomer Women, The Hero Within, and the Doug Coleman Show. I have also been the keynote speaker at a major fundraiser for the MS Bike Tour.
I am available for speaking engagements, conferences, training, and retreats. I am passionate about MS, mindset, arts-based narrative inquiry methods to explore chronic illness, living as your best self, transformation, and identity. More specifically, I have over 20 years of teaching experience and can speak on educator topics such as the impact of chronic illness on teacher identity and renegotiating teacher identity.
Although I am passionate about helping women with MS, her message applies to anyone facing any chronic challenge.
From my Heart!
I live in a small border town with Paul and two labrador retrievers named Bella (black) and Trooper (yellow). Trooper and I finished the training required for him to be my service dog. His ability to sense when I need his support amazes me every day. He always walks beside me unless he’s fetching sticks or chasing rabbits.
I like to crochet, meet new people and go out for breakfast on Sunday mornings My dad will always be my hero, and my mom my best cheerleader! I love the taste of good coffee, and Venice, Italy, is my favourite city.
I am a lifelong learner.
2005 Ph.D. (Toronto)
1996 Master of Science (Oregon)
1989 Bachelor of Education (UBC)
1988 Bachelor of Physical Education (UBC)
Hearing my thesis supervisor call me Dr. Bevilacqua is the highlight of many years of schooling.
I like telling jokes, and I am a natural storyteller.
Five more Fun Facts about ME
I was born in Michel, BC, and this town doesn't exist anymore
I was the valedictorian of my graduation class at UBC in 1988
My favourite food is Greek
In 2011 I went to the Rugby World Cup tournament in New Zealand
My all-time favourite movie is Lost in Translation
My Favorite Saying
You are now at the top of my Christmas card list!
My Favourite Joke
What did the tennis ball say to the badminton birdie?
Nice skirt!