Episode 12: Candice Colwell

From the time Candice was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis or MS at the age of 22, she’s been an advocate for further research, raising awareness for those who live with MS and disabilities.

Candice’s volunteer leadership roles include being an MS ambassador for MS Canada and member of the MS ambassador executive for Canada, working as a group facilitator for support and being team captain for her MS Walk team.

Advocates both, Jenna and Candice (and sweet doxie Zelda!) met on World MS Day, admiring the nighttime illuminations Candice had arranged in downtown Halifax to mark the international day of observance.

Follow a very candid conversation about many key themes of life with MS and chronic illness.

*Candice Colwell and Zelda*
*(Copyright Jennifer Barnable 2025)*

“Everyone’s MS journey is different. If you talk to one person with MS, and another one, you would be convinced that they have two different illnesses.

Through MS, I found my voice. I really think that, although I dislike MS, it made me find my voice – being on the stage, being on the news, arranging all this…There’s nothing that I can do to change that I have MS. So at least I can do this. I just can’t sit idly by and be like ‘this is how it is.’

I find it’s helpful for me and hopefully helpful for other people to talk about it, share my experiences. You don’t have to deal with MS by yourself. Don’t try to face it on your own.

Contact MS Canada, get connected with people who have MS, a support group, don’t try to deal with it alone. Don’t ignore it. It’s not going anywhere, unfortunately.”
Candice Colwell

About this Episode

Episode Title: Living and Leading with MS with Candice Colwell (S1E12)

Episode Summary: In this episode of Finding Avalon, host Jenna Barnable speaks with Candice Colwell, an MS ambassador from Atlantic Canada, about her journey with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and her advocacy work. They discuss the complexities of living with MS, the importance of community support, and the misconceptions surrounding disabilities.

Candice shares her personal experiences with MS, the challenges of navigating life with a chronic illness, and the role of social media in shaping perceptions of disability. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding within the disability community and beyond.

Takeaways

MS is a serious and progressive chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.
Canada has one of the highest rates of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the world, with an estimated 90,000 Canadians living with the disease. That’s 1 in every 400.
Every two (2) hours, a Canadian is diagnosed with MS.
MS is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 49.
75% of people in Canada living with MS are women. Women are up to three times more likely to be diagnosed with MS than men.
There is no known cure for MS.
Candice was diagnosed with MS as a new graduate just beginning her career.
Awareness and education about MS are crucial for support.
Living with MS can lead to unpredictable symptoms and challenges.
Diagnosis can take much too long, with women especially experiencing dismissal, media gaslighting and misdiagnosis.
Community support is vital for those diagnosed with MS.
Misconceptions about disabilities often stem from a lack of understanding dynamic, non-apparent conditions – this is especially true of Multiple Sclerosis.
Social media can both help and hinder perceptions of disability.
Advocacy work can empower individuals and create a sense of community.
Internalized ableism is an issue within the Disability community, with some disabled people unfairly comparing, judging and competing, which weakens the community
Compassion and understanding are essential in addressing ableism.
It’s important to recognize that everyone’s experience with disability is unique.
No one should face their health challenges alone.
Reach out to MS Canada for guidance, resources and support groups.
Candice’s leadership is growing as an ambassador, year upon year, making her well versed in MS advocacy and ambassador outreach.
Candice’s beloved Daschund, Zelda, is her partner in crime – and advocacy.

Listen to Episode 12 here

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