**EPISODE SPONSOR: Moore Australia**

Being diagnosed with a chronic illness is a massive change. And most people who have experienced this, speak about a grieving process for your old life and even your old identity, especially if it was based on being physically active.

But our two guests insist a medical condition is not the end of your life. In fact, they say their illnesses have forced them to be innovative, creative and push for change - resulting in opportunities that never would have opened up for them otherwise.

This episode is not just for people who are dealing with health conditions - it’s for their friends, family and colleagues (so everyone really). We can all learn how to be more inclusive and supportive of people who can’t do the same things we can.

Hear from:

• Chrissy Symeonakis - who founded PR firm, Creative Little Soul in 2013, not long after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Chrissy grew up in Renmark, SA and has many rural clients. She has designed a workplace that not only helps her to balance her health needs, but also provides the same flexibility to her employees (many of whom also have an illness or are busy rural Mums).
• Kelly Barnes - a mental health and wellbeing advocate based in Dunkeld, VIC. Kelly was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2015. She was named the Victorian Rural Women’s Award Victorian Winner in 2020 for developing workshops using working dogs to help spark conversations about mental health. She says her own experience with chronic disease was the catalyst to realising the significant role dogs can play in a person’s wellbeing.

Thank you to our episode sponsor: Moore Australia

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