#soTHISisMS
An online community for Canadians living with MS and their loved ones. Join us October 5th, 2023 in Toronto for an in-person event filled with inspiring speakers, workshops and connections.
Plug in. Empower. Connect.
An online community for Canadians living with MS and their loved ones. Join us as we celebrate our inaugural event filled with speakers, workshops and connections to last a lifetime.
October 5th, 2023
9:30 am to 4 pm
In person in Toronto
What's in store
Morning
- Networking while enjoying coffee, tea, and refreshments
- Ease into the day with opening remarks and icebreaker activities
- Inspiring keynote talk from Ardra Shephard, a leading public figure in the MS community, followed by a fireside chat and Q&A session
- Networking break and meet and greet with Ardra
Afternoon
- Inspirational Panel Talks featuring influencers Richard & Marc, Julie Brazeau, and Christina Andaya followed by a Q&A discussion with all attendees
- Lunch break with a variety of healthy, tasty options
- Interactive social media workshop with Pinch Social, a Canadian social media marketing agency
- Keynote talk from Patrycia Rzechowka including a clip of her documentary and a Q&A session
- Speaker meet and greet, networking & wrap
Meet Our Speakers
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![portrait of Ardra Shephard, speaker at EMD Serono Canada's #soTHISisMS event]()
Opening Keynote Speaker:
Ardra Shephard (aka Ms. Tripping on Air)Ardra's Instagram Read Ardra's full bio (PDF)Ardra Shephard is the host and creator of AMI-tv’s game-changing lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra is a blogger and podcaster whose award-winning MS confessional, Tripping On Air, has become an invaluable resource for anyone interested in what it’s really like to live with MS.
Keynote Speaker: Patrycia Rzechowka
In 2012, at age 23, Patrycia Rzechowka had just graduated from University when two letters changed everything. After going blind in her left eye, Patrycia was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Patrycia resolved herself not to be conquered by MS.
Panelists: Richard & Marc
Richard and Marc are a couple who currently live in Toronto, Canada. They started their MS Journey when Richard was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2015.
Panelist: Julie Brazeau
Julie, at 40 years old, is a remarkable woman who embodies resilience and determination. As a loving wife and mother of two boys, she has faced the challenges of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) head-on, refusing to let it cramp her vibrant style.
Panelist: Christina Andaya
Born and raised in South Etobicoke, Christina Arcena Andaya (she/her/elle) is the MS-Fighting Beauty Queen battling MS for the past seven years. She competed in pageants like World’s Perfect Pageant and Miss Galaxy Canada, bringing her fighting spirit to each competition like her battles with MS.
Social Media Speaker: Pinch Social
Pinch Social is a full-service social media and event marketing agency based in Toronto, Canada. We do everything from creative campaigns and always on social media management to digital marketing consulting, social media audits, custom workshops, training and strategy development.
Get Involved!
Whether or not you can attend in person, you can use your voice and your platform to share and connect using the hashtag: #soTHISisMS. On October 5th, we’re inviting you to join the conversation about the realities of living with MS by sharing your unique experiences and perspectives! Follow us today at @soTHISisMS. Here are some ideas:
- Create a Reel or TikTok to talk about what it’s like living with MS
- Share a moment of your day - the good, the bad or the ugly - and tell us what you’re thinking and feeling
- Post to your feed or stories!
- Don’t forget to tag us for a chance to be featured and use the hashtag #soTHISisMS
- Follow the hashtag to comment and engage with fellow MS Warriors online!
Sharing MS Experiences
Living with a silent or invisible illness like multiple sclerosis can be a dark and isolating experience. But thanks to technology, it doesn’t have to be that way.
In today’s digitally connected world, people with similar experiences can share their stories, exchange ideas and form connections that can last a moment - or a lifetime.
On October 5th, we’re inviting people living with MS and their loved ones to plug in and shine a light on their MS experience - the real, the raw; the unusual and the wonderful. Use your voice to show the world what MS looks, feels and sounds like through your own unique perspective using the hashtag #soTHISisMS.
While our relationship with social media is… complicated…there is no denying the potential power of social channels to provide a platform for storytelling, advocacy and community-building. Our Toronto event will feature inspirational keynotes, panels, fireside chats and workshops focused on helping you leverage social media for social good - to spread your message, shine a light on the real realities of living with MS, and to spark connections within this growing community in Canada. We’ll help you navigate the complexities of social media in today’s day and age - through the unique lens of living with multiple sclerosis.
To learn more about this interesting initiative or if you are interested in speaking at the event, email communications@emdserono.com