Actress, Model, and Chronic Illness Activist Nicole Pedra on Navigating Life with MS and Embracing Her Inner Strength

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, Jean welcomes Nicole Pedra, a model, actress, influencer, and motivational speaker who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the tender age of 10. Nicole shares her remarkable journey through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood with MS, offering an honest look into the challenges of navigating life with a chronic illness.

While MS is typically diagnosed in adults, it is exceedingly rare in children. Only about 3-5% of MS cases are diagnosed before the age of 16, making Nicole’s early diagnosis at just 10 years old a particularly uncommon and challenging journey. Pediatric MS differs in its progression from adult MS, often marked by more frequent relapses and more intense flare-ups. However, the brain’s plasticity in children allows for better compensation and recovery from nerve damage, which can make their long-term outcomes more hopeful.

Nicole recounts her early experiences with pediatric MS, from the intense physical symptoms to the emotional struggles of feeling isolated and misunderstood. Despite these hardships, she found strength in her resilience, which has guided her through the ups and downs of managing her health, relationships, and career.

Together, Nicole and Jean explore topics such as:

• The unique challenges of pediatric MS versus adult MS.
• How Nicole's early symptoms were misdiagnosed and her subsequent journey to find answers.
• The importance of finding community and support, even if it takes time. 
• The emotional toll of keeping her diagnosis secret and how it affected her relationships.
• Her decision to embrace her condition publicly, becoming a voice for others living with chronic illness.
• The power of resilience and how adversity has shaped Nicole into the empowered woman she is today.
• Practical strategies Nicole uses to manage her health, balance her life, and keep a positive mindset.

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Nicole Pedra

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach 

Composer: Eduardo Vella