"A diagnosis is information — not a prophecy": Rugby woman with MS is spreading hope to people living with chronic illness
A Rugby woman who was diagnosed with MS in 2009 is on a mission to motivate, support, guide and inspire people who are living with a chronic illness.
Gina Dallison, 55, first felt something was wrong when she had unexplained numbess in her feet.
"I was fobbed off by the doctor and tried not to worry about it,” she said,
"Then in 2009, the numbness came all up my legs and my left leg would start dragging if I walked long distances. It’s been a very slow, very gradual decline.”
When the mum of two got her diagnosis, she knew life would never be the same.
But she decided she had a choice.
“When you’re first diagnosed with a chronic illness — especially something like MS — it can feel like the ground disappears beneath your feet,” said Gina.
"You sit in that appointment and suddenly your future is being described in clinical language — incurable, lifelong, degenerative, medication for life.
“Life may never be the same, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be full, meaningful, and deeply lived.
"Yes, the medical options you’re given often centre around injections, pills, or infusions — and for many people those are important and helpful tools. But they are not the only conversation. “There are also conversations around lifestyle, stress, nervous system health, environment, beliefs, nutrition — and how fear itself impacts the body.”
She said her journey has also been a deeply spiritual one.
Gina went on: “What that has meant — in real, grounded terms — is getting to know myself on a level I never thought was possible.”
Her ‘inner work’ has enabled her to live a life more on purpose; making decisions based on what really matters; eecognising fear — and calling it out when it shows up; creating deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Gina is now a life coach, supporting and inspiring others on similar journeys to live their best lives.
She said: “A diagnosis is information — not a prophecy.
"If you ever want to talk, ask questions, or simply connect with someone who’s been walking this road for a while, my door is open.”
Visit Gina Dallison Coaching, life coach, speaker, and creator of the Healing Vibrations movement, on Facebook or email [email protected]