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world for four years. She worked temporary office jobs, guarded her health carefully and lived in fear of another exacerbation until a friend dragged her to a presentation one evening. "Because he was in finance, I was convinced that it was a seminar on financial planning for the disabled - that's how pessimistic I was," Chrystal says. Instead, it was a seminar about a series of courses entitled the "Pursuit of Excellence" about living a life that celebrates personal strengths and creativity. Chrystal was electrified and signed up for all three courses. The theme for the last eight-week course was "Live Large?.Or Go Home." Participants were asked to write down 10 dreams they had been afraid to pursue. At the top of Chrystal's list was something she had never consciously considered before - stand-up comedy. The shy girl was uncomfortable in her own skin and who had been afraid of living because of MS, had chosen a career that many people would consider nerve-racking. Over the past four years, Chrystal has developed and honed her material. Her confidence, stage presence and delivery have improved with each performance. She has performed at the Laugh Resort and in other clubs across Toronto and the GTA. She also performed in New York City a couple of years ago - something she would love to do again. She describes the experience of performing before an audience as receiving a "bolt of healing energy. It makes me feel so good." While she has some material about her experiences with MS, most of her material is mainstream and observational in nature - she loves to play with language. However, multiple sclerosis is what put her on the stage and what helps keep her there. "I haven't had a severe attack since I started doing stand-up and my MS is very manageable." Chrystal describes her experience with MS as a "blessing" she wouldn't trade for anything. She celebrates the life she has now. She also finds it ironic - and a source of humour - that she was healthy and afraid to live her life. There is little room for fear in Chrystal's life now. "I'm living my life to the fullest and enjoying it." When she considers the possibility that her MS may get worse, she says confidently, "I know now that safety is in me, not my surroundings. I make myself safe by recognizing my strengths and accepting myself." For Chrystal, and for many other people diagnosed with MS, multiple sclerosis can be frightening, it can be life altering, but it can also be the "fire that forged the metal" - helping people realize their inner strength and fuelling them to live their dreams. Chrystal Gomes has performed before chapter groups of the MS Society of Canada. For more information, please contact Cindy DesGrosseilliers at 1-800-268-7582, ext. 3015 or [email protected]. Home || Resume || Media || Upcoming Appearances || Feedback || Contact Us |
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