Meet Elaine Willis: Walking the talk

Posted on Aug 03, 2009 by Susie Collins in Blog, MCS, Media/Videos, Susie Collins

I’d like to introduce you to Elaine Willis, one of our flock from British Columbia, Canada. This video is one of a 10-part series on people with ataxia, which is the loss of the ability to coordinate muscular movement. She also has Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

Part three of a ten part series, exploring the different types of ataxia, and getting to know the people who live with them. All subjects show how people with Ataxia can still lead productive lives, and maintain positive attitudes, despite their challenges. Many tips, and philosophies will be offered to enlighten others to ways that they can turn a negative into a positive. Cameras: Glenn and John ter Borg. Narration Melanie ter Borg. Edited using Final Cut by Glenn ter Borg.

You can find Elaine at her blog, on Twitter, and at The Canary Report’s social network. She’s also at the Clean Indoor Air Initiative.

Aloha, Elaine! Thank you for sharing your story with us!

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11 Responses to “Meet Elaine Willis: Walking the talk”

  1. linda

    03. Aug, 2009

    Nice!

    Reply to this comment

  2. Ruth

    04. Aug, 2009

    What a huge inspiration this woman is!!!! Loved this film.
    Thanks Susie, for putting it on Canary Report for us!!!!

    Reply to this comment

  3. Julie

    04. Aug, 2009

    What an inspiration! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply to this comment

  4. Susie Collins

    05. Aug, 2009

    Didn’t you love how Elaine was driving with the mask, talking about what might happen to her if she starts to have a reaction to some chemical? GADS. I’d be hesitant to walk out of the house if that was the danger let alone drive. Nothing can stop this woman!

    Reply to this comment

  5. Leslie

    06. Aug, 2009

    wow. I have ataxia too – specifically gluten ataxia caused by Celiac Sprue – there are three types of celiac (as of present) one that damages the skin, one that damages the small intestines and the rare form which damages your brain. The brain damaging comes from the auto immune reaction causing serious interference or permanent damage to your frontal lobe… which is what causes the symptoms of ataxia (lack of coordination, speech problems, problems with waking, memory etc…)
    Twice in my life I could not walk and had to be in a wheel chair due to ataxia – also after a very serious onset of autoimmune I could not talk hardly at all for 8 months- when I did try to speak it sounded like english was my 3rd learned language. I could however write and made up some of my own sign language in order to communicate with other people. It has to be one of the most frustrating and scary medical problems one could ever experience – alot like having had a stroke.
    I feel very lucky that I regained my ability to walk after MANY months of pushing, and after over a year I could walk a few blocks again, and finally a few miles – also I regained my ability to speak but am still left with some speech impediments, which are luckily covered up by my crazy new Orleans/Cajun accent. I was however left with seizures and difficulty in comprehension, etc…. hoping it is still on the mend.

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  6. Leslie

    06. Aug, 2009

    I also want to add, the Elaine ROCKS! Because I too had those tremors, I couldnt even pour myself a glass of water – and I never have them now thank gawd.
    She is BRAVE and awesome!

    Reply to this comment

  7. Susie Collins

    06. Aug, 2009

    Leslie, You have been to hell and back. I’m so happy you’ve recovered enough to talk and walk and function again. I can’t imagine how frightening that experience must have been for you. You’re so strong and so resilient! I really admire your courage. I bet you are still healing and things will continue to improve for you. xoxo

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  8. Solona

    23. Aug, 2009

    Wow! Finally! A good website about MCS!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

    Reply to this comment

  9. Susie Collins

    23. Aug, 2009

    Aloha Solona, thanks for visiting and leaving your too kind comment (although I think there are lots of good MCS sites out there!). I’m happy you found us and and I hope you’ll stay in touch. You’re welcome to come join us at our social network, too! http://thecanaryreport.ning.com/ Aloha, Susie

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  10. Elaine Willis

    03. Sep, 2009

    Left our link on DR. OZ on FACEBOOK – asking his show to be scent-free!! If you are on FACEBOOK, add to the request…one small, but very public, step at a time. i know there are those of you that say scent-free is not enough, but it IS A FIRST STEP. We have to start somewhere with something they can grasp!

    Reply to this comment

  11. Susie Collins

    04. Sep, 2009

    Aloha Elaine, I see Dr Oz has several Facebook pages– on which did you leave your comment?

    Reply to this comment

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