$0.00 raised for MS Research Australia

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Dara Shashoua

My Story

While working for others, I set up Byzantine Design as a bathroom design business that also supplied beautiful tiles. What started out as a side hustle is now a purpose-led business that calls Melbourne home, alongside a beautiful retail store in Prahran, supplying and servicing clients Australia-wide. I am also the founder of A Chronic Entrepreneur – which began out of my passion to share the stories of those living with chronic illnesses and how they’re thriving each and every day, by living their lives and doing what they love. On A Chronic Entrepreneur I share my story of discovering my chronic illness – multiple sclerosis – how it’s changed my life and how I live with it today.

About six weeks after opening Byzantine Design’s store in Melbourne, I flew to Sydney and fell over while walking through a shopping mall. That fall was the catalyst for my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. While many encouraged me to close up shop, I refused, determined to keep my dream alive. Instead, I hired a team to manage the store while I went to rehab to learn to walk again. This is the story of Byzantine Design and this one of the reasons that makes it so special.
I think I am a better person now, with my life experiences. I feel I’m more aware about the fragilities of life so I’m able to offer a unique perspective on things. I have a lot more empathy for people and I really try to help when I can.

I look back on my life pre-diagnosis and believe I was more of a spectator in life, now I live it more. I tick things off my bucket list because when you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness you realise that you’re no longer immortal. Your mortality slaps you in the face. Tuscany is beautiful and has been on my bucket list for a long time. Through this walk I would love to demonstrate that a chronic illness does not mean the end of living a full life – in fact, you can live an amazing life to the full if you learn to manage it well. On my blog I talk about my journey and how I have transitioned from needing to learn how to walk again post-diagnosis, to now, where I have the opportunity to live my life without reservation, as well as taking opportunities – such as this one – to give back. Gratitude is so important. It allows you to be present, it’s so simple and it’s free!

Dara Shashoua
TARGET: $5,000
RAISED: $853
$853
$5,000
Kiss Goodbye to MS Tuscany Trek 2022
TARGET: $70,000
RAISED: $33,214
$33,214
$70,000
Alesha Schaafsma

Alesha Schaafsma has donated $500.00 to Dara Shashoua

March 14, 2020

James Treble

James Treble has donated $101.05 to Dara Shashoua

March 13, 2020

James Treble

Happy Birthday Girlfriend!! GET WALK’N! ❤️

March 13, 2020

Grant Robinson

Grant Robinson has donated $50.00 to Dara Shashoua

March 10, 2020

Sarah Wolfe

Sarah Wolfe has donated $101.05 to Dara Shashoua

March 7, 2020

Sarah Wolfe

Always impressed by your awesomeness and determination. You’ll smash this and have an amazing time doing it xx

March 7, 2020

Anonymous

Anonymous has donated $101.10 to Dara Shashoua

February 22, 2020

Alesha Schaafsma

Alesha Schaafsma has donated $500.00 to Dara Shashoua

March 14, 2020

James Treble

James Treble has donated $101.05 to Dara Shashoua

March 13, 2020

Grant Robinson

Grant Robinson has donated $50.00 to Dara Shashoua

March 10, 2020

Sarah Wolfe

Sarah Wolfe has donated $101.05 to Dara Shashoua

March 7, 2020

Anonymous

Anonymous has donated $101.10 to Dara Shashoua

February 22, 2020

James Treble

Happy Birthday Girlfriend!! GET WALK’N! ❤️

March 13, 2020

Sarah Wolfe

Always impressed by your awesomeness and determination. You’ll smash this and have an amazing time doing it xx

March 7, 2020