Introduction

Biff Gore (Host): Nicole Pedra has been selected to be the 2025 recipient of the Invisible Disability Associations, But You LOOK Good, Inspiration Award. She has been chosen because as a model, actress, and advocate, she has bravely shared her journey with multiple sclerosis and other invisible disabilities. Diagnosed at age 10, Nicole kept her illness private for two decades before openly sharing her experiences. Her story inspires others by demonstrating resilience, fostering community, and offering hope and guidance for those facing similar challenges.

Nicole Pedra’s Acceptance Speech

Hi, my name is Nicole Pedra, and I am so grateful to be the recipient of, But You LOOK So Good, Inspiration Award. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when I was 10 years old. I’ve been living with the disease for 27 years now, and at the onset of my illness, I had Bell’s palsy in my face.

I had transverse paralysis, so I couldn’t walk, I was in a wheelchair, a walker and a cane. I couldn’t feed myself. You know, I had the revolving doors of doctors coming in because they really didn’t know what was going on, and that was extremely isolating.

The Challenges of Invisible Illness and Isolation

Back in 1998, chronic illness and mental health was not really accepted. People didn’t really, or weren’t able to comprehend the fact that people were in pain struggling, and they couldn’t see it. So I had a lot of shame around having the disease. I really hated my body.

Turning Pain into Passion

And at some point, 22 years later, something switched in my mind, and I realized that everything that I was missing as a kid I could give to somebody else. There was no one out there who I could see that was like me.

We have had such an increase in the need for visibility, and it just is so important to me and means the world that I’m able to actually help others with my story.

The Reality of Feeling Invisible

You know, hearing things like, “You look so good, but you don’t look sick. Are you sure it’s not just anxiety, you should try X, Y, and Z.” Whether people mean it in a nice way or not, it can still be really insulting to us. It dismisses the feelings that we’re having, and, you know, I have an invisible illness or an invisible disability, but also, I feel invisible, because people can’t see what I’m experiencing, and then they don’t really accept it.

So, I am so grateful to be receiving this award and to be recognized, because this is something that means the world to me, and the fact that I’m able to help others with my experience is something I never thought I could do. I really turned my pain into my passion, and I’m so grateful and thankful for you all. Love you.