In the dynamic world of disability support, Chris Bruce, famously known as the NDIS Ninja, has left an indelible mark. With a track record of empowering providers through his company, Grow DSP, and orchestrating international NDIS provider retreats, Chris’s impact on the NDIS sector is profound. Behind the scenes, however, a silent battle unfolded as he facing a life changing diagnosis at just 30 years old.
In the realm of superhero narratives, the story of the NDIS Ninja, took an unexpected twist – a battle against a formidable opponent known as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). But what exactly is MS, and how severe can its impact be?
MS is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its tissues, specifically the protective covering of nerve fibers in the central nervous system. This assault disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Imagine the nerves as electrical cables, and MS as a condition that damages the protective insulation around these cables.
MS is notorious for its unpredictability, manifesting in a spectrum of symptoms and severity. For some, it might mean occasional numbness or fatigue; for others, it could lead to more severe challenges, such as difficulty walking, muscle spasms, or even paralysis.
In Chris’s case, the impact has been profound. MS can flare up, leading to periods of intense symptoms, followed by uncertainty around whether there will be periods of remission where symptoms might partially or entirely fade, or whether these flare ups will be progressive. This cycle creates a rollercoaster of challenges, both physical and emotional.
With a legacy of having worked with hundreds of NDIS providers, growing his company to an $18 million dollar valuation, and the reason behind a common phrase in the sector of “if you’re an NDIS provider, chances are you know of the NDIS Ninja,”
Chris’s journey with MS underscores the physical and mental challenges of the condition, casting a spotlight on his remarkable resilience. In a recent conversation with Business Insider, he shared, “MS threw me a curveball I wasn’t prepared for. But every setback is a setup for a comeback. It’s about adapting and finding new ways to contribute.”
Navigating the physical toll of MS, Chris discovered strength in vulnerability. “Admitting that I needed support, both physically and emotionally, was a game-changer. It’s not about doing it alone; it’s about rallying a community around you,” he emphasised.
The mental health implications were profound, and Chris didn’t shy away from acknowledging them. “Doubt crept in. There were moments of ‘Can I still make an impact? Can I lead effectively?’ ‘Am I ever going to be enough again?’ But I’ve learned that true strength is acknowledging these doubts and remembering who you are.”
Chris attributes much of his resilience to his support network. “Behind every successful person, there’s a team that believes in them unequivocally. My partner especially has been instrumental in keeping me busy, and quite literally carrying me when I can’t walk” He laughed.
“My family and closest friends have been relentless with the constant phone calls, and checking in on me, but the community I’ve built through my work have been my greatest supporters. Their belief in our mission to reshape this sector to create better opportunities for people with a disability keeps me going,” he shared.
Chris Bruce emerges not just as a business leader but as a symbol of resilience, a source of inspiration for those facing health challenges. In his words, “Adversity doesn’t define us; our response to it does. MS is part of my story, but it’s not the whole story. There’s more to achieve, and millions of more lives to impact. Living with a disability might make some things in everyday life trickier, but it certainly doesn’t stop you, or change the person you are and what you’re capable of.”
Media Contact
Organization: Grow DSP
Contact Person: Gee Vaile
Website: http://growdsp.com.au/
Email: Send Email
City: Sydney
State: NSW
Country: Australia
Release Id: 1312238293