Preparing Mentally for Plasmaphoresis

A little life update and a peek into how I approach the hard stuff.

Before you read on: I'll briefly mention a medical procedure. This is a no-angst post, but if medical content isn't something you can take in today, that's okay ... come back another time. I take trauma-informed leadership seriously, and I only ever want to put good into the world.

You are the guardian of your mental health. Fight like a gladiator to protect it.

I'll be starting plasmapheresis next week, which means I'll be admitted to hospital for a few days each week for the foreseeable future. I wanted to give a heads up that I may be less available, less productive, and might drop out of plans. Please don't take it personally, it comes from a place of loving life and wanting to protect my capacity so I can show up for the people and things that matter most to me.

But this isn't a doom and gloom post. I want to talk about how I *prepare*.

I am a firm believer that we are the guardians of our own mental health, especially when facing things that are painful, scary or distressing. When you're walking into situations where you have very little control or autonomy, preparing in advance to reclaim even a small measure of it goes a long way in managing fear.

Plasmaphoresis is a procedure where they remove the plasma from the blood and replace it with albuim from blood donors. To do this they need large bore IV access to remove your blood quickly, run it through a machine, and get it back into your system quickly. Unfortunately after 6 years of immunotherapy, my veins are not great and they cannot use my port- a - cath for this as it isnt big enough. So if I am going to be having this procedure long term I will need to have my port replaced. Which means another awake surgery (not fun). They want to see if I cope with this procedure before putting me through a surgery. We will try ultrasound guided IV access but will likely end up with a central line.... in my groin sounds like such fun, cant wait for that heavy sarcasm

So there are obviously things I am afraid of, so how can I set myself up to face it with a calm mind.

For me that looks like two things:

**Filling my soul cup before I go.** Focusing on the things that make me genuinely happy. Surrounding myself with people I love. Doing things that bring me joy. ART has a huge part in that. Art helps me cope with all the scary. Building up a reservoir of resilience so that when I'm putting my trust and body in other peoples hands, I'm drawing from a full well.

**Controlling my senses while it's happening.** Eye mask. Audiobooks and music. Perfume and essential oils. I flood my senses with things that are safe and familiar, so my brain has something beautiful to focus on instead of everything else going on around it.

Here I am in ICU, sleep headphones on playing a beautiful Audiobook, eyemask at the ready and pillow covered in lemon myrtle essential oil. Controlling what i can control the get through the uncontrollable.

And for anyone else navigating serious illness while raising small children, here's something that has worked beautifully for us.

My son is 8. We work very hard to make sure he never carries the weight of my health on his shoulders. So when I'm going into hospital, his job is to go and hug all of his soft toys and feel which one is the squishiest, the cuddliest, the one with the most healing energy and choose that plushie companion to send with me to help me get stronger.

It gives him a role. It gives him his own small measure of control. And it keeps a gentle but firm barrier between my illness and his sense of responsibility. It's one of my favourite things we've ever come up with.

Anyway, that's my update. It feels fitting that all of this is unfolding during MG Awareness Month. I really hope this treatment brings some stability. I'm going into it with a full heart, paint under my finger nails and a good playlist.

Stay colourful 🤍

Building a City for Your Worst Day

was the title of my 60 second challenge at TEDxBrisbane. And I want to take a moment to reflect on that experience.

Chloe Wigg on the TEDxBrisbane stage. Image Courtesy TEDxBrisbane Official

It started with Kate Fisher the force behind Milkshakes for Marleigh.

Her daughter Marleigh has autoimmune encephalitis, the same condition my dad faces, where the immune system attacks and causes inflammation in the brain. Through that connection Kate discovered I also had an autoimmune disease and was receiving IVIG for Myasthenia Gravis. Kate invited me onto her podcast to talk about the life saving and quality of life giving benefits of blood products.

I have watched her transform some of the most devastating experiences a mother can face into a national force for blood donation advocacy. Her vital work means that every single time I needed life saving IVIG, it was there. When she sent me the link to apply to be in the TEDxBrisbane audience, I was honoured. All I wanted was to sit like a proud parent and watch her shine.

I did not expect everything that followed.

I was fresh out of hospital from another scary intensification of my disease (Thank you Australian blood donors and IVIG for saving my life yet again) when I found out I had been accepted AND had the chance to submit for the 60 second challenge.

Chloe Wigg laying in a hospital bed.

Living with a rare disease that up and tries to end you now and then, well it makes you live life differently. and everyone approaches that differently.

For me, I want the world to be a better place because I lived in it. All the medical trauma, all the scars and the near misses, it can't be for nothing. Every day that I am alive and breathing is a day gifted to me from blood donation and I will use that gift to give back.

Was this the best time to take on something. - NO

but this was an opportunity I could not let pass me by.

Not just for me, but for all those without a voice.

We escaped the world and went camping for the sole purpose of being uncontactable, where I couldn't have any medical appointments (... or work commitments.... woops) I drafted what I wanted to say in between enforced rest times, recovering from being unable to move or breathe. And recorded my submission on the side of the road, desperately trying to get one clean take between traffic noise, dog barks (thanks Duster) and, my favorite from Mr 8. "Can we go now?!?!?!?!"

I never expected to be picked.

I am not a CEO who flies planes on weekends for charity. I am not a groundbreaking researcher who found the cure for aging.

I am just me.

Just Chloe.

But what I chose to talk about was what I saw was deeply needed and timely. Something that shifted the conversation about access from a disability or"them" issue, to something we all deserve... because access is everyone's issue.

And that is what TEDxBrisbane is about. Yes how you speak matters. But your IDEA is the most important thing. It levels the playing field. Passionate people. With a big idea. In search of the right audience.

Then the TEDxBrisbane team showed why they are global leaders.

I experienced something I had never experienced before. An advocate. A volunteer contact who answered every question directly, who called and talked me through the location, the day and how everything will run. "What time are the breaks" "where are the wheelchair parks?" Simple questions, answered quickly, that make an enormous difference, especially when you have a complex health situation. Every detail was considered.

Then there was the 60 Second Challenge Team. Glen ... well Glen just gets stuff done. Everything was well planned, excellently communicated and as someone who had been the recipient of well meaning but poorly executed inclusion, Glen is the gold standard. He got me a head set mic because holding mics can be hard for me, he made sure we ran though getting on and off stage, that I wasn't going to get stuck on the carpet and that all the 60 Second Challenge finalists movements were similar so that the wheelchair was not going to feel out of place or "other".

Chloe Wigg and Glen Murphy behind the scenes checking accessibility prior to the 60 Second Challenge delivery.

Tiana worked with me to make my speech more cohesive and impactful. She was so giving with her time, knowledge and skill and is the worlds best one woman cheer squad!

Then came rehearsal night.

Chloe Wigg and Tiana Iuvale at the 60 Second Challenge rehearsal

I stood (well sat) in front of Tiana, Glen, my fellow finalists - the fantastic 4 - Gaj Panagoda, Elena Sokolova and Ingrid Devlin, TEDx Speakers Fleur Madden and Molly McCluskey ... and Juanita.

Juanita, who, until that moment I had only heard spoken of with deep respect ... and ... well ....affectionate fear.

I was expecting a dragon ... and in walked this wonderful pocket rocket of a human.

I delivered my 60 second rehearsal. Fumbled a line but finished on time. And then...

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Her face was blank.

A million thoughts spiralled until finally I blurted out "OMG your face is giving me nothing, I need you to say something!"

"It was good."

Literally no expression.

Ok. *deep breath * I can deal with good. Good can be improve on.

We talked through pace, delivery, when to pause, how to use the clock. I took every word to heart.

What I would later learn is that Juanita is not someone who spares your feelings. If she can help you, she will, and it will be direct and matter of fact. She is a deeply kind human. And blank face?

Blank face means she is delighted.

I went home and practiced. In the shower. In the mirror. I made people make unflinching eye contact with me while I recited. I wrote down exactly what second each sentence was supposed to finish on. That might sound like too much preparation. But I had a lot to prove. Not to anyone else.

To myself.

I was not chosen for optics. I was chosen because I had an idea everyone needed to hear.

The fantastic 4. Left to right: Chloe Wigg, Ingrid Devlin, Elena Sokolova and Gaj Panagoda. Behind the scenes ready to deliver their 60 Second Challenge Idea.

Backstage we shook out our nerves.

I sang my power songs (Titanium and Pocketful of Sunshine) and reminded myself that no matter what, I am strong and I make my own happiness.

When I got on that stage I expected the shaking and the nerves. Instead I thought:

"this audience has no idea what is about to hit them."

I crossed my legs (like a lady) dusted off my dress, gave the audience a cheeky smile and ...

Chloe Wigg delivering her 60 Second Challenge Idea. Image courtesy TEDxBrisbane Official

I smashed it.

Chloe Wigg (With an "I'm very serious" face) 60SC finalist at TEDxBrisbane. Image courtesy TEDxBrisbane Official

I nailed it for me, and I nailed it for everyone who doesn't have a voice to say it. Universal design and accessibility benefit everyone.

But my favourite moment? Very few people saw it.

I got off that stage absolutely electric. Confirmed the microphone was off. And violently (and with absolutely no chill) celebrated, I whispered a few words I will not type here, triple fist pumped the air, happy stamped my feet....and froze like a deer in headlights.

Because there was Juanita.

Blank face.

I thought I was about to be told off for being unprofessional in the wings.

Then her face broke into the biggest smile and she whisper shouted "YES! YOU SMASHED IT!"

Juanita Wheeler and Chloe Wigg at TEDxBrisbane 2026. Image courtesy TEDxBrisbane Official

A double fist bump from Glen. And I floated off on a cloud (well power wheelchair but whatever)

The following photos make me so happy. They are action shots of Juanita retelling my self congratulation session back stage. It was the moment Juanita cemented herself as one of my all time favourite human beings. In a world where I am use to being "too much", and apologising for my sparkle, she celebrated it. She shouted it from the rooftops. She made me promise to never dull my shine.

Sharing that moment with my two wing women Marlisa and Sarah, that was special.

Juanita retelling the antics of back stage (with permission of course). Marlisa a little shocked, Sarah not surprised one bit and me happy to have brought so much joy through my lack of chill. Image courtesy of TEDxBrisbane Official

Image courtesy of TEDxBrisbane Official

Left to right: Marlisa Kwan, Juanita Wheeler, Chloe Wigg and Sarah Jones. Image Courtesy of TEDxBrisbane Official

TEDxBrisbane is a turning point in my life. The audience was curated with precision and intention. Every single person there seemed to be genuinely trying to make the world better.

To everyone who has reached out since, who connected, who shared their own story, thank you. You are why it mattered.

And to Kate. None of this existed without you.

Recognised for My Heart:The Agape Heart of Women Awards

Community & Heart

Being seen not for what you achieve, but for who you choose to be.

About Agape Outreach

Some organisations exist on paper. Agape Outreach exists in the early mornings, in car parks, on street corners, anywhere a vulnerable person needs to feel that someone cares. Founded on January 26th, 2009, by Theresa Mitchell, Agape began simply: Theresa could no longer walk past people on the street, so she started cooking meals in her own kitchen and handing them out.

Today, Agape is based in Tweed Heads on Recreation Street, with more than 200 volunteers and 4 employees, mostly retirees and university students with a genuine heart for people. They operate between Byron Bay and Runaway Bay, providing over 800 hot meals weekly to vulnerable people, along with a wide range of other services.

"Agape" comes from Ancient Greek and means unconditional love, a profound, sacrificial love that persists regardless of circumstance. That is exactly what they pass on, every single day.

There are no church services, no conditions, no preaching. Just love and action. Volunteers and clients from every walk of life and belief are welcome. It is, in the truest sense, unconditional.

A nomination I didn't see coming

The Agape Heart of Women Awards exist to identify and acknowledge outstanding women who demonstrate courage, passion, enthusiasm, and generosity across our community. I had no idea I was going to be nominated. I only found out once I was told it had already happened.

My first assumption was that it was for my work with Oh MG, raising awareness for the rare disease Myasthenia Gravis, uniting the community and uplift others living with it. I figured I was being recognised for something I was doing for the community

.

Then I found out who had nominated me, and I asked her: What did you say in the nomination?

Her answer stopped me in my tracks.

"Chloe I have known and worked with you for years. You have every reason to be angry with the world. Every reason to scream at the sky, be angry at the unfairness of it all. But you just don't. You are so positive and happy. You shine. And not only that, I use what precious little energy you have to help others."

She wasn't nominating me for a campaign or a cause. She nominated me for who I am and who I chose to be. That is something I had never considered.

The award I won, and why it means everything

The Heart Award: Theresa's personal discretionary award

Created by Agape founding director Theresa Mitchell, given entirely at her discretion to someone in the community living, working, and giving with incredible heart and compassion. Theresa steps back from judging the main awards because she knows so many nominees personally, and then steps forward with this one.

I didn't win Woman of the Year. I wasn't expecting to. But Theresa, who absents herself from judging because she knows so many of the nominees, creates her own special category. Her own award, given at her discretion, to someone she believes embodies extraordinary heart.

That is the award I won.

It means so much more to me. I would much rather be recognised for my heart and compassion, for my conscious, deliberate choice to live every day to the fullest and make the world better simply because I was in it.

Why this work hits close to home

I've needed time to recover and reflect on the Heart of Women Awards. And part of that reflection is being honest about something personal.

I know what it is to face the monthly question of "do we have to sell the house?" I know what it is to request food hampers, to shop at charity groceries where the best-before dates have long passed and you just cut the mouldy bits off the vegetables.

So when Theresa talks about the work Agape does, it doesn't feel distant to me. They don't just give food to people who are homeless. They help people feel seen and loved when they are at their most vulnerable. That matters enormously.

Theresa told us something that hasn't left me. She said she used to be able to help people off the streets and into homes. Now all she can do is hand out tents. The financial strain gripping our nation is causing homelessness to skyrocket, and it costs her just 60 cents to give someone a hot meal. But if she doesn't have that 60 cents, she can't give anyone a meal.

What I'm doing

I try to live by the Barefoot Investor's ethos: spend, save, give. Savings haven't been possible for a while, but I can still give. So I set up a small direct deposit once a month, the equivalent of a cup of coffee.

That one cup of coffee a month equals 10 meals for people who need them. 10 meals that wouldn't exist without it.

I encourage everyone reading this to think about whether they could do the same. A small amount, given consistently, makes a genuinely significant difference to an organisation like Agape.

Support Agape Outreach

Every dollar goes directly to providing meals and services for vulnerable people across the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast.

60c = 1 hot meal $6 = 10 meals $24 = 40 meals a month

Visit agapeoutreach.com.au to donate or find out more.

Written with gratitude for Agape Outreach, for Theresa Mitchell, and for the person who saw something in me worth nominating.