For more than a decade, Michelle Robinson has been helping people in Muskoka find something everyone deserves when facing a chronic illness: a sense of community.
As we recognize National Indigenous History Month, we're proud to celebrate Michelle, a dedicated volunteer whose kindness, leadership, and lived experience have made a lasting difference for people affected by Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
When Michelle was diagnosed with Crohn's more than 10 years ago, she knew firsthand how isolating that journey could feel. Living in Muskoka, where opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges were limited, she found support through Gutsy Walk. There, she met people who understood what she was going through and discovered she wasn't alone.
That experience stayed with her.
What started as a search for connection became a passion for helping others find it, too.
Today, as Chair of the Muskoka Gutsy Walk, Michelle is often one of the first people participants meet. Whether she's welcoming someone attending their first walk, sharing her own experiences, recruiting volunteers, or simply taking time to listen, she has a gift for making people feel seen, supported, and understood.
"Community is incredibly important to me. When I was diagnosed, finding people who understood what I was going through made a difference. Being able to give that same support back to others is one of the reasons I continue to volunteer."
This year, Michelle helped lead the Muskoka Gutsy Walk, raising more than $7,000 in support of Crohn's and Colitis Canada.
But for Michelle, the impact goes beyond fundraising.
One participant recently shared how Michelle walked beside them during their very first Gutsy Walk, shortly after they had been diagnosed. What began as a simple conversation helped ease their fears and reminded them that they didn't have to face their journey alone. They left feeling hopeful and inspired to return next year, not only as a participant, but as a volunteer.
Moments like these reflect the heart of Michelle's volunteer work.
Her commitment to the community extends well beyond Gutsy Walk. From organizing local awareness initiatives to leading fundraising events like Oh Crap! It's Another Bonspiel, Michelle continues to create opportunities for people to connect, learn, and support one another.
National Indigenous History Month is a time to honour the contributions, leadership, and stories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. Michelle's dedication to helping others, sharing her lived experience, and building stronger connections within her community is a meaningful example of that leadership in action.
Thank you, Michelle, for the countless ways you show up for the Crohn's and colitis community. Your compassion and generosity continue to remind people that they are not alone.