Who I Am
My name is Chrissi Kelly, and I am the founder of CKOS, a platform dedicated to supporting individuals facing the challenges of smell disorders. My journey began in 2012 when I lost my sense of smell following a virus. Isolated by my experience and discouraged by the lack of information and support, I sought out answers. This search led me to undertake residential courses in smell disorders, collaborate on international research projects, and coauthor over 20 research papers. I regularly speak at clinical conferences and have contributed to a best-selling book on the management of Long Covid.
Previously, I founded AbScent, a UK charity that became a beacon of hope for those suffering from smell loss worldwide. Although AbScent is no longer active, the mission continues with ‘Chrissi Kelly on Smell’, otherwise known as CKOS, where I channel my experience and dedication into advocating for patients and providing essential resources.
Why CKOS Matters to Me
The work I do at CKOS is deeply personal. My battle with anosmia made me acutely aware of the emotional and physical toll of smell disorders. It became my mission to transform my adversity into advocacy, ensuring no one has to navigate this journey alone. CKOS is more than a resource; it’s a community where individuals can find solace, support, and actionable advice. The services I offer are designed to address both the practical and wellbeing needs of the smell loss community, providing a holistic approach to managing smell loss.
My Values and Principles
At CKOS, the core values are empathy, education, and empowerment. I believe in:
Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of those experiencing smell loss. Every story is unique, and the community we’ve built together is here to listen and support.
Education: Providing accurate, up-to-date information and resources to help individuals and medical practitioners manage and understand smell disorders.
Empowerment: Enabling individuals to take charge of their health and well-being through support, tools, and community.
These principles guide everything I do, ensuring that our approach is patient-centred, led by lived experience, and compassionate.
