I was on top of the world in 2002. I had my dream job, husband, and new home; and in 8 seconds my life changed forever. I was rear-ended by a 15-passenger van. This incident lead to a brachia plexus nerve injury (whiplash) that triggered a neuro-autoimmune condition to begin to attack my body. Within 14 months, I had lost my job, house, marriage, figure (gained 40lbs), and was forced to go onto state assistance and food stamps. Ever since that day, I have fought to get my life back and now in remission, I realize that life is what we make of it.
I took one moment at a time over the past ten years. I advocate for all of us challenged with a chronic care condition involving chronic pain as well as their family, caregivers, healthcare professionals and public. Whether physical or mental, pain can and will consume you if you allow it to and only the patient can begin the process of healing! My hope is that sharing my story will inspire others to be filled with HOPE and motivation. If I can do it, anyone can. I now share my knowledge of overcoming the challenges that we face every day with our activities of daily living.
I had to learn the hard way and now pass on my knowledge to give hope and answers to patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. I hope by speaking out about my journey it stops it from happening to anyone else. I got through my life challenges by facing the fear of what was to come and remembering – you never stop cheering until the game is over! Attitude is everything!
