The Paths We Take

At 26, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. For years, I suffered daily with debilitating symptoms. As the mother of two young children, I struggled with even the simplest tasks, often needing others to care for my basic needs. My condition steadily deteriorated until I lost mobility. Relying on a cane to walk, and sometimes needing a wheelchair due to paralysis in my arms and legs, I lost hope. I felt trapped in a body I’d grown to hate, spiraling deeper into despair.

Utterly defeated, I no longer recognized my life as my own

As my body failed and refused to obey my brain’s commands, I was consumed by powerlessness. Unable to express myself, my once lively spirit began to die. I lost my sense of purpose as my illness robbed me of the ability to be the mother I’d always dreamed of being. Then came my rock-bottom “aha” moment.

A terrifying moment for me and my daughter

One day, my two-year-old daughter, running over to show me a toy, fell down and hit her head on the coffee table. She cried so hard no sound came out until she finally caught her breath and screamed for me. I was paralyzed in both arms and legs. I could barely move, but in that moment, I used every ounce of strength to reach her. When I finally got down to her level, I couldn’t even hug her; my arms didn’t work. All I could do was press my cheek against hers as she wrapped her little arms around my neck.

In that moment, I gave myself an ultimatum

“You can either live with MS, or you can be a mother. You can’t do both.” I decided right then that I would get better, no matter what it took. If it required a miracle, I wouldn’t stop until I found one. From that moment, my mind was set firmly on recovery. I quit my job of 11 years, quit smoking, and immersed myself in every aspect of physical and mental health. The more I searched, the more I found new options and tried every single one. I read the stories of two women who used nutrition to help manage their MS symptoms, and I thought, “If they can do it, I sure as hell can too.”

Since then, I’ve never looked back

Sixteen years after my diagnosis, I’ve regained my health, soothed my soul, and made it my life’s purpose to help others on their journey to health. I went from broken to badass, and I want the same for you, for everyone.