How I Became a Wellness Warrior

My Hike to Health

I am extremely passionate about all things holistic health, healing naturally, food as medicine and the power of thinking. I was not always like this. This passion comes from a personal place. My journey began just like yours. For many years I had many unexplained health concerns, some mild and some that were not. Seeing doctor after doctor for answers, I never got a straight answer. In fact, it got more confusing. Each doctor would send me to a new specialist who in turn would suggest another specialist. Most of the time I would get a prescription or report of findings that would conclude my labs were "normal". It was not until April 10, 2008 that my unexplained health concerns for years became a real threat. Overnight, I began to lose my eyesight in my left eye, lost my balance and coordination. I was referred to an Ophthalmologist who urged I go to the hospital immediately for further testing and suggested it may involve a neurological issue with my brain. There I got extensive testing, an MRI and three days later a life changing diagnosis. The hospital doctors’ treatment was a nice hefty dose of IV steroids and some reassuring advice to “Google” my treatment options for my follow up in three days with him. I pursued third and fourth opinions. I even flew to San Francisco from Orange County for a fifth opinion. Every doctor confirmed the diagnosis and left me with poor prognosis that I would eventually be paralyzed over the years.

Two years later in September of 2010, I lost function in my right leg and hand. I was unable to walk without assistance and had to use a cane. My doctor at the time believed the therapy I was on for two years had no affect and we needed to explore new options. This was not only physically challenging but emotionally frustrating. During one of my weakest moments, I attempted to make sense of how this happened and most importantly how I could regain my health. In that moment, something miraculous transpired and I realized that I needed to take my health into my own hands. I had to be my own health advocate. I made a promise to myself to shift my mindset and decided to create an opportunity from my struggle. This was an empowering moment that eventually changed my life.

At the time, I was immersed in my acupuncture and medical school program. I was fortunate to be exposed to the resources I needed to start investigating my health and take health into my own hands. I was finally getting directed in the right path to heal my own body. Here, I had the opportunity to not only learn how to heal myself, but how I may share this to heal others.

In my search, I came to understand that my body had all the necessary components to reverse this condition. I started to research our food supply, study holistic nutrition, and dive deep into functional medicine. It became clear that there was nothing wrong with my body, but everything wrong of what I was eating, drinking and thinking. After cleaning my diet tremendously and getting to the bottom of my metabolic imbalances, I regained full function of my legs, hands, balance, coordination and eyesight. Another positive side effect of my new found way of life was more energy, improved digestion, strong immune system and faster healing response.

My healing journey was not only a physical rehabilitation but definitely what I would call a soul rehabilitation too. It gave me the ability to use my experience to process a deeper understanding of what it means to heal and the compassion for those who are in that process. I am fortunate and grateful to have experienced losing my health to understand the value of TRUE health. This has been my greatest gift, lesson and blessing.

Today, my favorite activities to keep me healthy are meditation, yoga, hiking, rollerblading, dancing, and photography. I love cooking and the culinary arts. I am a self-taught chef who creates "foodie" recipes for the holistic lifestyle. My friends and family reap the rewards of these holistic culinary creations often. I am co-authoring a book on applying this wellness lifestyle in a practical way and how to overcome challenges with your health. This will be a practical guide and reference. I never take these moments for granted and understand the "hike" one must take to regain function and health. For this reason, I am fortunate to live my purpose everyday and share it with you. I hope to guide, inspire and empower you through YOUR journey!

Personal Journey to Becoming a Health Provider

My Hike to Health