About Me

I was diagnosed at age 20 with Friedreich’s ataxia. It is a genetic, progressive neuromuscular disease with no cure. Balance and coordination issues lead to a loss of mobility. It affects speech, making it slurred and difficult to understand. I am now 53 years old and in a wheelchair full-time, and have been since I was in my 30s. 

I am a mother of two adult sons and have been married and divorced. I have been disregarded and rejected because of my disability. I have struggled with self-worth and purpose because of my disability.  

If I had not entered a relationship with Jesus, the peace, joy, and confident hope that fill my life would not exist. Do I struggle? You bet—every day. But I have chosen to partner with God each day and overcome. 

What brings me joy besides Him? Books, music, the color red, ancient Egypt, penguins, polka dots, my sons, OSU and NFL football, our dog Thanos and laughing.

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Health Education, which I pursued for my own knowledge. I knew I couldn’t control what was happening inside my body, but I wanted to learn what was best for it and control what I put into it. I believe that food is medicine, good and bad. What you put in your body is going to affect it in one way or another.

I worked for Disability Rights Ohio, an agency that protects and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities, for over 11 years. I now want to point others with physical disabilities to a more abundant life in Christ through my writing and through sharing my experiences.