Still Standing: A Journey of Healing and Hope

Dear Friends,

Many of you have noticed that I've been unusually quiet and haven't been producing my regular shows. I wanted to let you know why.

The past several months have brought one of the most challenging seasons of my life.

After accepting a wonderful opportunity to return to healthcare, I relocated more than a thousand miles to New Mexico to begin a new chapter. What I hoped would be a fresh start quickly became a series of unexpected challenges—housing difficulties, financial strain, relocation delays, and the normal stress of beginning a new position while preparing for my Registered Dietitian exam.

Then everything changed.

I was rushed to the hospital with severe abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a perforated, infected appendix, with pus present, requiring emergency surgery. During my hospitalization I also developed new-onset atrial fibrillation, adding an entirely new medical challenge. I was transferred by helicopter for specialized care and remained hospitalized for several days. After discharge, I required antibiotics, multiple heart medications, a blood thinner, pain medication, and ongoing follow-up with both my surgeon and cardiologist.

Recovery has been slower than I had hoped.

Although I am improving, I continue to work through the normal healing process while coordinating medical documentation, physician appointments, and communication with my employer so I can return to work safely when my doctors determine I am ready.

Through it all, I remain grateful.

I have learned once again that even in life's most difficult seasons, kindness, friendship, prayer, and encouragement carry us farther than we often realize.

Many of you have asked how you can help.

The greatest gift right now is your continued prayers for complete healing, strength, wisdom, and a smooth return to work.

If you feel led to help financially while I recover and continue missing work, it would be deeply appreciated. Every contribution helps with medical expenses, household needs, and simply getting through this unexpected chapter.