Warrior Women: Nicole & Sandra

Warrior Women: Nicole & Sandra

Warrior Women: Nicole & Sandra

Over the last few weeks I’ve been introducing you to the phenomenal women featured in Chronic Resilience. If you haven’t read about Sarah and Lauren or Charity and Kelly, pop back over to their posts, but first meet Nicole (chapter 6) and Sandra (chapter 8).

Nicole Lemelle

Becoming diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) prompted Nicole to take charge of her life. She was in her 20s when MS was confirmed. For years it was something she could work around, but eventually it progressed and dramatically altered her way of life. Nicole calls it “My New Normals,” also the title of her blog.  She has worked through frustration and continues to find acceptance with each change that takes place. MS prompted Nicole to need support from her family and husband. This is the delicate balance we discuss in the book. She has learned how to ask for support and navigate a My New Normalsmarriage where her husband has the dual role of spouse and caretaker. I am in awe of Nicole’s grace and continued resilience. She is a blogger and health activist educating and inspiring others about the realities of MS.

Sandra Joseph

I first learned about Sandra from reading an article she’d written for Kris Carr’s website titled, Don’t Play the End of the Scene at the Beginning. It is a beautifully written piece about not jumping ahead of the present moment. For Sandra this relates to a tumor on her 12th cranial nerve, the very nerve that controls the left side of her tongue. Sandra also happens to be an actress and singer. From 1998 – 2006, she played Christine Daaé in Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. This tiny tumor could have career-ending impact on Sandra. In true chronic resilience fashion, Sandra has used this obstacle to live more authentically and find a depth of peace she can pull from to get through whatever challenges await. I absolutely cherished our conversation and am thrilled for you to get to read Sandra’s insights. Visit Sandra Joseph’s Website.

Check out Sandra’s visit to Oprah:

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