My Story

I first visited the doctor after noticing I couldn’t fully smile on one side. Thinking it was minor, I was shocked, terrified, and overwhelmed to learn I had a brain tumor—initially thought to be an acoustic neuroma, but later diagnosed as a facial nerve hemangioma. I chose to “watch and wait,” but six months later, as my symptoms worsened and the tumor had grown, I decided to have surgery in the summer of 2022.

Waking up with complete left-sided facial paralysis was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. My face didn’t feel like my own, and even simple daily interactions became emotionally overwhelming. I felt disconnected, frustrated, and unsure of what the future would hold. Navigating the healthcare system added extra stress—seeking multiple opinions, making decisions with conflicting advice, and trying to find my way forward while managing fear and uncertainty. Five months after surgery, I saw the first signs of movement—a tiny twitch—and that moment brought a sense of hope I hadn’t felt in months. From there, I made slow but steady progress. I’m grateful for how far I’ve come and remain positive as my path continues, finding meaning and growth even amidst ongoing challenges.

Through this experience, I learned firsthand how challenging it can be to find emotional support, guidance, and motivation while facing a health challenge. That’s why I’m here—to help you build new habits and create lasting change so you can reclaim peace and joy in your life. With a little laughter and a whole lot of encouragement, one step at a time.