I grew up with 5 brothers and sisters. I was not like any of them. I was always energetic and trying new things all my life.  Unfortunately I was the only one who was sick or had an illness through most of my life but I never let it stop me. I always had a positive attitude. I use to take in stray cats that people dumped on the side of the road. I loved animals and I loved caring for them. At age 15 I contracted toxoplasmosis, which is a blood disease you can get from cat feces. It landed in my right eye which caused an eye hemorrhage. I had to be transported to Boston Children’s Hospital and was placed on bed rest for 2 weeks. The hemorrhage stopped just before hitting my optic nerve. It never activated again because I believed that it was gone and that I was healed.The Doctors said that usually doesn’t happen.

The vision in my right eye was very limited and I learned to compensate for this so that I could get my license and drive. Since then, I have gone to nursing school. I had chronic tonsillitis for years and even when I was in school. Because of this I got a very “rare” condition called carotidynia. It is such a painful condition with little hope. There had been no research done on this for so many years. I learned how to decrease the pain over the years by trying various things. I went to school for modeling and did some fashion modeling part time.

I was disabled at age 32. I told myself no way. I started school for fitness and nutrition and started to exercise. I remember the first time I did it. I was in so much pain that tears ran down my cheeks and I could only work out for 1 minute. I gradually increased my time a minute each day. After 2 years I took my final exam at MIT in Boston and passed my first time. I became a bodybuilder, was able to go back to work in nursing and taught fitness in my spare time. I had about 15 good years free from medical issues.

After 15 years of relative good health, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had a bilateral mastectomy and then reconstructive surgery. After 2 years of treatment I began to look for my own home to buy. I was diagnosed in 2008, and bought my dream home in 2010.

I have gone through so many “rare” and painful things that I have started to write a book in hopes that I might help someone else who is facing adversity in their life. I have had so many diagnoses that I can’t list them all in my story.I have learned that life doesn’t always promise an easy way, but there are tools we can use to get through anything. I have learned that your health is the most important thing you are given in this life. I never take it for granted when I am feeling good. I have learned so much reading The Secret and The Magic. I take notes and refer to them often. I want to thank you for all for your help in getting me through my obstacles and having hope. Thank you all so much,

Kaya