Today my reason is I am a fighter, a survivor, and I am able. I was born with a rare disease Recurrent Respiratory Papillomas (RRP growths grow on around vocal cords causing suffocation if left untreated). At the time I started working out I had eighteen surgeries on my throat. In my life I have battled and beat bulimia, survived childhood sexual abuse, and domestic violence.
At first my reason was setting a good example for my children by losing weight the healthy/right way. After a few months therapy became my reason. No one tells you that just because you survived that means that you have healed. Every mile, class, and goal I hit built that confidence and love for myself that I truly had never had.
After two years of working on myself and getting into the best shape of my life I began to have symptoms of RRP. It became hard to breathe and drained my energy. I was scheduled for surgery 19, and came through ready to be back to me. Unfortunately that day didn’t come as quickly as I wished and I struggled. I became very depressed unable to do the things I love, and left without answers or improvement for a year.
I decided to change doctors and found one ready to help me get back to being me. I spent months doing vocal cord retraining to teach my throat to stay open during exercise. Another CT scan was ordered after 6 months and tumors were found on my thyroid restricting my airway. June 17, 2016 I had surgery and awoke able to breathe!!! Forty days later I was at the starting line for a seven mile race.
My reason today is I am able when so many are not. I refuse to take one day of my remission for granted and will keep pushing and fighting to be a better me. Life isn’t easy, but it can be wonderful if you just keep fighting.
