Wendy, Public Relations, 30 years old

John Lennon said that, “Life is what happens while you are busy making plans.” Or, in my case, sometimes life is what happens when you’re not paying attention. About three years ago, I quit my job, started a total home renovation, and opened a small business. At a time when I needed to manage everything…I found that I couldn’t manage anything at all.

About two months into this madness, I became increasingly tired, but I couldn’t sleep. I gained weight, though I worked out on a daily basis. I became irritable, pushed away my friends and my boyfriend, and had no motivation to move forward. I had lost my will. I was miserable; and I had to do something.

I went to a doctor in my HMO network. I saw her for 5 minutes and was told to take a purple pill. I was defeated. I went to a holistic practitioner, but didn’t feel comfortable with the practice. So, I carried on—tired, sick, constipated, and worried about my health with no solution.

About a year into my home renovation and new business, my symptoms became much more severe. I had gained 20 pounds, I looked like hell, and felt nothing but sadness. I was bloated, my skin paled, my hair fell out in clumps, and I barely had enough energy to make it through the day. I wasn’t ever hungry—my signal to eat was lightheadedness and jittery limbs. Food was such a low priority, and since everything upset my stomach, I ate for the sake of eating and drank for the sake of drinking. I felt like a stranger in my own body. When I felt pain in my kidneys, fear finally drove me to find a doctor that was going to work to heal me and not prescribe a chemical to mask my symptoms.

As it turned out, I was referred to an Internal Medical Doctor by a friend, who was very in tune with both traditional and holistic medicine. I made an appointment and spent over an hour with my new doctor. I was FINALLY and accurately diagnosed with Celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disease triggered by the presence of gluten in the digestive system. Because this disease can be managed entirely through diet, my doctor referred me to a Registered Dietician and Doctor of Naturopathy, Cheryl Diane. At the time, I couldn’t have known how dramatically my life was about to change.

My first appointment with Cheryl was the beginning of an incredible journey towards wellness and personal growth. Cheryl’s approach to natural medicine and healing is based on hard data, but it is beautifully balanced with a holistic and personal sensibility. Over the last year and a half, Cheryl has molded my wellness program specifically to my needs and capabilities. And, what I love most about working with Cheryl is her gentle way—she offers guidance without judgment; support without urging; and hope without expectations.

Cheryl has helped me to change my life and she has helped me to mend my body. But most importantly, Cheryl has helped me to heal my spirit. I have found peace and love in my life. And, I have found a place in this universe that I happily call my home. I am very blessed and so very thankful to have Cheryl in my life—as my healer and as my friend.