My journey began when I was in the prime of my life, finishing years of university, getting married and starting my career. Suddenly, my vision blurred and I was seeing double. One eye went wall-eyed and I couldn’t see. If I tried to open my eyes I would fall over with dizziness. This introduced me to the medical system, and ultimately was sent to a “specialist” who diagnosed me with multiple sclerosis. Six months later, 4 ½ months pregnant, and still reeling from my last diagnosis, I was dealt another blow, I had thyroid cancer.                     In my fifth month of pregnancy, I underwent major surgery to completely remove my thyroid, and soon after, I was radiated. That’s when I found out that the cancer had spread to my lungs. Another radiation treatment six months later made me very ill, but the results were the same. The cancer tumors were still the same size, at stage 4 and I was sent home to “wait it out” with cancer and MS. I began taking an immune suppressant drug to help decrease the effects of the MS. After struggling a month to inject myself, and suffering with side effects, I was informed that the drug company would not allow me to take this drug because I had cancer too. What a waste of time, money, and added stress.     At age 26, I had been poked and prodded long enough. It became apparent that something was clearly wrong with the chemistry of my body. I decided to take my health into my own hands! I attended a health seminar about enzymes, probiotics, and raw foods, and I decided that I would try to heal myself. Before I got sick, I ate the standard meat and potatoes diet I realized that needed to change it to get better. I made up my mind that I would heal and then I would use my story to inspire others too. My husband and I, and baby Antonio committed to changing our lifestyles and eating habits. We discarded all food from our cupboards, and replaced all of it with only raw, organic foods. Then, our diet consisted of fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, oils, and top quality enzymes, probiotics, and other raw supplements. The first few days and weeks of our new lifestyle proved very challenging. While my body detoxified, I experienced severe migraines, fever, and blurred vision. Twenty six years of processed and chemically laden foods finally came out of my body. I shed a pound a day and within 3 weeks of adapting to this new lifestyle, scar tissue began healing. Amazingly, I no longer required my prescription glasses.   For the last fifteen years, I have not required any subsequent medical procedures for either disease. Against all odds, I am still thriving. We even had another healthy child Giulia, who is now 13 years old. I attribute to my new lifestyle, food choices, and pro-active care. Today, my diet consists of at least 50% raw food, with all else as a secondary. My kale smoothies are an integral part of my day. I visit an endocrinologist yearly and thankfully, everything is normal. I have never felt better in my life, and I am committed to helping others. A quote that influenced me throughout all these events in my life is, “The only thing I drank was a cup of reality, with a shot of appreciation.”- Kermit the Frog. The truth is, sometimes one has to hit rock bottom before one can bounce back. I am truly grateful for the life journey that I have been through the past fifteen years. When I hear people say, “I’m sorry for all that you have been through”, I respond, “don’t be sorry…it’s the best thing that has ever happened to me!”