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The Light of Life

The Light of Life

by Naomi DeBello

Self-Improvement Mental Health

Season 5

Caregiver to Therapist with Kimmie

Another 20+ year reunion! Kimmie was one of Naomi's caregivers at an after school day care back in the 2000s! Kimmie shares a powerful story. Kimmie, who is now 40, was only 21 years old when she rode in the ambulance with Naomi in 2008 after Naomi, age 5 at the time, experienced a massive stroke. Kimmie shares how a medical crisis experience of being the caregiver inspired her to work with children as a psychologist. "I remember that day. When the school called, the timing just so happened to be that I was the one available to come be with you and ride with you in the ambulance. And that was my first experience of being in a medical emergency. And... it really affected me."

A Second Chance with an Organ Transplant with Nathan

Nathan needed a liver transplant - and quickly! His liver was beginning to fail. Nathan shares how stressful a medical emergency is when you have little time to process and prepare for a big operation. Nathan describes the hard truth of recovering from surgery - it is difficult. Nathan's Instagram: @2ndchancesfilm

Recovery with Claire

Claire and Naomi go back TWENTY PLUS YEARS! Growing up together on the same block. Claire shares a very important and personal story. Claire developed anorexia at only twelve years old. She was very conscious about body image and restricting food. At fifteen, Claire began drinking alcohol as another coping mechanism. She wanted to "fit in" and shares that's how a lot of teenagers perceive being socially accepted. When Claire went to college at eighteen, her anorexia turned into binge eating disorder where you are overeating. She also began to get into drugs and partied hard every night getting blackout drunk. At this point, Claire had become a functioning alcoholic and still going through serious eating disorders. She began smoking weed and using other drugs as well. Eventually, Claire's binge eating disorder turned into bulimia, binging and purging making yourself throw up or taking laxatives. In her final year at college, Claire sought help for her bulimia and her other eating disorders. While going through eating disorder treatment, she said to herself "If I just take care of my eating disorder, the drugs and alcohol aren't a big deal." And was still partying hard every night. While she did get her eating disorder under control and began recovery for that, Claire was still consumed by alcohol and drug use. It took Claire a long time to accept that she was an alcoholic and drug addict. It wasn't until she was arrested TWICE on two separate occasions for DUIs. Naomi applauds Claire for being so open, especially talking about the DUI charges. Usually, drugs and alcohol are very much frowned upon in society and people are incredibly judgmental, but Claire and Naomi both emphasize there are REASONS WHY people turn to alcohol and drugs.

Changing Your Perspective on Your Disability with Jeff

Jeff has been working in healthcare for 20+ years. Jeff was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory response syndrome after exposure from mold. Jeff also discusses being diagnosed with CVID and needing injection infusions with plasma. Jeff and Naomi talk about how you can perceive your illness as negative but make something positive out of it. Much like what Naomi did with this podcast! Jeff's Podcast: To the Bone Conversations on Pain Illness and Meaning on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Jeff's Instagram: @pod.tothebone

Dyscalculia with Pam

Pam shares what it is like to live with Dyscalculia, a learning disability similar to Dyslexia but with numbers and math. Pam shares since she grew up in a different time period, there was no testing available when she was a kid. Because of this, she didn't truly discover she had dyscalculia until after she got married and went to college. Pam shares important advice to take advantage of today's testing and go get tested if you suspect you may have Dyscalculia!

Finding the Light After Traumatic Experiences with Dylan

WARNING: ***This episode contains details of sexual assault.** Dylan shares her story of going through depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Depression and anxiety got very bad while she was in college and it wasn't until she sought help where she realized that she had PTSD dating all the way back to when she was only fourteen and a minor. Dylan shares how devastating it is that sexual violence is so common and **MOST PEOPLE will NOT report.* Dylan emphasizes regardless of your gender, you need to report it!! Dylan also shares that unfortunately the statistics are climbing for all genders, men too. It is happening to more and more women, and it is also happening to more and more men.

Wilson's Disease and Liver Transplant with Kerre

Kerre was diagnosed with Wilson's Disease in her 40s. Wilson's Disease is where the liver cannot disintegrate copper and copper builds up in the liver, making it potentially fatal. Kerre received her liver transplant just 6 months after being diagnosed with Wilson's Disease.

Epilepsy and Finding Support with Melissa

Melissa has a daughter who was diagnosed with Epilepsy just one month after her first birthday. Epilepsy is a brain disorder where the electrical circuits in the brain are cut short, causing regular seizures. Melissa shares the emotional challenges that come with being a parent of a very young child with Epilepsy. Melissa also shares she is beginning to work on forming a charity in her homeland of Australia to help families who have children with Epilepsy. She is hoping at some point to make the charity nationwide. Follow Melissa on Instagram! @melgarcia_gc

Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Learning to Accept Your Disability with Caden Nelms

Caden Nelms developed Spinal Muscular Atrophy when he was very young. He has endured 20+ operations in his life and describes how his disability has impacted him. Caden shares powerful advice on learning how to accept your disability. You can find Caden on Instagram! @obviously_its_caden

Coping with Premenstrual Syndrome with Amy

Amy is a physician assistant who has experienced Premenstrual Syndrome - an extremely common condition for women and menstrual cycles. Amy helps more women who have experienced PMS to better manage symptoms.

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