January can be heavy—short days, cold weather, and a general sense of fatigue settle over many of us. But on January 25, 2025, something extraordinary happened at the Zion-Benton Township High School. The Inaugural Lake County Annual Joy Summit brought a burst of light and warmth to the community. I had the incredible honor of being one of three keynote speakers, positioned right in the heart of the event, and let me tell you—it was nothing short of powerful.
My keynote, titled “Not Just Surviving but Living and Thriving,” was an honest, heartfelt journey through the trials and triumphs that have shaped my life. I shared how my childhood passion for healing eventually led me to a career in medicine—and how life threw me curveballs I never expected: a breast cancer diagnosis, a life-threatening heart condition, and the loss of my beloved mother. Yet, through it all, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about getting through the storm—it’s about learning to dance in the rain.
I recounted my transformation from physician to patient, from despair to purpose. I reflected on my mother’s courage, my cancer battle, my lymphedema diagnosis, and the creation of the LIVE Today Foundation, all woven together by a deep desire to help others find strength in their own stories.
I left the audience with this message: You don’t have to have perfect circumstances to experience joy. Joy is an inside job. And even when life knocks you down, you have the power to rise, to LIVE—Love yourself and others, Inspire those around you, Voice your dreams and ambitions, and Enjoy life.
If you were there, I hope you felt the power of purpose, resilience, and joy. And if you missed it—don’t worry. This is just the beginning of something beautiful. Stay tuned for more ways to LIVE and THRIVE in 2025!