Mini-Profile
While most of my life has been spent working hard and learning more about life and expanding my skills, I grew a list of credentials and experience. I’ve spent about 30 years working in the corporate world in business (in marketing/advertising, information technology, sales, finance/treasury/cash management and human resources). I obtained the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) rating in the late 80’s and the Professional Human Resources (PHR) rating in 2005.
I’ve also spent time learning about anatomy, physiology and alternative therapies. In the 90’s, I became a Traditional Reiki Master in the Usui System of Natural Healing. Then I went through the Healing Touch program and was certified as a Practitioner in 1997. A few years later I was licensed as a massage therapist in Ohio, then Kentucky and I obtained the National Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
In the area of education, I graduated from Seton High School and then attended Evening College at the University of Cincinnati for several years. I transferred to Kennedy Western University and have one final paper to complete to finish my Bachelors of Business Administration. I also have a Bachelors of Metaphysics with the University of Metaphysics and became an ordained minister. I’ve graduated from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting with a Certificate in Broadcasting and also the International Academy of Hair Design, licensed in Ohio as a Managing Manicurist in 1992.
My hobbies include singing. I studied voice at the Toedtmann School of Music for nearly six years. I also enjoy arts and crafts, making jewelry, crocheting, reading, movies and spending time with friends.
In 2002, my health became a primary focus of attention. I had a spinal tumor which caused paralysis and after having been treated for several months for mild arthritis, I was final diagnosed with Chordoma.
Chordoma is a rare bone cancer that affects about 1 in 2,000,000 people in the United States (the statistics worldwide are even greater). There are approximately 300 new cases in the U.S. each year.
My treatment involved extensive back surgery which required removal of the tumor and the T12 vertebra which it had destroyed. The doctors had to detach the muscles in my back, making it weak. They also removed parts of my ribs in order to be able to do the surgery from the back and front. A metal cage was built inside using a titanium cylinder to surround the spinal cord and 8 pedicle screws to stabilize the hardware. My diaphragm was injured during surgery and I spent the first few days after surgery on a ventilator, with six IVs, tubes draining my back, chest and stomach and hooked up to machines. I also had to have about 8 blood transfusions during the time I spent in the hospital.
During my last medical leave, my employer terminated my employment and life has become very difficult. I spent several months looking for another position and the stress has worsened my condition.
In September 2007, I finally admitted I need help and applied for social security disability benefits and just learned that I was denied.
I haven’t been able to work. I can barely go to the grocery store once every 6-8 weeks and I live with a great deal of chronic pain and limitations.
I do try to look for the opportunities in what I have experienced. I hope to be able to find something to do with a new career one day, my hopes are to become a published author.
Right now, I need help and asking for help has never been easy for me. I need financial support, I need medical support, I need friends, advice, and prayers. Whatever you may be able to offer to help me get through this.
I do not sleep well, when I do sleep, I have nightmares either about the situation with my last job ending or about being back in the hospital, having lost the use of my legs again or waiting for another surgery.
thank you for listening to my story. I have studied many things and I hope that I still have something to offer and I’m trying to figure out who I am without the work that was so tied to my identity.
Where did you grow up?
Cincinnati
Where do you live now?
Cincinnati
What is the highest level of education you have attained?
College and Trade Schools
What subjects did/do you enjoy the most at school?
massage, writing, english
What's your favorite sport or sports?
dancing, bowling
What kinds of jobs have you held? Industries too!
human resources information technology analyst, administrative coordinator, secretary, assignment employee, writer, psychic and healer
What hobbies are you into?
arts and crafts, jewelry making, writing, movies, books
What causes are you concerned about today?
homelessness, healthcare, poverty, disabled citizens, immigration, security
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AKA
BrighterBlessing (formerly Kneady), kneady.