Finding Light in the Darkness: A Journey of Rebirth
I have always been resourceful. As an established artist from Emily Carr University and a Therapeutic Arts Masters practitioner, I dedicated my life to helping neurodivergent children and families. But in July 2025, after a traumatic incident, I found myself on the other side of the care system.
The trauma took a toll on my physical and mental health. My body ‘kept the score.’ I endured over 30 emergency room visits and 20 ambulance calls in a single year. I battled seizures, a stay in the ICU, and a terrifying diagnosis of pre-cancerous cells and FND in Fall 2025. Amidst this chaos, I lost my way, resulting in a relapse 60 days ago. The guilt was heavy; I felt I had lost my purpose.
That is when I reached out to Dress for Success Vancouver.
I was at a crossroads – chronically ill, disabled, and feeling broken. I expected judgment. Instead, I was met with acceptance. The empowering women at Dress for Success didn’t just see a patient with a walker or a woman in recovery; they saw me. They saw my heart of gold and my desire to return to frontline work.
They provided me with a Special Suiting for my court dates, and clothes for work, but the real gift was the safe harbor they provided. They allowed me to be ‘messy’ and real, reminding me that my resilience is my strength.
On October 31, 2025, the cancer was successfully removed. Today, I am restarting. I am advocating for myself, for neurodivergent families, and for our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
Dress for Success Vancouver offers more than a wardrobe; they offer rebirth. They gave me the armor I needed to fight the battle of my life. To anyone feeling lost: this is not the end. It is merely the beginning.
Believe in yourself, sisters – you are worth it.
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