About Mary

“Hope is the most important aspect in surviving unspeakable pain and illness. It’s what takes us from suffering to surviving.”

Mary is a bed blogger, pain patient advocate, activist for disability rights, and art therapy proponent.

Sixteen years ago, she was diagnosed with the neurological disease, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome at age 22.

Mary now also lives (very quietly) with daily Chronic Migraine, intractable Spinal Headache, Cluster Headache, Occipital Neuralgia, Pseudo Tumor cerebri, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Dysautonomia, Chronic Fatigue, sound and light sensitivities, and Cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

Though she lives her life from a horizontal position, she keeps herself busy. She founded the hope-based Facebook support groups Living with RSD, and the creative corner for disabled artists, Chronically Inspired. She loves raising awareness for chronic illness issues on her blog, aBodyofHope. She studied Psychology and Professional Writing in college, and has been grateful to utilize her experience to serve the chronic pain community.

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“I do not know why it is that we must wade through tragic circumstances to find truth. We nearly drown! But under the water, there are pearls. I hope in writing this blog, more will come to the surface.

Over the past 16 years of living with chronic intractable pain, patient advocacy has had a powerful effect on my life. I’ve met so many remarkable teens, women and men: SURVIVORS. These individuals are HOPE personified. I hope to honor them in the same spirit they have encouraged me to press on.

Nine years ago, I became bed-bound and homebound when an experimental procedure meant to relieve my long time pain condition went very wrong. Ever since, I live with a variety of chronic illnesses along with spreading of the original CRPS.

Over the years, my entire life has changed. I have changed, but I am still striving to live my best life, and find God’s voice the quiet. Along with sharing inspiring pieces about spiritual wellness and finding quality of life inside of ongoing illness, I also share health research, awareness information, poetry, memes, art, and incredible pieces written by survivors who have much more insight than I.

Welcome to A Body of Hope, and thank you for visiting!”

-Mary