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I Believe In Miracles

As a food blogger I rarely blog about anything besides food. Today I’m taking the opportunity to share some insight into myself as The Stay At Home Chef you probably don’t know. I hope that my story inspires you and brings you hope for whatever miracle you are in need of in your own life. 

It all happened in October 2010. It’s been four years, and it is a privilege to share the story with you. 

I had a difficult pregnancy with my son, Dexter. When we decided to try and get pregnant again we thought it couldn’t possibly be any worse. I found out I was pregnant before I could even get a positive pregnancy test. The “morning sickness” had hit almost immediately and I couldn’t keep anything down. A couple of weeks later it was confirmed by a pregnancy test. We had to start telling people at the 6 week mark because I was so ill I couldn’t hide it. A couple weeks after that I was hospitalized for hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a condition recently brought onto the public stage by Kate Middleton. It is something far beyond morning sickness.  I was in and out of the hospital a few times before I was set up with a PICC line and home nursing care where I was on intravenous fluids 24 hours a day. 

Just when I should have been getting better, things took a turn for the worse when I noticed something wasn’t quite right with my heart. I started to lose the ability to walk. I would take a few steps before I would simply collapse. My legs would simply give out. I went in for my weekly (yes, weekly) doctor’s appointment and was immediately hospitalized when he saw I could not walk. Test after test was conducted. After a brief bought of being unable to breath, I was put in the ICU. Someone died down the hall from me that first night. No longer could these symptoms be blamed on HG. 
Something was going terribly wrong.
At 18 weeks of pregnancy I was experiencing Congestive Heart Failure and I was showing signs of liver and kidney failure. My doctor in the hospital recommended an abortion. My OBGYN, a good Catholic man, was supportive in my absolute insistence that I see the pregnancy through, at least until viability at 24 weeks. I was released from the hospital in order to travel to see specialists 
I saw doctor after doctor after doctor. No one could give me answers. Upon seeing my very pitiful condition one doctor, a cardiologist, simply dropped his jaw in amazement, and, after composing himself, simply said, “Something is profoundly wrong with you. I just don’t know what it is.” Those aren’t really the kind of words you want to hear from a doctor.
I was dying, and everyone knew it.
There I was, a young wife and mother of a 2 year old boy with an ever growing pregnant belly, unable to walk, hooked up to an IV pole, sleeping 20 hours a day, and slowly wasting away as my body systems shut down. I made my husband take me outside, just so I could see something, anything. All I could do was sit on a bench. 

But you know how this story must end as I’m sitting here writing it for you 4 years later. 
It was a last ditch effort by an OBGYN who researched tirelessly for an answer. Many of the specialists had mentioned it in their brainstorming sessions, but each had dismissed it as a possible diagnosis. It was an autoimmune condition called Addison’s Disease, treated by simple corticosteroids. 
Three small pills saved my life.
Addison’s disease is an autoimmune condition where your body basically attacks itself and kills off your adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce cortisol, the only hormone necessary for life. My adrenal glands had been ravaged and later tests revealed they were completely nonfunctional. Without cortisol my major organ systems were unable to function. I had been experiencing what is called an “Addisonian Crisis.”
I shouldn’t have lived.
Several very experienced and respected doctors in their fields have reviewed the test results from that time with the same response. I shouldn’t have lived. An untreated Addisonian Crisis normally leads to death within a matter of days. I lived for weeks. If I hadn’t been there standing before them they couldn’t have believed that a patient with those test results could have lived. It was a medical impossibility.
I am a miracle.
My heart, liver, and kidneys began functioning again, but there was one big question that still remained: would the little baby girl inside me survive? Shoot, would I even survive labor? At 21 weeks I began experiencing pre-term labor and fought it for the remainder of my pregnancy. While my labor and delivery was a far cry from ordinary, I am happy to report that I delivered a healthy baby girl at full term. 
My daughter is a miracle.



4 years later I still suffer from the consequences of that pregnancy. Addison’s Disease is a lifelong condition for which there is no cure. My body is dependent on replacement steroid doses that I take multiple times a day. Cortisol needs vary from day to day and hour to hour. There are no tests to tell me how much I need so I have to just guess. 

Miracles aren’t always what you expect.

I am not healed. I never will be. I have good days and bad days. Every once in a while Addison’s Disease lands me int he hospital fighting for my life. I have come very close to dying a number of times over the past few years. I spend days and weeks at a time where I’m sick in bed and hardly able to function. It is hard. I suffer. I am disabled, for the rest of my life. It is a hard pill to swallow. 

I think in the end we all have our Addison’s disease.

Whether it is a chronic illness, depression, financial struggles, relationship and family problems, addiction, or something else, we all have something we fight. Some people ask why God would do this to me and place blame on him, but I don’t see it that way. I have seen how Addison’s disease has pushed and stretched me. 

I know that God could heal me, but I am grateful that in His eternal wisdom, He does not. 

My struggle is helping me become who He wants me to be. Yours are too. It isn’t always easy to see it, particularly in those moments where we are suffering and either literally or figuratively in the hospital fighting for our lives, it is nevertheless true. Those moments that challenge us the most are the ones were we can rise to the occasion and choose God, despite the problems of life. We can choose to be grateful, no matter what. We can do this! No matter what your “Addison’s disease” is, you can make it with the help of God. 

I’m a dreamer. I dream big.

Getting used to a new life of disability hasn’t always been easy. Sometimes I choose to do things in spite of my disability, just to prove that I can still do amazing things. I run a food blog. I even wrote a cook book. I’ve set out to share love to the world the same way I share it at home, through food. I do it to prove to the world that miracles happen and dreams really do come true. I might be a little crazy in my feats of strength or the heights of my dreams, and sometimes it lands me in trouble, but I will keep on pushing and keep on fighting because for whatever reason, God has saved me and I am still here. 

In October 2011, just 1 year after being in the ICU with heart failure, and just 7 months after giving birth, I completed a month-long Ironman to show the world what had happened, and to prove that miracles really happen. 

Yes, I believe in miracles. They really do happen.






Our miracle Adele at age 3. 

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • I just came across your story, I suffer from the autoimmune disease Bechet’s. It is very debilitating, I had four pregnancies. Then when my youngest was 10 months ago. I had have an emergency hysterectomy. I about died on the table, the spent three hours untwisting a removing an ovary, three hours of scar tissue, and they knicked my rectum, and I almost bleed out. Two years later I had to have my thyroid removed because I had 8 tumors, they ended taking out my parathyroid’ sad well, which I only have three instead of four, they had go back through pathology to see if I would die, because with out my body would eventually ruin out of calcium, magnesium and sodium. They realize I had one left but is wa s stunned I spent a month in the hospital getting calcium through pic lines and having it tested. It was finally high enough to go home. I was home one day then had a mild heart attack, because my calcium level spiked. It was so depressed because I was always in the kitchen it was highlight. I always made orange rolls and cinnamon rolls on Sunday and delivered different that I felt inspired too. I was able to recover and it last only two years I had double pneumonia, I was diagnosed a year later with Bechet’s. It attacks my whole body, kidneys, heart, arthritis, pain, sickness after sickness. In the last six years I have the lost person that I use to be. Your story inspires me. I have good days and over do it, because they are few a far between. I should had been diagnosed with my first pregnancy, because we both almost died, my placenta separated and he lost oxygen. This causes him to have multiple strokes. I spent the first years of his life in out of the hospital, he is 20 he is healthy now, he is delayed but happy. My second pregnancy was worse than first I had stay a month in the hospital to keep him 36 weeks, because I need my gallbladder out. I was suffering from infection in the gallbladder and pancreas, I was on.IV,s and clear liquid. After I had him I went home a filled up 40 pounds of water from blockage in my bladder, I was congested heart failure , my doctor told my husband and parents that I would probably make it. I stayed two weeks and then week later had my gallbladder out and piece of my liver taken off. I bounced back three years later decided I wanted another baby, everybody thought I was crazy. I actually had a great pregnancy and plan to take him early, I bounced back then and half later I was pregnant I was not ready, but my little girl wanted to come, it started out bad, every thing went wrong, I started to go go into kidney failure, so they too kind at 35 weeks. She had spend a week in NiCU. I was I would have diagnosis sooner but I would have not changed a thing. Everything I have gone through I am blessed to have 3 sons, and 1 daughter. Your video is so true we never know how long we have. Especially with chronic illness. Everyday is a gift. I have people criticize me everyday, but life is a blessing. I just celebrated my 21st anniversary. I am 42, and my children are 20, 17, 14, and 12. I inherited this disease from my dad. He past way two years before I was diagnosed. They never what he had, he was 68, he married my mom at 14 and he was17. I have traced back three generations. My grandma ‘s made to 62. I love how you choose to rock your hair. Thanks for sharing your story and gift with the world. I look forward to trying some your recipes. Dana Johnson Santa, Clara, Utah

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  3. Thanks for sharing. I have been in bed since Wednesday recovering from leg surgery. It is boring and uncomfortable. This was inspiring and helped me remember that I can become a better person because of experiences like this.

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  4. Rachel – I found you from a comment on the FB Utah Bloggers group. I'm so glad I decided to click on your link! I was just hoping to check out your recipes (I'm a fellow food blogger at foodapparel.com – you're food looks phenomenal by the way and I'm sure I'll be coming back for more!). But then, in addition, I got to read your incredibly inspiring story. I do believe in miracles. I've been a fairly healthy person my whole life, but I gave birth to a little girl with some serious heart problems. I've watched her struggle through multiple surgeries her first year of life, not knowing how everything would turn out. I now see her playing and enjoying life like any other little toddler (with a few small visible limitations), but with the knowledge and fear that her trials are not over, and she will be dealing with this throughout her life and that we'll just kind of have to take it as it comes. Your story gives me so much strength as I often ponder how to support her as she'll inevitably face these challenges. God is good and through every experience, I learn so much. Thanks for opening your heart up and adding to my faith.

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  7. What test finally confirmed Addisons? I have most of the symptoms, but most blood tests are coming back “normal”

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      • Rachel, I jave adrenal insufficiency as well. Been on steroids for 40 years. I took dexamethasone for 33 years then found an endo in London that uses a diabetic pump with his patients rather than pills. I had switched to hydrocortisone but was taking pills 5 times a day and still felt awful. 4 years ago I found an endo in Seattle that would work with the Endo in London and I started on the pump. It completely changed my life. I go in once a year for blood draws every 2 hours round the clock for 24 hours and my cortisol is checked. My pump is titrated according to thpse cortisol draws so I know exactly what my individual body needs at what time each day. Its amazing. I now know of over 60 people on the pump that have either Addisons or CAH. It’s a game changer and my insurance paid for my pump, pump supplies and solucortef to go in the pump. You ought to try it. Oh and also…Im 57 and having orthognathic jaw surgery ( double jaw) in June. We have that in common too.

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        • I, too, have Adrenal Insufficiency & cant get over the extreme fatigue. Also,have autoimmune issues. SUSAN , can you tell me more about your situation ~& Rachel, you are an amazing jewel!

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        • I was just diagnosed with Addison’s in January. My Cortisol level was undectable <0.5. The meds were like an instant cure, I am on oral hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone. and DHEA. Why do you say you won't live past 70? Everything I have read puts the life expectancy very close to normal range +\- : years. I would also love to know more about how to get the pump.
          You are a very brace woman. Thank you for sharing your story.

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      • I , too, was diagnosed with AI/Addison’s, after 2 YEARS of dealing with orthostatic hypotension, EXTREMELY low blood pressure upon standing. I could not DRIVE for almost 2 years. Finally my husband mentined my condition to his new endocrinologist & within days of doing the ACTH test & results, he put me on hydrocortisone & have not had ANY bouts of low BP since..BUT….the fatigue…how did u get back into exercising? You are a rare inspirational woman whom I accidentally discovered & now can’t wait to try your recipes & learn more how you deal with your health issues! THANK YOU!!

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  8. Yes, God is good. I have many times been helped through health problems by his Holy Spirit. Thank u for your story

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  9. Sitting in the airport reading your story with tears streaming. What a beautiful, sad, inspiring, amazing story. I was already thrilled to have met you in person today; now I realize I am also fortunate. You showed incredible grace today and your true colors shined. Hugs, my new friend ❤️

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  10. Oh wow…reading through your story made me sigh…deeply! Indeed a miracle for how did you survive those health problems and not only survived but went beyond yourself! Wow! I feel so blessed having met you even just here. You seem to be such a good hearted woman. Oh may God use you ever more to show forth to the world what He can do in our lives beyond we could ever imagine! May you be inspired ever more in you cooking and baking and sharing yourself unselfishly! God blessings be upon you ever more!

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  11. WOW! I too have Addison’s, love food and went through a difficult pregnancy! Some of what you wrote I could have written about myself! You are an inspiration! I’ll be following you; your food looks delicious! ((((HUGS))))

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  12. Hi Rachel,
    I saw your youtube about the ‘grey hair’ thing and the way you said ‘just a suggestion’ made me wish I could know you in person. Thanks for the positive reminder that none of us has time to be personally critical. And who knows, if you can beat the odds of an Addison Crisis during pregnancy, maybe you’ll also be standing in front of an amazed doctor at age seventy-one…silver highlights and all.

    I’m an atheist, but whether there’s a god or not (and I don’t criticize your faith), none of us stays on earth forever in this form. Thank you again for the reminder to make our time here worthwhile.

    Love and hugs to you and your family. You rock.

    Jennifer
    Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
    Canada

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    • I also watched the video in grey hair and that is what brought me to your blog. Thanks for being vulnerable in front of the great big world. Your story is obviously about more than grey hair but
      Isn’t it interestinG how that simple choice stands out? I also “let” my hair do what it wanted this year and I am almost all grey (I am 48) — I can’t believe what a reaction this has caused. I have had the most positive comments from women in their twenties though and I think it is because they want someone to not be afraid of aging…to not hide and to say “it’s ok, in fact it is good!” To be honest I am probably the one who has struggled the most as I get used to this me 🙂 thanks for sparking the conversation about this and so much more.

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  13. HI Rachel. I just read your response to the nasty comments about your grey hair. There are some mean people in the world but you were magnificent in your reply. I followed the links to your blog to read more about you. You have been chosen to witness in a truly compelling way. I hope I can be as brave as you have been if I am ever called on as well. I believe in miracles. We have had some in our family too. God bless you.

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  15. You are truly inspiring! Having multiple auto immune myself I understand. May God bless you and keep you♡ Half the battle is finding the right doctors. I am still working non that part. Your beautiful!

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  16. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have Addison’s too and feel like a walking miracle having lived through a sodium level of 99 and subsequent coma! I also have type 1 diabetes and hypothyroidism. Your story made me cry, especially where you talk about the illness helping us become who God wants us to be. I’ll admit I sometimes feel bitter and ask, why me? Reading your story really helped. God bless you! You are a truly beautiful person.

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  17. Wow! I saw your recent FB video that a friend of mine had shared and loved it. Having a rare immune system disorder myself I wanted to know what you had. I needed to read this today, I can relate in so many ways and have some grays I refuse to dye because meds have made my hair so fragile. Also I want to recognize myself as I age. Thank you for sharing! God bless!

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  18. Thanks for the amazing story! I too have Addisons (you wouldn’t know it from all your comments, but it’s really rare…1:100,000… you are getting famous in our circles! I was thinking about your long survival in crisis, and it occurred to me that your baby saved you! Her little adrenals were responding to your high ACTH and keeping you both alive! ❤❤❤

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  19. I recently saw your video on Grey hair! Which prompted me to check your page out a little more. Ive been living with a chronic illness, Multiple Sclerosis, for almost 12 years. I recently underwent HSCT, a stem cell transplant which includes chemotherapy, more commonly used for leukemia or lymphoma. I believe in miracles and I believe you are one! My dog has Addisons disease as well. Daily pred and monthly injections. I want to become a mom soon too. Your story brightened my day. I truly believe in miracles.

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  20. Lots of love to you. In 2013 I had a tumor on my pituitary gland and required surgery. Then a second surgery to remove my pituitary gland because a regrowth of a larger tumor. So in 3 ‘months I had two brain surgerys. In 2009 I had an adrenal crisis (Addisons disease) and had cardiac arrest. Somehow after 20 minutes of cpr ems was able to get my heart started and flew me to a trauma center. As they landed my heart stopped again. They told my husband and 9 year old son to say their goodbyes because there is no coming back from that. My husband begged and pleaded to god, the doctors and anyone who would listen. The next morning I had another cardiac arrest. Luckily my heart was restarted and 2 days later I was taken off the ventilator. I received a pacemaker and was in the hospital for 7 days. I have since gone to nursing school and continue to try to leave my mark. Lately I’ve struggled with the fact that my hydrocortisone (cortisol) makes me heavier than I like. And there are days it takes my whole will power to get out of bed. I work as an emergency room RN and I love my job. My boy is nearly 17 and busier then ever but I don’t miss a football game or a wrestling match. Addisons is something I’ve struggled with for over a century. I wish there was a cure. Today is my 38th birthday and I realize just how lucky I am. The struggle is so real and so raw. Whenever I’m criticized for my weight or the way my voice sounds when I laugh or my total love of all things disney I just remind myself that god saved me. I admire you’re strength and all that you do!!!!! 💗💗💗

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      • Hi,

        I am curious why you decided to have your pituitary gland tumors removed?

        I have one also, but have left it alone. I have heard it growing bigger and coming back as happened to you.

        I am now on disability from it as l have adult growth hormone deficiency compliments my tumor.

        Hope you are feeling great now!

        Susanne

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  21. Thank you for sharing your story! I also saw your video and I just wanted to read more about you May G-D continue to give you strength . You are awesome!!

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  22. Rachel, you are so alive, so vi brant, such an amazing graceful and fierce fighter. Thank you for taking time to say what we all feel, but saying no, this is me and it is great!!! May god bless you, your family, keep you safe and strong.

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  23. You are an inspiration! Thanks for sharing your story with the world and for being strong and inspirational even when it’s hard. God is working miracles through you.

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  24. God bless you! I deal with several diseases and am disabled as a result. The auto immune diseases seem to be the most difficult to control. I ended up having a nervous breakdown in 2013 just trying to cope , learning a new “normal”. My son hasn’t had a good day most of his life battling Crohn’s disease and also having gone through Hodgkin lymphoma along with it. I once asked him how he got to be so strong.. He looked at me, smiled and said I had a great teacher! We hold each other up a lot of the time. Believe everything happens for a reason. And trust in God. To the woman with the issue of your hair, I’m sorry for her. You are beautiful as is. We all are!! Took me a VERY long time to believe that and no one has the right to try to tell anyone any differently. May God Bless You always.

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  25. I absolutely love your story! I was diagnosed with Addison’s disease almost 7 years ago at age 22. I also went to dr. after dr. and they couldn’t find anything. Like you I couldn’t even walk, I couldn’t stand to even take a shower. Finally by a miracle I went to a general practitioner who recognized my symptoms and was able to save me. Thank you for sharing your story. ❤️

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  26. Beautiful story. Thank you for taking the time to share it with people. On a particularly rough day today, reading your story has lifted me up and made me grateful. I think a lot of people will be touched by your story, faith and attitude.
    Thank you!

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  27. There is most certainly a plan for you set out by God Himself…I suffer from a chronic illness as well, it is not a sentence such as yours it only mocks the symptoms of more serious illnesses so I get all the bad effects but know it isn’t going to end my life sooner than others. It is an odd thing to feel at deaths door but know there is no reason for it. You bless us with your story of courage and faith…stay strong beautiful sister 💕

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  28. This brought me to tears. I am 25 (no kids yet) and have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. For the most part, I have it under control and just found a specialist willing to help me fight it! Your story and your faith in Gods will is inspiring. I believe the same as you and do. It blame God because I wholeheartedly believe this is my journey to become who he has created me to be. (Que more tears!) your story is so inspiring and we need to be friends on facebook. Love you sister ❤️

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  29. You are so amazing! My niece has Addison’s disease and it took them quite a long time to figure that one out! Thank God your babies are healthy! Keep on your positive path!

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  30. Keep searching, keep exploring options for healing! There’s SO MUCH we don’t understand about the human body and it’s ability to heal itself and we’re worth fighting for! I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which for me means debilitating fatigue and stomach issues (those are just the top 2 favorites on my list of related side effects!) I have read a few books about natural healing & find they make a LOT of sense, maybe they will help you or lead you to something that helps! “The Healing Codes” is interesting, although results for me personally aren’t miraculous, and books by Anthony Michael, a medical medium, explain the core issue that leads to so many problems medical science just doesn’t understand yet! And regarding your video that you might not live to see 70, to “get old”, my mother in law is 68 with Addison’s and showing no signs of going anywhere any time soon. She doesn’t have your spirit, your zeal for life, and your faith – so if she can do it, you can easily see 110! 😉

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    • Lori,

      I to have hashimoto’s snd had similar symptoms for years. Keep searching. I found great success with a “natural” doctor in my area.

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  31. Rachel. I am thanking the Lord for YOU today! Thank you for sharing your story! I was diagnosed with Addison’s in 2009, after a long period of declining health that baffled doctors and broke my spirit. So glad you were diagnosed in time to LIVE and to have that precious baby girl! Praise God! Just wanted to say that my road back to health (and by that I mean having reliable energy) was long and slow – it took my body over FIVE YEARS to recover and really feel well again – and I had not experienced themedical crisis you did. At 56, I am just now returning to work as an Occupational Therapist, and it feels good to feel good again!. So take good care of yourself (listen to your body), be patient, and keep up the good work! I am praying for you and pulling for you! (And thinking of letting my hair go gray…)

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  32. You are such an amazing person. What a blessing you are to your family and to this world. Thank you for sharing this story and for the recent facebook post. I can’t wait to try some of your delicious recipes!

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  33. Saw your video on a shard post from a friend and decided to check out your blog. You Rock!! As a 36yo dealing with my own set of autoimmune, it’/ inspirational seeing others kicking butt….thank you for that….

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  34. I saw your FB video this morning and shared it right away on my page. What a beautiful clear strong message you have sent. we have to stop being so critical of each other ( the media tells us we have to panic over every wrinkle, grey hair, discoloration, extra ounce of fat) and learn to love ourselves. I LOVE that you said that in your sweet calm voice I know that is true. Well done for opening all our eyes again. There should be a movement where everyone says they Love themselves with all their uniqueness. Would make life more real. I hope for you and your family some advances in Addision’s treatment soon so you have a wonderful long time together.

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  35. You are simply amazing! I wish I could share my story the way that you do: with so much hope and inspiration!
    <3
    Thank you for sharing!

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  36. You story really touched my heart. You have such a courageous spirit and I think God will continue to use you in a special way. His plans will be fulfilled in your life despite this condition. Your message is what all women need to hear! Natural is beautiful with all it imperfections! Thanks so much for sharing your story!

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  37. You are an inspiration. Your strength and optimism and resilience are incredible. Now I can’t wait to read your recipes too. Rock the gray hair. You ARE beautiful!

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  38. HI Rachel; I am one more new fan following your gray hair video–my comment to the friend who shared it is that you seem wiser at 31 than I am at 54! Go girl!! Well, now that I am here I see you have many excellent recipes.

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  39. Rachael, what a good story, I too have Addison’s Disease and came close to dying also. I started feeling sick to my stomach, and over a three week period lost 18 pounds cause I would be so weak and sick. They discovered I have Addison’s also and onset of Diabetes was another issue. I too have Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, which is another miracle I am alive as well. I’m 43 and have the same inspirations and wonder every day why I’m alive and what God’s next plans are I’m a fighter and feel mentally I can fight anything stay strong and keep the sport of The Lord with u at all times. Brandy

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  40. I also found my way here after seeing your video on Upworthy about your lovely, alive gray hair. I wanted to let you know my brother just turned 59 and he has had non-functioning adrenals since he was 14 due to a pituitary tumor removal. This secondary Addison’s has been controlled with corticosteroids and only recently did he begin osteomalacia medication to his regimen. I hope this gives you hope for aging gracefully for years to come.

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  41. Rachel, I am sitting here sobbing at your story. I, too, had a pregnancy that almost killed me. I had a bilateral pulmonary embolism at 12 weeks with my youngest son, due to an undiagnosed genetic blood disorder. My doctors also told me to abort, almost to the point of bullying me. I was told that either my son, myself or both of us would die if I continued with the pregnancy. I simply shouldn’t have been alive. I had 96% blockage in both lungs, I too was miracle. I persevered through God’s peace and strength, and I have my own little miracle now almost 8 years later. You are beautiful, your family is beautiful, and you are truly an inspiration. You are a remarkable woman who clung to God when the world and life tried to take you away from it. Thank you for your story, your faith and your inspiration.

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  42. Thanks for sharing your story and living life fully. God is honored as you do and many of us are encouraged too. May He draw you ever closer and empower you as you follow Him.

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  43. Your response about your gray hair came across my face book feed. I was interested to see what you said, because I became almost completely gray at 30. I too have an autoimmune disease. I have SLE or Lupus. I became gray because I was given chemo to stop my kidneys from failing. . My hair fell out and grew back in gray. The chemo did not work and I ended up on dialysis. I have had so many surgeries I have lost count. After 4 years on the transplant list. I had been told I needed to have another surgery for my dialysis access. I lifted my eyes heavenward and said, “Lord I need a transplant and I need it now” Forty five minutes later the phone rang and it was the transplant team. I had my transplant. I believe in prayer and I believe in miracles. That was in 1993. Since that time I lost that kidney and then after another couple years on dialysis was blessed with a second kidney transplant that I still have today. My kidney was a perfect match, which they tell me does not happen with a 2nd transplant. I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband. I have never felt embarrassed to have gray hair so young. I felt thankful to be alive. I to this day do not care if people know how old I am. I have already lived 42 years longer that the doctors said I would. Men make predictions and God laughs. God had another plan. My completely mutilated arm is my badge of courage. I would tell you more of my story but it has been a long road with many twists and turns and ups and downs that bore even me.
    Good for you for embracing who you are, for pursuing your dreams, for being brave enough to put yourself in front of the world and admonish all of us to embrace who we are. I don’t know you, but I will tell you this. I am proud that there is a young women in the world putting forth such a positive message. Take the best care of yourself possible. I know how hard that can be. Be vigilant about your health. I am optimistic that you will live much, much longer than anyone but God would have predicted. God bless you and your family Kim

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  44. With my auto immune disease I didn’t think I “should” try to have kids. You’ve inspired me and made me realize I SHOULD HAVE kids. I’m crying as I read your words. My husband and I can know that happiness, and I can still be the mom I’d always wanted to be.

    Thank you so much.

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  45. Hi Rachel .. thank you so much for sharing your personal story. I’m glad that you have such strong faith in God. I hope you will continue to rely on His guidance. God Bless you and your family.

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  46. People are to quick to blame God and I have so much heart ache that for me I guess it was easy for me to do so. I lost my mom in 2015. She was 63 years old. She was fighting cirrhosis. I ask myself every day if there was something I could have done, if there was some place I could have taken her. I realized we would be loosing her when the liver specialist said my mom was dying and that she needed a liver transplant in order to survive. The doctors at LA general hospital didn’t listen and released mu mom. 2 months later my mom landed in the hospital which would be her last time, this time they said there was nothing they could do and we brought her home to die in peace besides her family. I did blame God, I needed and still need my mother but you know what? My moms death had brought our family closer, we look out for one another fiercely and after losing my mom we make sure my dad is keeping up with all his appointments and medications. If anything, my moms battle and death has taught us to NEVER give up, to keep pushing even though doctors tell you otherwise, and to love one another and see each other as much as we can because LIFE is too short. Thank you for sharing your story and for letting us know that everyone has their own issues to deal with but we are not alone.

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  47. Your story rings very true to me. After giving birth to my first child eight years ago, I became very sick over the next six months while doctors dismissed my symptoms as the flu. I ended up in the ICU and was diagnosed with Addison’s disease and Grave’s disease, and I was in Addisonian crisis and Thryoid storm. It took a year to gain back my strength and feel ‘normal’ again, and although I occasionally find myself back in the hospital, for the most part, my life is great… I even was able to have a second, healthy child with an uneventful pregnancy after believing I would never be able to have another child.

    Good luck and stay strong 🙂

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  48. Rachel:
    Idk if you are still reading your comments **this is carryover from the video I just saw on the internet from last night so I hope my fragmented thoughts make sense :-/*
    I have an rare auto immune disorder( originally the docs thought I had Addisons after my CFH and coma but found favor w a cousin) as well and it has my hair about 1/3 gone (I’ve been coming to grips w that) no moisture, no tears, no saliva all things I have to compensate for difficultly and hope the general public does t notice too much. I’ve done alright, but the weight and swelling omgosh is horrific to deal with at times mostly because it’s so sudden of a shift the pain of stretching or shrinking just hurts immensely which most people just don’t understand. The medications can cause it within a 1-2 week period and I’m talking 4-5 sizes easy up or down. It’s been rough. Initially I wasn’t supposed to live from the coma, then not get out of bed (3yrs later!), and not talk – read – or recall again (all of which are mostly recovered too) but lots of damage internally so along w the auto-Illness, meds, gotta deal with not ever being able to have kids from bouts of cancer, and the most recent hit to the gut — kidney failure. (Making that swelling worse ugh!). Usually I WOULD NEVER talk even a little bit about my health but your video was so empowering to so many people that needed to hear your message and that so many people have read these various stories I thought sharing was the thing to do. I didn’t let the coma stop me, nor their lack of belief in me to recover- I did the whole recovery on my own and continue to do so. FINALLY broke down and went to a wig store ~ not sure what I think about the process but my pic is w one of them, obviously! So I’ve been that person and am trying to be a better one; it’s stories like yours and the depth and passion and conviction in which you speak that moves people, inspires and ultimately changes them for the better. Don’t be afraid of posting positivity, ever! Continue your message sweetie, you’re awesome and wonderfully inspiring. Naysayers can be ignored easily and like you said, not worth wasting time or energy over, esp when people like us don’t have as many years on this earth! And as for the grey/silver… my gram told me once when I was little, the streaks in her hair were from angels that came at night in and combed her hair while she slept watching over her and they left the strands so she knew she was watched over. So personally, I’ve always been in awe of silverly strands– it’s always in the perception and that’s what you’ve hit home on with your message, so thank you for being so courageous and encouraging me to share part of my story even if no one reads it! I wish you ever happiness- tho I’m certain you have it since those strands prove you have angels watching over you (my gram was rarely wrong 👵🏻😘).
    You are definitely touched by the hand of God as a gift to be used in this manner; I never ask those questions either about bad things because it is a testiment in itself that we survived and skated death so many times.
    Keep living life, loving hard and laughing until your belly hurts because in those moments which are all to fleeting you will give memories to cherish. Be Blessed
    🎀Terri 🎀

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  49. Hi, Rachel! It is so near to see God using both your faith and food skills to touch and inspire so many people! Thanks for sharing your story!! Merry Christmas!

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  50. What an amazing story-thank you for sharing it with everyone! Found you through your grey hair video which I just loved. Have you “met” Danielle Walker? She is a food blogger with an autoimmune disease also. Her story is incredibly inspiring too. You can find her at http://againstallgrain.com/about-me/ in case you ever want another partner in food blogging autoimmune life. 😊

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  51. Just discovered your site and love your recipes. I was diagnosed with Addison’s in 1990. I was fortunate to have a doctor who diagnosed it right away. I live on the West Coast of Canada and meet with a support group not too far from home. Glad to hear you are doing well. When I was diagnosed my doc told me about John Kennedy – I sometimes think that if he had run for office in a info loaded world like today, his health would have been an issue.

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  52. Your video and comments about your life with an autoimmune disease and your grey hair, is inspiring. May you be a blessing…God does do miracles, sometimes in different ways than we expect.

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  55. Thanks so much for sharing this. It’s just the inspiration I needed today. My husband suffers from chronic illness with no known cause. You are so right. In these moments, we have a choice to lean into the Lord or give up hope. Thanks for reminding me which is the best choice. Miracles do happen. We are trusting God to heal my husband in His perfect timing. Blessings to you and your family!

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  56. I just saw your video and wanted to thank you for posting it. You are a Beautiful women and clearly a beautiful person. I hope your message spreads far and wide so that all people can “be that person” Sending you love and hoping the love of God permeates through your message! <3

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  57. I happened upon your blog after seeing your video about the nasty comment you get. When you mentioned auto-immune disease, I had to know more. I landed here and I am glad I did. I’m 24 and also disabled. I’m very, very sick. I have EDS (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome) and Lyme disease. I was an addicted for 5 years after being treated with and then taken off pain pills (I then went into withdrawal, bought my own, etc). God saved me too- I prayed, 2 days later I found out I was pregnant, and stopped using. The pregnancy was the worst 9 months of my life, but my little boy is so worth it. God’s answer to my prayer didn’t just save my life but my soul. I came to Jesus and my faith in Him is what has sustained me through my illnesses. Every single hour of every day is a struggle, but God has provided me with a child that gives me motivation to get up and around each day, though I desperately want to stay in bed from the pain. If I wasn’t a mother, I would have ended my life years ago. But God knew what I needed. He provided a miracle.
    I’ve been in a pit lately. Thinking “how can i go on and live life feeling like this?” But reading your story has given me the encouragement that I need- even just for today. The fact that you continue to chase your dreams and conquer your hurdles is amazing and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story, and I pray that God continues to bless you and uses your voice for good.

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  59. Rachel,
    I listened to your post on Facebook today and was as dumbfounded by what you experienced as I am in awe of your incredible story. I’m so grateful for your willingness to post it because now I found YOU! I’m thankful to be able share your story with my sister who has a rare bleeding condition, not even found in the literature and with my 16 year old daughter who was diagnosed this last year with Selective IgA Deficiency and Common Variable Immune Deficiency. After 5 miscarriages, she was my miracle given by God at age 44, a year after the doctors told me to “just go travel with my husband because even in the fertility clinic, no one get pregnant after age 43.”
    You and your beautiful daughter are indeed a miracle! Though I am so happy to explore your cooking recipes, nothing compares to the message of hope, love and graciousness you share.

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  60. It’s amazing how many people commented they have Addison’s since it’s so “rare.” I just wonder if this is yet another disease that’s more common than we think but just under-diagnosed by doctors not willing to look outside the box? I, too, have been dealing with an auto immune condition, Hashimotos, and all it entails. I have days I barely function and days I feel somewhat normal but rarely ever a day that I feel “well.” But your story has shown me there is always hope and that my situation is certainly not the worst out there. God bless you and ROCK that gray hair, girlfriend! I, personally, choose to cover mine with red, blond and black “stripes” (as one little boy called them) but when that no longer works in chopping it off to an inch long and going totally white (probably pretty soon at 62 years old)

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    • It’s about 1 in 100,000. Many people with Addison’s have reached out to me just because it’s the first time they’ve come across someone with Addison’s disease. The community aspect is why you see so many mentioning they have it as well.

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  61. You are amazing! Thank you for sharing your story. I came upon you on FB sharing a recipe. Keep doing what you are doing.

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  62. Dear Rachel, you are an inspiration and your life a gift. Thank you for sharing your experience. May God bless you and your work a thousandfold. With gratitude,
    Dori

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  63. I saw you fb video. God bless you and your family! Keep being brave and keep fighting. You are achieving great things.

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  64. The person who commented on your gray hair obviously doesn’t know that gray is the new blonde. One of the young women I work with goes to a lot of expense to deliberately dye her hair gray. So your detractor is obviously out of touch with reality.

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  65. Incredible story. I truly feel inspired to push past the bits of me that limit me… or rather… that I THINK limit me. Woah, Look at that, you changed that sentence for me already…

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  66. Hey there. I found your website from seeing your video on your hair. 1st of all, I think your hair is fabulous. 2nd of all, it surprises me how bold people are when they can sit behind their computer screen.

    I have so many autoimmune diseases (lupus, Sjorgens Syndrome, Raynaund’s, Graves…just to name a few). I was diagnosed just over 10 years ago at age 25, right after going through a horrendous pregnancy, premature birth, & my son having a NICU stay.
    There are days that I can act like nothing is wrong. There are days that I can’t hide the pain. And there are days that I am stuck in the bed & even showering isn’t an option. There are also days that my husband gets so angry with me because of my limitations… actually, he’s mad at the diseases & situation.
    Thank you for ‘putting it all out there’. Thank you for not apologizing for what you can’t control. Thank you for giving words to how I feel on a regular basis. You are truly an inspiration.

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  67. I think you are perfect on the outside and even more beautiful on the inside. It is sad how much of our lives (and peace) we waste critiquing our looks and that it can take facing the loss of life to reshape our thinking. As the mother of someone with 2 awful auto-immune diseases, I say a prayer for you and your family. And, will start following your recipes even though I prefer someone else cook them. 💁 Hugs

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  68. You are an inspiration not only to those you shared your story with but your children. I suffered from Hyperemesis Gravidurum as well and had a Pic line. I can appreciate that difficult time only from HG and to know you had so many other challenges going on is amazing – you are a survivor! Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging not only women but men to be tolerant of our imperfections and to embrace our beauty as we are. As a at home chef, I look forward to following your recipes in the coming months.

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  69. You have an amazing story…and testimony!

    I, too, have an autoimmune disease – dermatomyositis. It affects my skin and connective tissues, and I, too, almost died a couple of times. I was the public relations director for a medical center who sponsored a Go Red for Women luncheon during February’s heart month. At that luncheon, I had a heart attack. I later found out that my autoimmune disease caused my adrenal glands to go into hyper mode…shooting adrenaline to my heart. My heart blew up and I’m glad God stopped it from exploding so that I could tell my story to women’s groups and at the hospital’s Go Red for Women luncheon the next year!! God has a plan…we sometimes don’t like it, but His will is done. Bless you in your journey.

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  70. Thank you so very much for sharing. I just watched your video responding to the gray hair comment from a viewer and now I’ve read your personal account on dealing with Addisons. You are truly inspirational (way cooler than JFK). You have an incredibly refreshing perspective on life and what truly matters and I thank you for speaking out. I am a fertility and recurrent miscarriage specialist and I see miracles too.
    Thank you for your bravery, your strengths, and your willingness to share.
    Your story and message resonates with me and I will strive to be that person that ‘builds people up!’

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  71. Wow, this was so incredible to read through! Thank you for sharing the things that God has taught you through this disease. They’re lessons that can apply to all of us, and are really encouraging! God bless you Rachel!

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  72. Thank you for sharing your story, as well as your amazing food blog! You are making a REAL difference in the world in such a good way.. Thank you for being you. Your smile is radiant and your hair is gorgeous, and you are a beautiful, beautiful woman, inside and out. Just stay real, stay who you are — and thank you for sharing who you are with the rest of us!

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  73. Thank you for your story. It’s truly inspiring!! I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 6 months after my youngest (of 5 children) was born. I couldn’t get out of bed, take care of my family, or really do anything. Fast forward 8 years and, although I still have some symptoms, that “curse” as I called it has turned into a blessing. I exercise daily because I’m so thankful that I can. And I want to take care of my body because it needs all the TLC I can give it! I’m even studying to be a personal trainer/health coach. God is good and I love hearing about how people take their struggles and keep going and share their gifts with others. God bless you and your family.

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  74. My cousin shared your “gray hair” video on Facebook and I was impressed. So I decided to look more deeply, finding your blog and this page. I, too, have an autoimmune disease (Type 1 diabetes) and found your public response inspirational. My wish for you is that your life be longer than you anticipate, your case of Addison’s become manageable and less prominent in your thoughts, that every day be filled with the joy of family and other loved ones, and that even more people become aware of your influence and example. Thank you!

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  75. Thanks so much for sharing your story in such a vulnerable way, and for pointing to such an awesome God. Your story reminds me of God’s reality, and that His purposes are higher than we can sometimes understand, but that they are always good. Thank you, thank you, and thank you. I love cooking and baking as well, and am really thankful also that you are sharing your culinary passion with the world. I wish you, and your family, the very best. Your gray hair looks stunning by the way!

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  76. Wow. I can not tell you how much you have impressed me! I just “discovered” when I watched your video on the mean comment made to you about dying your hair. You have inspired me! From this moment on, I will be that person! I am a 58-year-old woman with MS. I have been worried far too long on what others think of me and what they think of my appearance. I am a good person who puts others before me. I am a strong person who fight through my illness every day with a smile on my face never letting anyone know how bad it is. From now on I’m going to love myself for the strong brave woman that I am full of scars and flaws and I’m never again going to worry that I’m not good enough In appearance or in any other way. Thank you Rachel! You are making a difference!

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  77. I am truly inspired by your daughter of Christ spirit! Thank you for sharing this publicly and allowing others to see purpose in their pain! Thank you for sharing our Lord’s love through your words and actions. You’re absolutely unbelievable and I cannot wait to follow your blog (and I have honestly never cooked anything in my life, but you’re so great that I may just start cooking haha).

    Thank you for inspiring me to be more real on my blog and to live in the moment with my readers as well!

    I am praying for you and your family! No matter the time you have left on this earth, even just reading through these comments you can see how you’ve affected people for the better!

    Thank you again for sharing this. It was simply beautiful.

    Sav Stout

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  79. Thanks for that encouragement about the gray hair. I also use your exact words- my husband and I want to just grow old together. At 60, most of my friends color their gray, but I am choosing to see mine as a crown of glory (Proverbs 16:31 A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness.)

    Your recipes look yummy- thanks for taking the time to inspire us!

    All blessings for 2017

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  80. In our shared difference is the expression our of commonality. Every time I watch your video there are tears. Being marked by difference (whether visible or not) is its own kind of experience. One that is often painful, alienating, diminishing. It hurts. And so when you talk about your jaw, I understand. Not exactly, but as a kid who went completely bald (alopecia universalis) in 9th grade I understand that emotional pain. In the weeks before and after I was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease, people kept telling me how great I looked. I had lost weight and my skin was a lovely bronze color. But, like you, I was dying. I was medically anorexic…just couldn’t eat more than a few bites of food. Could only walk short distances. It was finally found after a reproductive endocrinologist decided to check my thyroid giving my alopecia (and vitiligo). I was positive for Hashimotos’s. A week or so later, we did the stim test for the adrenals and learned that I too had zero cortisol. That was the summer of 1996, the summer between my first and second year of grad school. And, I’m still here. I’ve traveled the world. Only one crisis (and that was on the plane ride back from Australia). I managed it with my sister’s help and by taking extra medication. When I finally made it home I was in bed for the next 2 weeks. To this day, I have a serious fear of getting the “stomach bug” or “food poisoning.” We’ve since added a few more medical things in the intervening 20 years. I don’t think I could do any races or competitions, but I can still do fun things. I just had to learn about pacing and boundaries first. So, in solidarity, I hope to validate that the struggle is real each and every day. My personal goal is to do the best I can knowing that it will be different on any given day. And even then, I’m not always successful. I’m so glad you’ve found this space as an outlet for your passion and creativity, and that you’re sharing with us. I don’t always have the energy to cook, but I’m going to make a point of finding at least 5 dishes on your blog that I will make.

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  81. I join in with the many inspirational comments on sharing your story. My son was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition. I’m just starting to research and learn more so I can help him throughout his life. He also has autism and he’s the most courageous little boy I know. Thank you for sharing your journey with so many so we can all learn to be that person who’s kind, caring, and non judgemental.

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  82. You are an inspiration to me as I go through the very long and painful process of labeling my auto immune disease. Whatever they find “wrong” I try to take it in stride and continue to do things that bring me joy. Thank you for sharing your incredible journey.

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  83. Thank you for such a moving testimony of the blessing of living each day as well as you can. Your example reminds me of a quote-Today is the best day in the history of the universe. Tomorrow will be better. Thanks for starting my day so beautifully.

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  84. My bff sent me your grey-hair video today.Thank you for this & for sharing your personal journey.Like many commenting I too have “my Addisons”.In my case it is a complex mood disorder and very rare genetic disease (Fabry’s) only recently ,finally,diagnosed in my family.My “normal” has been dysfunction.I do belong to a faith community but lean toward Buddhist tenants.I struggle daily with feeling my life has meaning,purpose or reason,or that I ad to the life of another.I am a burden and am aware my lack of self care and self compassion is my major limitation at this point.Your message to “Be that person” is profound.Thank you for putting that out there for all of us.
    My birthday is in a few days and I am combing purple dye thru my grey flecked hair..Life’s Grace be with you.
    Barb

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  85. Graves Disease sufferer here….I have had to take hydrocortisone before for low cortisol levels but not low enough to be Addisons. I test using saliva to find out what time of day I am under/over on the levels. That helps to know how to dose the hydrocortisone. Do you do saliva testing? I have the info on where to get a kit from to test it. It may help you in your dosing struggles. I haven’t had to take it now in about 3-4 years but it helped me when I needed it for sure. Finding a doctor who truly understands cortisol and adrenal glands is like trying to find the needle in the haystack.

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  86. I attended a Self-Love Circle today and heard your message; then, tonight on FB I watched your video with the same message. When I hear a message twice, I take action and that action will include to love, honour and be kind and gentle to myself. We all have a story and yes, God helps us to be what He wants us to be! I too believe in miracles!!! Thank you for sharing! Dina

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  87. Thank you for sharing- your words were perfect and really touched me – we have lots of our own “addisons” and am also a miracle along with my son – now six. God Bless 😘

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  88. Thank you for your post about the mean comment. As I watched, I kept thinking about how beautiful you are and how beautiful your hair is! I’m sorry about the meanness you’ve experienced in your life. Your story and good heartedness also made me feel bad for the bully. What must they have gone through to become so mixed up? You are doing such good work in the world.

    Thank you

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  89. Thank you for the post about grey hair and this one. I relate to both. I am 53 and love every grey hair. I colored it for awhile, not because I wanted to but because my father and husband felt I should. I did gain a wonderful friend in my beautician that I cherish as well as meeting some wonderful ladies and was able to minister there so I can see how God used it. I did decide I wanted to grow old gracefully and naturally. I feel our families need to accept aging and think more about our lives ending. We need to be aware that life does not go on forever and live in reality not make believe.

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  90. I loved your video, and I am sorry that you had to endure cruelty. You have such a beautiful outlook and I’m sp pleased that you have your miracle girl. I am a bone marrow transplant survivor (and food blogger!) and I too, have a miracle daughter.
    May God bless you and your beautiful family.

    Sending love and peace.

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  91. You are an inspiration. I too have Addisons & feel alone as my family doesn’t want to believe it’s real. Thank you for sharing your story.

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  93. Jesus, thank you, God, for this amazing woman of Faith! God, she is humble and You are using her mightily. May You continue to strengthen her and use her life for Your Glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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  94. I found your site by way of your video about your grey hair. I struggle every day with self-love, and your story really touched me. Thank you so much for sharing this.

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  95. Like so many others I saw your grey hair clip & found my way here. It’s the little things that strike chords in others that echo around the world. Those of us with chronic illnesses & all the other types of “Addison’s” out there often feel so alone, but we’re like grains of sand on the beach – all connected no matter how far away we are, and all supporting each other even if we don’t know it. Thanks for being a beautiful sand crystal inside & out and sharing a bit of yourself with others!
    PS I look forward to trying some of your recipes – I need to change the way I eat to help treat my joint disease & since I love flavour but don’t have much energy for cooking it’s hard to do. Your site will definitely help.

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  96. Wow, you are a tremendous inspiration to me and to countless others. God bless you for your fortitude, God bless your Husband and your Children. Oh and by the way, you are gorgeous just the way you are! Love your nose, your straight, chocolate hair and your shape which is not fat! Bless you sweetheart – you’re a Gem!

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  98. You are amazing, an inspiration, and a beautiful soul that emanates love and light! God has plans for us, far greater weaved than we could ever imagine. I posted your response about the gray hair because no one should stand in judgment of others. What I learned was far more important. Thank you for your creativity, your love of food, your talents, your curiosity, your generous heart, your faith, your desire to live.

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  99. God Bless you! You conveyed this important message in such a loving, kind, poignant way.

    I have been following and enjoying you on YouTube for a while now and just saw this video on my Facebook page. For the record, I never noticed your grey hairs!

    It hurts my heart that someone would focus so hard on someone’s physical appearance that they seemingly can’t hear or see the bigger picture. It’s a sad commentary on … well, it’s sad.

    Anyway, I wanted to let you know that you have touched my heart. You and your family are in my prayers. I pray God will shower you with His healing and that you will live a long and healthy life. I pray that you will be able to continue to do what you love and that your message will reach others who need to hear they are enough.

    Thank you for sharing your story. Love and continued blessings to you and yours. ❤❤❤

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  100. Wow, you are a amazing woman. I truly understand your story. For I too have a autoimmune disease that’s incurable. I have good days and I have bad days, but I make myself push on. I have 3 children and 4 grandchildren and a wonderful husband that give me support. I am pretty sure I had HG during my pregnancies although back in those days there was no name other than severe morning sickness. My daughter had HG also, she lost a child at 12 weeks into per pregnancy. She became pregnant again and was in and out of the hospital, she was sent home with a nurse and hooked up to a pump. She had lost 25 pounds and counting. She had no strength to care for herself. I had to bath Her and wash Her hair just like I did when she was a baby. Her liver was failing and the baby had to be delivered a month early. She and the baby are doing fine now, , but it was a very scary situation for us.

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  101. WOW! I just read your FB post about your grey hair and was so moved by it. I followed up by reading your battle and win against Addison’s Disease. BRAVO TO YOU! What an example you are. I struggle to find time to take a walk or go for that run and you did an Ironman! Well done and thank you for being an inspiration

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  102. This is such a beautiful story. Your strength through Christ is so inspiring. I came here because I saw your video on Facebook addressing the hateful comment someone left you about your hair. I am 32 and also have a fair amount of gray hair from thyroid issues. The ageism in our culture is so ridiculous and I commend you for embracing YOU. I hope your video reaches far and wide and that women really think about what they type before they hit submit. Women need to stop tearing each other down. It’s terrible. And anyone else reading this should make a vow right now never to leave a nasty comment. Ever.

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  103. I am so sorry for all that you have, and are, going through. I am grateful that you are doing more than just survive. You are an example of how to live one’s purpose in life & to live positively. I believe that all we do ripples out to others & you are undoubtedly sending out very positive ripples. I do want to point out one thing, though. Insulin is also a hormone that is necessary in order to live. My 18 year old son was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes, which we now know is most likely autoimmune, last June. He depends on the insulin that he injects to survive. I thank God that at least we can be very specific about insulin doses. He has a continuous glucose monitor & will also be able to get an insulin pump this coming June. He is participating in a clinical trial for a drug that helps preserve his remaining beta (insulin producing) cells. He has adjusted to this like a champ & lives very well from day to day. These days, with good care & treatment compliance, the odds of developing complications are reduced by 90 to 95%. We have come a long way. I pray for you & others with Addison’s that they will be able to better identify dosages for cortisol, like they have with insulin, so that you will no longer have to ride the roller coaster. I really do believe in a future where you will be able to grow old with your husband and family. I know you will keep the faith. I, and many others, will keep the faith will you! Thank you for sharing your story. May God send you & your family every blessing.

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  104. Hello Ma’am,

    Just a while ago i saw a video in Upworthy.com

    I just want to say :

    A person is known by the work he or she does : you are doing SUPER AMAZING Work and personally, I see a great teacher in you. I draw a huge amount of inspiration, knowledge and courage from you!! Please keep Shining brighter and brighter!!

    Best Regards,
    Som

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  105. I just saw your Grey Hair video and I feel the same way. As a young woman that had difficult pregnancies, not that much different from yours, it took two years to learn that I had Scleroderma (only about 300,000 people have it) plus Lupus. So, I had another 5 years to live after diagnosis! But I would not give up and I’m still kicking 25 years later. And you will be too. God Bless.

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  106. I’m 38 years old, and was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease when I was 15 – Addison’s diagnoses in young people are really rare – so I’ve been living with it now for 23 years. The story of my illness/diagnoses is a long one so I won’t share here but wanted you to know just how much I can relate to you and your struggles with Addison’s. When my husband and I decided to try for a baby, I wasn’t sure how it would go. Any and all literature from before the 1970’s suggested that women with Addison’s should never get pregnant because the health risks were too “profound”. But when I talked to my endocrinologist she assured me that was crack-pot nonsense and that with proper monitoring, my pregnancy should be perfectly normal. I have 2 boys now and both pregnancies were uneventful, although I needed IV hydro cortisone during labour.

    I rarely even think about the fact that I have Addison’s anymore. The first 10 years or so were hard, it’s a huge adjustment. I know that there are things that will be harder for me to do than for other people, but it’s my normal. I don’t think of it as a disability, anymore than my son having to wear glasses is a disability. I can run 10km races, I work out at the gym when I have the time, I walk my older son to/from school every day. I take my meds twice a day, avoid eating any gluten, and I generally feel fine…fine for me, for someone who has Addison’s Disease. I don’t know what “fine” feels like for anyone else.

    I go to an Addison’s support group meeting once in a while, but everyone else there is a lot older than me, so I feel a little out of place. So when I read your story, it was so nice to be able to relate to a woman, a mom, someone around my age. Thanks for sharing.

    -Jasmyn

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  107. Hi Rachel,
    Thank you so much for sharing your touching story! You are one strong , smart and beautiful woman, mother, and human being ❤

    Watching your video and reading your story has really helped me put things into perspective for myself. I struggle with weekly migraines that mean not only a lot of pain but also the fact that I can never 100% fulfill my plans, as the migraines leave me totally unable to do anything when they hit, and I have been building a strong resentment towards them. But what are migraines in comparison to what you and the many people commenting are experiencing..
    Like you say, we all have our own Addison’s disease and chronic struggles, and turning inwards / to God wth thankfulness and trying to understand the ‘lesson’ and just letting go is so important. I have figured that I need more discipline in my life which has been so hard to master (despite being so simple for many people), and in trying to avoid the migraine triggers as they lead to so much pain, I am learning to be disciplined as a side effect of managing my migraines. And thus I’m becoming a better person. What a revelation.

    Your words really hit a chord and I’ll forever be thankful.
    Wishing you all the love and happiness in the world ❤❤❤

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  108. Thank you so much for sharing Rachel! What an unbelievable story you and your little girl are a miracle indeed, and meant to be here. Beautiful. You completed an Ironman just one year later? That is so inspirational!
    I am a health care practitioner (and fellow food blogger) and have quite a bit of experience with Addison’s disease, but for an odd reason, my dog has it. I recognized the symptoms of an Addisonian crisis in her 2 years ago and urged the vet to run an ACTH test, sure enough, it was Addison’s. Because we were able to catch it soon enough she survived the crisis and is 100% back to her little pup self, but with daily doses of prednisone and a monthly percorten shot.
    I love that you are traveling the world and fully living, the body is an amazing mechanism and I believe in healing on the deepest level. Your adrenals may be shot, but you’ve got about 100 years of life left in you 🙂
    xxxx,
    Abra

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  109. Hello Rachel,
    You are such a courageous and strong woman.it was my husband who kept pushing me to read and see your website.we are concerned parents of this little man named Lars who was diagnosed with Lupus nephritis in 2011.God was so good we were able to snatch him from death. We thought thebattle was over after 6 years ofmedication Lars was into remission. But that was only for a year. Another test in life came when his lupus became active again.Through constant motivation my son is slowly accepting his challenge. He had been reading and searching for possible answers how to prevent attacks again. He became conscious of his diet and exercises.what i am telling him is how he can cope with stress. This factor we thought why again he had an attack.Thank you for your great food ideas and your inspiring story.

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  110. Thank you for your honesty and sharing your story. What an inspirational woman you are. Way to go my friend!
    Sending you love and healing thoughts! oh, and thank you for your yummy recipes.

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  111. Hi!
    I just saw the video about your “gray hair” in facebook and was immediately interested in your story. As you said each of us carry our own problems, diseases, struggles… but seeing how you have managed yours, it has made me see my problems as really nothing at all. I am sure I will always struggle with weight problems, financial problems, etc…like a lot of other people, but I am very grateful for life and for my family.
    Thank you for sharing your story. I am sure you have touched plenty of hearts.

    hugs from the centre of the world (Ecuador)
    Ximena

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  112. I loved your chocolate cake and cookie shots.. can’t wait to try your brownies and white cake! Girl, I was a fan way before i read your story! You rock! I love that you are a Christian and love the stuff you make… and I’m a vegetarian! Looking forward to your next recipe!

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  114. Keep going. Everyday is another day closer to improved treatment regimes. I was in a similar situation for 6 years. It was crushing not to be able to do more things with my daughter. I was finally diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, got some treatment and now I work full time as a single mother.

    We’re up and standing (most days) and you never know what new research could pop up at any time. It’s important that we stay focused on what we can do, and make the best of the time we’re given.
    Blessings,
    Terri

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  115. Just daw this post, a repost from George Takai, you are a fricken amazing person, grey hairs and all!! And an inspiration of living in the moment!! Thank you!

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  116. I don’t have Addisons, but another autoimmune Ankylosing Spondylitis and antiphosolipid syndrom. I love your story on facebook. I just turned 30 and have my share of Gray hairs and teeth problems. I was diagnosed when I was 11 and have been struggling with it for a long time, then at 15 I was diagnosed with a pediatric cancer and suffer from the effects of both 15-20 years later. It’s amazing talking about your disability so openly! I am so amazed how you have continued on and shown such strength.

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  117. Have you heard of the AIP diet? I am sure you have being a chef. I have found it does an amazing job of keeping my antibodies under control and preventing further damage. You are amazing to have survived and beaten the odds <3

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  118. I happened across your story by seeing the video you made in response to the troll who shamed you for your gray hair. I instantly liked you and started checking out your blog when I found your story. It happened to all be exactly what I needed today. I have autoimmune issues as well, I’ve had problems my whole life.. The Drs aren’t 100% sure what exactly my issues are but it’s led to years of joint pain/deterioration and recently a lot of kidney issues. My pregnancies/deliveries were also quite interesting. My latest and final pregnancy nearly killed us both. But I just had my 4th surgery last week (and am seeing a dr today because of an infection from surgery) so far this year. I’m tired. I’m fristrated. And your message really spoke to me and encouraged me. Thank you! Thank you for sharing and for being a wonderful example of God’s love and grace. Stay strong!

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  119. I also have a rare (7 in 100,000) autoimmune disease which has changed my lifestyle and my perspective on life. What an incredible inspiration you are. A true fighter showing the best of humanity.

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  120. Hi Rachel

    I know how you feel. I was 21 when I was diagnosed with PSC and in remission for 10 years. My second pregnancy brought back my autoimmune disease back and it was much worst. I had two surgerys during my prenancy. My doctors tell me they will try to get me past my 50’s, there is no cure just a medical treatment every 8 months. I saw your video about your grey hairs. I understand exactly how you feel. People take living for granted and what I would not do to spend more time with my family. Know that there are a lot of people who support and understand you. I would love to hear from you and keep in touch. I feel we are connected because of our experiences.

    Much love
    Arvind.

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  121. Dear Rachel,

    Thank you very much for sharing your story. You and so many peolpe that replied here are really great! I appreciate a lot how you live and how you face all what you experience. I can learn a lot from you! I thank God everyday for every second of my life, for everything! For founding you!
    God bless you! Stau strong! I wih you as much as possible great moments and lots love to you and your family!

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  122. Hi, Rachel. Thank you for sharing your story. I also have Addison’s Disease. As tough as Addison’s is, it has made me more grateful for every morning I am able to wake up and enjoy my life.

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  123. Thank you for sharing your story. I was diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease [the opposite of Addison’s- I produced too much cortisol] in 1995 while in college. It was a long road to that diagnosis and a long road to recovery. I had to undergo fertility treatments to have my kids. I also had hyperemesis. What an amazing story/miracle you are living!

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  125. Dealing with any autoimmune disease is difficult. I have 5 and I cant let them define me or my life. I am tired of people making snide remarks like “You must enjoy ill health>” How cruel to say that to anyone You have medications that will help you live a better life. You have a husband and family who are happy that kow you will take care of them as much as they take care of you.
    After 35 years of marriage I am now alone. My husband was mad that I was sick and was doing his best to make it worse. In the end he destroyed our entire family, not just me. He will have to live with that.
    We can only do what we are able. There is so much more I want to be able to do and so many I would rather be helping. For whatever reason God decided that I needed to see the other side. I have come close to death a few times, including after my daughter’s birth and after a major surgery. I am still alive. We are survivors.
    Keep on being the bright center of your family. You are beautiful.

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  126. I appreciate your story so much. I Came here to visit after I watched uour video on gray hairs. Thank you for your story and thank you for being you. I will be thinking of you and pray for you and your family. XO

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  127. I’m a lupus warrior! I’ve had so many well meaning ppl tell me if I’d have enough faith God would heal me. But I believe that faith comes when you have faith that God has you in your circumstances and has blessed you because you’ve remained faithful regardless. Keep fighting and I’ll be praying for you! God Bless!

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  128. So many people surviving autoimmune issues. I feel fortunate that the four I have do not interfere greatly with my life, but I am always watchful for more. Bless you all.

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  129. You are amazing!!! I have Addison’s disease too. I was diagnosed when I was 18 after a year long illness and unexplained 30lb weight lost, constant vomiting and fatigue. Now, I have two beautiful girls, age 3 and 1, and I’m running a marathon next month, because, like you said, “I do it to prove to the world that miracles happen and dreams really do come true.”

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  130. My 5 year old nephew was diagnosed with Addison’s almost 2 years ago. He is an amazing little person with a very tough disease to live with. Thank you for spreading information about it. I just pray for some sort of permanent solution for those with Addisons. God bless.

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  131. Another visitor from your Facebook viral video.
    I wanted to thank you for sharing your personal journey.
    Often the world can feel bleak, like things are falling apart and that hope is fading.
    To read your story, to see your courage in the face of your struggle gives me hope.
    It helps remind me that there are amazing people out there, working to make the world better.
    God bless you and your family.

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  132. I just saw your response to someone who criticized your grey hair (you have beautiful hair, by the way) and loved it. Then I read about your fight with Addison’s Disease. You have blown me away. I have my own demons and you have inspired me right now, when I am struggling with them. I’m bookmarking your blog (even though I don’t eat sugar). I’m sure there are some recipes that will inspire me. Lots of love to you.

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  133. Thank you for sharing your powerful testimony! Your story brought me to tears, as I also suffer from an autoimmune disease and other health challenges. It is so hard. How do you keep up the fight on the rough days? Out of my struggle, I also started a blog to minister to others and help them make sense of faith in times of hardship. God is good and can be trusted regardless of our circumstances! Thanks for sharing your story – I shared it with my followers as well. Praying things are well with you and that God continues to show You His faithfulness.

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  134. Thank you for sharing. You are an inspiration. All the best for you and your beautiful family. Love from Finland!

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  135. Thank you for sharing your story. I have an autoimmune disease called Wegener’s Granulomatosis. It’s been a battle for my life since September 2011. You have my prayers & believe me, I knits you have earned those platinum highlights. I’d say the hate mail intention backfired since I know it has at least brought inspiration to me. Keep your chin up. 💖Melanie

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  136. I have sarcoidosis and multiple other health problems. I was inspired by your ‘power of positivity’ video, so followed the links to your blog. You are a total inspiration and a very brace lady. Thank you for sharing your story.

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  137. I saw your post regarding gray hair, that was shared on facebook. I thought, “I wonder if she has Addisons”? I have Lupus & MS. My skin tone is like yours & 2 doctors have noticed Addisons spots & they believe I’ve had at least a few crises. Perhaps from a messed up immunes system or from long term steroid use. I am having the ACTH Stimulation test done, soon. I fear the results. The past couple of years, I have suffered from steroid rage, if given high doses. Anyways, you are the 1st face of Addisons that I’ve seen, besides JFK, and you inspire & give me hope! Keep it up!!! Thanks for sharing your story!
    Robin

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  138. Hi Rachel, I wanted to comment on not only your recent “Gray Hair” video, but also on your open heartfelt story about your health.

    Your video showed up in my feed and I shared it as well. I am 60 years old and have many gray hairs now. I noticed my first one when I was 28 years old and for a while, colored my hair until about 10 years ago, just decided to embrace what God gave me. I suffer from CHF due to a mitral valve prolapse, so I completely understand how that part of your health was. Your story is a true testimonial to the awesome power of miracles! It also teaches us to feel each day is a blessing. Kudos to you on your very positive response. Couldn’t have said anything better!

    My daughter is a food blogger as well and she had mentioned that she knows you. I know what she goes through to put together her blog and so I know that you go through a lot as well. You may be staying at home, but you are really working..

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