Connect What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

Being able to love my kids and show up for them the way I needed when I was a child. Nurturing the parts of them that make them different and helping them find who they are in this world. Although I struggle with chronic illness every day, I still try to show my children that perseverance and dedication to your own happiness is the most important thing with that you can face any challenge in life.

What is one memory of your kids that you will never forget?

Taking my kids to the beach for the first time. I watched them fall in love with the place where I grew up, and it healed a part of me to see them love where I came from. They love the water and always have but when they seen the ocean and seen how beautiful it was they were struck and didn’t want to leave!

What would you do with $20,000?

I would take my whole family on a vacation we haven’t ever been able to do it since having my last 2 babies. I would love to bring my kids back to the ocean and enjoy some family time with my husband and kids! Since getting my diagnosis, I haven’t been able to work as much as I normally do and finances have been tough for extra things like vacations with the kids