The Determination to Survive One Breath at a Time with Vera-Lee Curnow

11/17/20 • 48 min

The Chronically Courageous with Bonni Howard

Born with multiple disabilities, Vera-Lee Curnow always knew she was different. Through sheer determination, she became an elite athlete excelling in tennis, but always wondered why she had to work much harder than her peers.

Diagnosed with Osgood Schlatters, eosinophilic asthma, and vocal cord dysfunction, Vera-Lee was told at the age of 30 that she would not have much longer to live. Once again she took matters into her own hands and was determined not to accept that as her fate.

Today, Vera-Lee is using the voice that she both physically and proverbially lost to lead the Why Me Movement, a place that allows others to experience the healing power of sharing their stories.

Some things that you’ll learn:

About Vera-Lee (1:13)
About vocal cord dysfunction (6:00)
What is was like when she lost her voice (8:53)
The relationship between outside stress and exacerbation of illness (31:45)
The procedure that put Vera-Lee into a coma (35:28)

Some questions Bonni asks Vera-Lee:

When did you first realize that something was different about you? (3:18)
Did you see a connection between the trauma and the illness? (14:00)
What drives you to get up and keep going through so much adversity? (24:17)
Looking back, if you could change anything would you? (39:27)
Can you tell people about your podcast and your movement and how they can find you? (46:18)

Connect with Vera-Lee:

Website: https://www.whymemovement.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veraleeoriginal/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whyme-with-vera-lee

Connect with Bonni:

https://www.instagram.com/thechronicallycourageous/

https://www.facebook.com/bonni.howard

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Vera-Lee is using the voice that she both physically and proverbially lost to lead the Why Me Movement, a place that allows others to experience the healing power of sharing their stories.

Some things that you’ll learn:

About Vera-Lee (1:13)
About vocal cord dysfunction (6:00)
What is was like when she lost her voice (8:53)
The relationship between outside stress and exacerbation of illness (31:45)
The procedure that put Vera-Lee into a coma (35:28)

Some questions Bonni asks Vera-Lee:

When did you first realize that something was different about you? (3:18)
Did you see a connection between the trauma and the illness? (14:00)
What drives you to get up and keep going through so much adversity? (24:17)
Looking back, if you could change anything would you? (39:27)
Can you tell people about your podcast and your movement and how they can find you? (46:18)

Connect with Vera-Lee:

Website: https://www.whymemovement.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veraleeoriginal/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whyme-with-vera-lee

Connect with Bonni:

https://www.instagram.com/thechronicallycourageous/

https://www.facebook.com/bonni.howard

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Transforming Trauma into Triumph with Cathleen Elle

This week Bonni has an inspiring and heartwarming conversation with international best selling author, Cathleen Elle. Cathleen vulnerably shares the tragic story of losing her teenage son to suicide and how she managed find a greater sense of purpose through this tragedy. This is a story that will simultaneously break and warm your heart.

Although the cause of Cathleen’s trauma may be different than that of chronic illness survivors, she shares a universal wisdom for trauma and grief healing. Please listen through to the end of the episode to find out how you can become eligible to receive a signed copy of Cathleen’s newly released best selling book, “Shattered Together”.

Some things that you’ll learn:

About Cathleen (1:24)
One of the healing modalities that was very helpful to Cathleen (7:47)
Cathleen’s story of how she arrived where she is today (8:54)
The “grief prescription” (14:07)
The connection between physical and emotional pain (18:07)
Cathleen’s experience with Ayahuasca (34:34)
Jack Canfield’s success formula that puts you in control of your own destiny (53:09)

Some questions Bonni asks Cathleen:

Can you share the statistic we discussed about illness? (3:58)
How did you get from being shattered to where you are today? (13:09)
Can you talk about how you feel Logan around you? (19:26)
How would you advise people who are dealing with shame to heal it? (28:35)
If people in the chronic illness community are thinking of buying your book, what would they get out of it? (33:01)
Can you talk about some of your daily practices to cultivate self love and empowerment? (40:16)
For you, what does courage mean? (58:36)

Connect with Cathleen:

Website: https://cathleenelle.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathleenelleinspires/
Shattered Together Book: https://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Together-Mothers-Journey-Belief/dp/1952725186

Connect with Bonni:

https://www.instagram.com/thechronicallycourageous/

https://www.facebook.com/bonni.howard

[email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

A Drug Free, Non-Invasive Solution to Chronic Pain Relief with Dr. Saperstein

How incredible would it be to find chronic pain relief that didn’t involve addictive narcotics or surgery? This week Bonni sits down with board certified neurologist and founder of the The Center for Complex Neurology, EDS, and POTS, Dr. David Saperstein to discuss a state of the art solution for chronic pain.

Listen to find out how Calmare uses scrambler therapy to provide long lasting and highly effective pain relief for cancer pain, peripheral neuropathy, and chronic neuropathic pain.

Some things that you’ll learn:

About Dr. David Saperstein (1:15)
What Calmare Therapy is and how it works to relieve pain (13:51)

Some questions Bonni asks Dr. Saperstein:

What was the impetus for starting the Center for Complex Neurology, EDS, and POTS? (2:52)
What made you want to get into the field of complex conditions? (5:42)
Can you explain what neuroplasticity is? (24:10)
Are there any contraindications or people that Calmare wouldn’t be advised for? (30:05)
Can it be used for gastrointestinal pain? (32:37)
If someone wants to pursue this therapy what would be the first step? (38:11)
Are there any side effects? (40:40)
What gave you the courage to step outside of the security of your group practice and start the Center for Complex Neurology, EDS, and POTS (42:17)

Connect with Dr Saperstein: