I was asked by Jody and Ashley to share my personal story of how I was able to prevail through nutrition as a part of their Feel Something More campaign. Below is my story and as always, thank you for reading.
2006 was a life changing year. Not only was I
in the midst of settling within my academic niche, I was diagnosed with an auto-immune
disorder that affects almost every part of my body and to which there still is
no cure.
fatigue and pain I was experiencing, beginning with my diet. Not only would I
fight the daily ailments brought on by my Lupus, but the horrifying side
effects of the powerful medicines ranging from corti-steroids and
immunosuppressant’s to day long chemotherapy infusions.
after a long day of class at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where I
was studying. Having limped my way back to my dorm, I was completely drained
with swollen legs and achy joints.
to me by my health insurance, she informed me that because of my condition I
was actually considered legally handicapped and special transportation could be
arranged to bring me to and from class in addition to all types of individual
accommodations.
20 year old self in the mirror, I saw a bruised body but an able one. Capable
arms and strong legs, there was no way I was about to resign myself to a life
any less exceptional than the one I aspired to.
nutrition suited for those with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. I noted which
foods to include more of and which to avoid altogether.
myself again, more alive, to feel something more
than what my disorder seemed to want to limit me to.
with wonderful health and nutrition professionals that have made it possible
for me to live a full life with a replete social calendar, successful career
and fulfilling relationship.
created with my juicer and a clean, healthy variety of fruits, vegetables and
whole grains. The lack of preservative laden pre-packaged food, refined sugars
and grains has given me a new energy and exceedingly positive outlook.
daily life and a way to feel something more; it should be our life’s
aspiration. Through the ebbs and flows of my journey with Lupus I feel I have
come out on top; fortunate, full of life and wishing to inspire others to
create a positive change.
of barriers will change your
outlook on where you are and the places in which
you may go.
back on my life and wonder “what if”
or wish I had not tried to overcome an
obstacle created by Lupus.
begun training for a triathlon and have become more involved within my
community and both local and national charitable organizations than ever.
longer do I deal with my illness silently, instead I fund-raise alongside other
Lupus
survivors and support my friends in their causes. Nutrition has truly
helped me prevail.
None of this would have been possible without the amazing
specialists in what I still see as the most remarkable city of Boston.
Strong in spirit, ever thriving and grossly intelligent, I am incredibly fortunate to call Boston my home.
I have teamed up with four other amazing Boston based bloggers to provide our readers with the chance to bring a little bit of that Boston spirit into their own home!
One winner will receive….
A runner’s charm from Jessica’s Gifts
A handmade candle from Wicked Candles
A beautiful print from A Gier Design
Boston skyline cards from Loose Petals
Boston neighborhoods print from ShopDesignFixation
Boston necklace from Tessie’s Vault
Fenway Park soap from Scented Soap by Karen
8×10 Boston print and card from JHill Designs
Marathon route print from Union Jack Creative
The contest is open until April 30th! Good luck!
Kate @ Another Clean Slate
April 18, 2014Ohh love the prints- and everything. What an awesome giveaway!
BLovedBoston
April 18, 2014What an inspiring story – how amazing to see how far you have come with dealing with this challenge!
Megan Stylish + Scatterbrained
April 18, 2014You are seriously such an inspiration. I can't imagine how difficult that must have been, but it is so amazing to see how you have come out on top and took control of what could have easily taken control of you. I am going through a personal overhaul with my health and have started with my diet…this comes at a great time!! Thank you so much for sharing!! Love Boston and what a great giveaway!!
Georgina Castellucci
April 21, 2014Thank you so much Megan! It is those difficult situations that help define our character (and make us realize how fortunate we are!) Boston loves you right back, I had so much fun at brunch xo
Stacey
April 18, 2014The city heart prints are my fave
samantha ramage
April 19, 2014what an amazing way to turn something negative in your life and making it positive!! it is so inspiring to see how much you value your life and what you will do to ensure it stays in the best shape/health possible. you go, girl 🙂
xoxoxox
sami
Georgina Castellucci
April 21, 2014Thank you so much Sami!! 🙂
Alex
April 19, 2014My favorite print is the New Orleans skyline. Thanks for the giveaway!
Georgina Castellucci
April 21, 2014Absolutely Alex, thank you for stopping by xo
Jessica Allen
April 20, 2014What a great story to share hun! I admire you for that!
Jess xx
http://www.momentsofbeautywars.blogspot.co.uk
Georgina Castellucci
April 21, 2014Thank you Jess!! xo
Agnes
April 20, 2014Love this giveaway and what a great story. Shows how its important not to dwell on the negative but to take action to get the results we want.
Georgina Castellucci
April 21, 2014Exactly Agnes, you captured my sentiment perfectly xo
Jennifer Prod
April 21, 2014oh gosh, georgina- i didn't know any of this, but i'm sitting here incredibly inspired and awed and wanting to know more – congrats to you for making the best of a tricky situation and being confident enough to share your story 🙂 would love more info on how your changed your life for the healthier – i want to follow in your steps 🙂
Georgina Castellucci
April 21, 2014Thank you Jennifer 🙂
It is not often that I share about the struggles I have dealt with so I appreciate your positive feedback! I am currently in the midst of writing a book that details a lot of the modifications to my diet but would be happy to share them privately. Feel free to email me 🙂
MarlaJan
April 21, 2014Oh Georgina, this post moved me. You are such a beautiful example, both inside and out, of how one can grab the reigns and take control over this terrible disease. <3
Georgina Castellucci
April 21, 2014Thank you so much Marla, of all, your comment truly hits home! Always thinking of you xo
salemstylecrochet.com
April 21, 2014Truly a great story. Thank you very much for sharing. It is amazing what you can do when you take control of a challenging situation. 🙂
Lianna
Georgina Castellucci
April 21, 2014Thank you Lianna and you're so right!!! xo
Lily
April 22, 2014I love the Oklahoma City Skyline print!
Mai Tran
April 23, 2014London, England Skyline – Horizontal Destination Travel Wall Art Poster Print for Home, Office, and Nursery – style E8-O-LON is just awesome! Is this an international giveaway? Thanks for the chance. Greetings from Finland.