Optimal Health Seekers' Radio

"Take care of yourself. Let people in. Allow them to alert you to mood changes. Remember that an addict is always an addict, you can never become to comfortable in your sobriety."  ~ Natalie Jeanne Champagne
Author of The Third Sunrise, Natalie Jeanne Champagne struggled with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder from the age of twelve, and then with addictions. She found her way into recovery, and has shared her difficult journey in heart-wrenching detail, through her book. 
Natalie regularly contributes to mental health and addictions publications and is an advocate for mental health. She currently lives in British Columbia, Canada. Her website is www.thethirdsunrise.com.

Join us as we hear of a childhood lost to Bipolar Disorder Depression, and addiction, then recovery and disclosure. Natalie Jeanne Champagne, author of The Third Sunrise - A Memoir of Madness eventually recovered and has written her story – vividly and openly.

"I want to inspire other people to overcome their physical boundaries; to enjoy every day, to stop asking “Why me?” and to feel strong and positive about themselves."  ~ Lorraine Kemble
Born in London, England, Lorraine Kemble trained as a Montessori teacher. At the age of 22 she was diagnosed with a large benign brain tumour. Many years of operations and rigorous rehabilitation followed. Prompted by her struggle, and the many obstacles and difficulties she has overcome, she created People with Potential. A Healer, Reiki Practitioner, Counsellor and poet, Lorraine currently lives in Hampstead, London, UK.

Join us in learning how Lorraine Kemble not only survived several brain surgeries to remove a large tumour and persevered through an extensive rehabilitation process, but has gone on to help others cope positively with many types of disabilities.

"What I do to keep positive and on track is that I have at least one area at work, in my home or where ever I am that is organized and clean. In those places I am able to sit without outside problems and calm down. Allowing myself to return my thoughts to happiness and what is most important at the moment."~ Lori Purdy Faitel

Lori Purdy Faitel experienced a traumatic brain injury in 1986 when early in a promising career, she was involved in a serious auto accident.   After six years of recovery, she returned to college and in 1992 graduated as an O.T. assistant. She holds a current COTA license in Michigan.

Lori has worked in therapy departments in Metro Detroit and specializes in working with clients who have brain injuries.  Lori's book documents her journey from inpatient to current life as a productive professional. She can be found online at www.AmIBrainDamaged.com.

Join us as we talk with Lori Purdy Faitel, self-proclaimed “Brain Injury Survivor Authority”. Today, despite the residual effects of her injuries, Lori is a COTA who specializes in helping others with brain injuries.

"There will likely be tears on this journey. But if at any point you can find a small bit of humour along the way, laughing is more fun!" ~ Yvonne deSousa
Yvonne deSousa was born and raised in Cape Cod, MA. She has worked as a crime victims advocate, library assistant, medical office assistant, and now a writer. Yvonne graduated from University of Massachusetts with a degree in English and started writing about Cape Cod history as a hobby.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2009, Yvonne uses humour to help herself cope and started writing to share her light-hearted attitude with others. You can read her blog at www.yvonnedesousa.com. Join us as we learn how Yvonne deSousa uses humour to cope with multiple sclerosis and writes to give others a smile. Published on Cape Women Online, the Provincetown Banner, and the Cape Cod Times, she has had blog posts published on MSrelief.com, MSworld, and Montel Williams' MY MS Diary Facebook page.

"Always take FULL responsibility for articulating your needs and instructing others in assisting you.  Graciously accept 'NO' as a response.  Being disabled doesn’t entitle you to assistance, it entitles you to ACCESS!"~ Annie Laurie Harris
Born with cerebral palsy, Annie Laurie Harris has cheated death more times than a cat with nine lives! She continues to live a full and active life in her 6th decade. After achieving her Master's Degree at Penn State University in 1985 she worked as a counselor and advocate for those with a history of chemical dependency. In 1990, she was recruited by the prestigious World Institute of Disability to be the Assistant Director of the first HIV/Disability Project.
Her grant writing expertise is second to none as private foundations funded her innovative research again and again. Since returning to her home state of PA where she lives near her beloved alma mater, Ms. Harris continues to be involved in her community and avidly supports the PSU athletic program. Once again, her love of writing helps to supplement her income. Her groundbreaking memoirs, It's Easier to Dance, is provocative and thought provoking.
Join us as Annie shares her perspective not only on life as a woman with a disability but as a black woman with a disability who was pushing for her basic human rights way back in the 60’s.