Health and Love with Rhonda Nelson
What happens when life’s challenges seem insurmountable? Rhonda Nelson, an author, speaker, patient advocate, and philanthopist, shares her incredible journey of resilience and purpose in the face of profound personal loss and health struggles.
Her story begins with the early loss of her father and the subsequent tragedy that took her stepfather’s life, leaving her to navigate grief, her business and support her mother. Despite these hardships, Rhonda’s unwavering faith and spiritual upbringing provided the foundation for her strength. Her eventual diagnosis with the rare respiratory disease AERD became a pivotal moment, shaping her mission to champion accessible healthcare and advocate for patients worldwide.
Rhonda’s journey is a testament to the power of love, connection, and self-advocacy in healthcare. From a chance encounter at a Little River Band concert, she met the legendary musician Wayne Nelson, leading to a life-altering marriage, and the critical importance of understanding one’s health and collaborating with healthcare providers.
Key Takeaways from Health and Love with Rhonda Nelson
2:09 | Impact of Losing Both Fathers |
5:00 | A Tragic Accident and Continued Adversity |
7:50 | Navigating Health Struggles and Self-Care |
| 14:12 | Chronic Illness Diagnosis and Advocacy |
| 16:19 | Patient Advocacy and Health Care Challenges |
| 16:29 | Advice on Self-Advocacy for Women |
| 19:12 | The Power of Resilience and Moving Beyond Victimhood |
Rhonda’s Early Struggles and Loss:
Rhonda’s journey begins with the painful loss of her father at just 10 years old. She reflects on the impact of losing a parent and how it shaped her life. The support from her second dad, who came into her life later, gave her the guidance and love she needed to navigate life’s challenges.
A Tragic Accident and Continued Adversity
Rhonda’s life took another tragic turn when her stepfather was killed in a car accident, an event that left her devastated. She recounts the shock of finding him after the accident and the challenge of supporting her mother through this loss while struggling herself.
Overcoming Illness and Advocating for Health
As Rhonda was dealing with emotional turmoil, her health began to decline. She was eventually diagnosed with AERD, a rare respiratory disease. Rhonda shares the long and difficult path to diagnosis, including many trips to the emergency room. Despite these struggles, she remained determined to maintain a positive attitude, learning to prioritize her health while advocating for others facing similar battles.
Empowering Women and Self-Advocacy
Rhonda stresses the importance of women putting themselves first—especially in terms of their health. She encourages women to give themselves permission to prioritize self-care, even when juggling the demands of family and work. She also advocates for patients to take charge of their healthcare, seeking out multiple treatment options and working closely with their doctors.
Connect with Rhonda Nelson
communications@briellecotterman.com
Website: https://rhondabnelson.com/
https://www.facebook.com/rhondabassnelson/
https://www.instagram.com/rhondabnelson/
Connect with Bev:
Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenover50rock
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverleyglazer/
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