Copyright © 2008 Sherri Connell
Sherri lived “A Lifetime in 27 Years,” before losing her health and career. Her husband, Wayne founded a non-profit organization to help others living with debilitating, chronic illness and pain.
I am the daughter of a dancer and a musician, so I was born singing and tapping! At the age of 5, I danced for an audience on the SS Admiral, the largest river boat in the US. In high school and college, I was a cheerleader, singer, dancer and model. I was a very goal oriented person and workaholic, working at the age of 10 as a caretaker for horses, at a pet store when I was 13, a clothing store at 14 and I put myself through college waiting on tables and working for America West Airlines.
While in pursuit of my life goals, I struggled with my health at an early age. It all started with chronic infections and headaches when I (unknowingly) contracted Lyme Disease at 14. Soon to follow, I battled chronic headaches, fatigue, strep-throat, fevers, bronchitis and pneumonia. In college, I also started having neurological symptoms which caused balance issues with my dancing and bouts of paralysis.
Regardless of being sick and in pain most of the time, I forged ahead, working multiple jobs, cheerleading, singing and dancing in musicals, acting in commercials, singing in bands, writing plays, modeling in fashion shows, competing in pageants and talent shows, as well as lifting weights and riding my horse. I also managed to obtain 2 Business Degrees and a Minor in Liberal Arts. Because I was so busy, people often asked me, “What do you do for FUN?” I would reply, “I am DOING it!” I loved to work and had huge goals and dreams for my business and music careers! Never did I suspect that I had already lived “a lifetime in 27 years.”
READ THE REST OF THE STORY
Part 1: A Lifetime in 27 Years
Part 2: My Life Turned Upside Down
Part 3: I Hope My Story Helps Others
ADDITIONAL STORIES
Living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
The Hal O’Leary Inspiration Award from the Colorado Rockies
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