My name is Michelle Whittaker and in 2016 I was diagnosed with a spinal tumor in my neck. After my first surgery in 2016 I was admitted to the ICU for several days because I had trouble breathing after they wheeled me out of surgery. I went through physical therapy speech therapy, developed seizures, developed permanent nerve damage and other conditions. I’ve always been someone who enjoys going out of my way to help others but didn’t like to receive help and often felt like I was bothering or inconveniencing someone.
After my first surgery and numerous other surgeries I was forced to lean on others, ask for help and learn to give myself grace. Going through the dark times of figuring things out when I felt like my body was letting me down and feeling helpless at times allowed me to seek God in a way I have never done before. Although I still have several medical conditions I’m now more resourceful and positive than ever. I’m not afraid to take time for myself and I enjoy sharing my experience with others who are going through difficult health conditions. My hope in sharing my story is to let people know that no matter what they are going through there are always positive things happening in what may seem like our darkest moments.