My fitness journey is rooted in survival, strength, and the relentless pursuit of self-discovery. I began working out seriously in 2022, but the true beginning of this path started two years earlier, in January 2020, when I received a life-altering diagnosis: kidney disease caused by a rare genetic condition known as Alport syndrome.
From the very start, the outlook wasn’t promising. Doctors didn’t expect me to maintain an active lifestyle—much less compete. But I wasn’t ready to surrender to statistics or assumptions. I chose to fight back through fitness, and I chose to believe in my body’s potential, no matter what the medical charts said.
Bodybuilding quickly became more than a physical pursuit—it became my therapy. At a time when my health was unraveling, when diagnoses of lupus and endometriosis were added to the list and multiple surgeries became part of my new normal, the gym gave me something nothing else could: control. Eventually, dialysis became necessary to stay alive. But even then, the gym remained my sanctuary. Inside those walls, I wasn’t a patient—I was powerful. My illness didn’t define me there. My fears didn’t follow me in.
Fitness has changed every aspect of my life. It taught me what resilience really looks like, how discipline isn’t just about reps and sets, and how to completely redefine what’s possible. Even on days when I feel physically drained, lifting reminds me that I am so much stronger than any diagnosis I carry. I've learned how to adapt, how to train smart, and most importantly, how to show up—especially when it’s hard.
One thing people may not know about me is that I’ve turned my pain into purpose. I now advocate for kidney patients across the country, using my voice to push for better care, more access, and greater awareness. I’ve even had the honor of speaking on Capitol Hill, sharing my story to help drive real change. My platform is dedicated to raising awareness and reaching out to those who feel isolated by chronic illness—to remind them they are never alone.
As for what’s next, I have no plans of slowing down. I’m determined to return to the competition stage as soon as I can. I’m also working on launching a wellness program specifically for chronic illness warriors, because I believe fitness isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about survival, self-love, and choosing to show up for yourself, every single day.
This journey has taught me that strength isn’t about lifting the heaviest weight—it’s about carrying the heaviest burdens and still rising. And I plan to keep rising, one rep at a time.
