Episode 403: Illness to Empowerment - an interview with Mandy Meehan

Welcome to a special episode of our Tick Boot Camp Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of chronic illness, focusing on Lyme disease. Today, we're honored to have Mandy Meehan, a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Certified Dietary Supplement Professional, and Certified Lyme Specialist, share her incredible journey of battling and overcoming Lyme disease. Joining us as a special guest co-host is MTV Reality TV Star Kendall Darnell along with host Matt Sabatello from Tick Boot Camp, bringing their insights and experiences to today’s discussion. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Mandy Meehan: We start by introducing Mandy, who lives in Oklahoma with her husband, James, their son, Jace, and another child on the way. Mandy's story begins with her falling incredibly sick just two weeks before her wedding, leading to a 7+ year journey battling over 21 different infections, including Lyme Disease, Bartonella, Babesia, EBV, HHV-6, and more. Mandy's Battle with Chronic Illness: Mandy shares the challenges she faced, including severe food intolerances, hormonal imbalances, hypothyroidism, and neurological issues. These conditions rendered her unable to work or care for herself, pushing her to the brink of despair. Turning Point: Determined to reclaim her life, Mandy embarked on an exhaustive journey of research into nutrition, supplement protocols, and healing strategies. This not only sparked her passion for functional wellness but also led her to become a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Expertise and Empowerment: Mandy discusses her specialty in helping people with Lyme & co-infections, chronic fatigue, and toxicity issues, focusing on digestive health, thyroid function, and hormonal balance. Her approach emphasizes the belief in the body's ability to heal through proper nutrition and lifestyle changes. Navigating Life with Lyme: The conversation shifts to Mandy's insights on parenting with Lyme, managing relationships, addressing mold exposure, and the ups and downs of living with chronic illness. She highlights the importance of community and sharing success stories to inspire others. Healing and Giving Back: Mandy reveals the strategies and treatments that were pivotal in her recovery. She shares how she now uses her experience to give back to the community, helping others navigate their paths to wellness. Hosts Matt Sabatello and Kendall Darnell: Host Matt Sabatello and special guest co-host Kendal Darnell share their perspectives, underscoring the importance of validation, community building, and the belief in healing. They discuss the role of their podcast in spreading awareness and offering hope to those affected by Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses. Closing Thoughts: Mandy Meehan's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for recovery against the odds. Her journey from suffering to healing and now to empowering others is a testament to the strength found in knowledge, support, and the relentless pursuit of health. We thank Mandy for a deeply insightful and inspiring episode. Resources: For more information on Mandy Meehan and her work, visit her website. To learn more about Tick Boot Camp and access resources for Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses, visit our Tick Boot Camp website. Thank you for tuning in to this special episode. If you or someone you know is battling Lyme disease or any related condition, we hope you find solace and solutions in Mandy’s story. Remember, healing is possible, and you are not alone in this journey.