Andrea's Story

There was a time when looking back on my more than 10 year journey to find healing from a debilitating chronic illness would fill me with great sadness and bitterness. But I have come to view this experience as my “rebirth” and an opportunity to begin anew, and fulfill my destiny.

On September 3, 1996 I thought I had it all – a wonderful family, successful career, a busy social life. But when I awoke to my alarm clock on September 4th I felt as though I had been run over by a truck. I was weak and exhausted, and even rolling over in bed required more energy than I could muster. I was sure I had the flu, but when a week went by and I wasn’t feeling any better, I went to the doctor. This turned out to be the first of many visits to many doctors and specialists…none of whom were able to diagnose the illness that left me barely able to function. I was eventually diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but after more than 10 years of suffering with symptoms of extreme exhaustion, weakness, vertigo, dizziness, migraines, short term memory loss, as well as chemical and food sensitivities, I began to doubt I would ever be well again.

When traditional medicine failed to provide the answers I was so desperately seeking, I began to look for natural and alternative cures. Though some provided temporary improvement, the overall quality of my life continued to decline. And as it did, and as the years went by, I began to lose hope and the innate sense of optimism that had gotten me through so many prior challenges.

One day I was meeting with a natural health practitioner that I had been working with for several months, and who recognized my sense of despair and frustration. He suggested that if the supplements and treatments I had been trying for so long were not working, perhaps it was time to ask for God’s help. I was not a religious or spiritual person, and had struggled with these uncertainties all of my life. His reply when I explained this was, “having faith and believing in a Higher Power is as simple as making the choice to do so.” I was stunned by his reply – I had never before considered the possibility that our thoughts, and things like faith, were actually something we were capable of choosing!

He introduced me to a very special young woman who worked as a spiritual counselor in his office. I shared the story of my long journey to find healing, and my feelings that if there is a God surely He must be punishing me for something to allow me to suffer for so long. To which she suggested: Ask God to reveal Himself to you in such a way that you will never doubt His existence again. And once you no longer doubt Him, you can turn to Him for guidance. I was uncomfortable by her suggestion, but also desperate, and so I decided to follow her advice and repeated her words, “God I ask you to reveal yourself to me so I never doubt your existence again.” Within a few days the most amazing things started to happen. First, and the most profound, was discovering the philosophies of Dr. Wayne Dyer. After listening to his CD set, The Essence of Being in Balance, I knew two things:

1. My life was about to change.
2. I had the power to change it.

Listening to Dr. Dyer talk about the impact our thoughts and intentions have on the energy we attract to our lives was an awakening! His explanation about the relationship between the mind and body made perfect sense! I realized that I grown to identify with the “sick me” and no longer felt any connection to the “healthy me.” And I knew the time had come to let go of these negative thoughts and self-defeating patterns.

This experience was just the first of many instances in which God’s presence became evident to me. Suddenly I was connecting with people who were able to help me identify the root causes of the physical and emotional conditions that were contributing to my symptoms, and who guided me to the treatments and techniques that allowed me to begin the healing process. Slowly but surely my life began to change, because I began to change! The more I focused on the positive energy I wanted to attract, the more of it I attracted.

Since the day I asked God to prove His existence to me, I have learned so much about myself, about the human spirit, and all that we are capable of achieving. I know that we each have the ability to choose the energy we want to be aligned with… and have the power to change our lives. No matter what you are going through, or what is happening in your life right now, you too have the power to change course…to do the impossible…and to find all that you are searching for. This is not the story I would have ever imagined telling, nor the direction I had anticipated my life to take. Living with illness has been frustrating, disheartening, and often lonely. It has also been inspiring and rewarding.But  I share my story with you with the hope that you realize you are not alone…that no matter how difficult your struggle, you are exactly where it is intended for you to be. Challenge and suffering can be the gateway to unlimited growth, enlightement and amazing transormations. Keep your mind open and hope in your heart, and all things are possible!  ~ Andrea Chervenak  March 2007

If you have any questions or comments, email:  Andrea@HealWithHope.com

UPDATE: January 2008
I am often asked about the current state of my health, and thought I would provide this update:

This year has been full of challenges, the latest of which is a blood clot condition that developed last summer. I have not followed the traditional medical pattern of resolving this issue with use of blood thinner medications, and I seem to be forming clots even when on the medication. The doctors have been stumped as to why or how this has happened, leaving me with no definitive answers, but I have choosen to have faith that this will all resolve itself exactly the way it is meant to. Actually it has not been difficult for me to find the blessing of this situation, as one of the benefits of the treatment for the clots, Coumadin (a blood thinner), seems to have had a very positive side effect, and has helped to increase my energy levels.

At the same time I have also been dealing with my mother's rapidly declining health due to Alzheimer's Disease, which has been both emotionally and physically draining. Although it has been very difficult to watch, it has also provided the opportunity to bring my mother and I closer than we have ever been before. This situation has also been a blessing in that is has reminded me how important it is to make the most of each and every day that we have been given.

Now more than ever, I am so grateful for all of the people I have met and the techniques I have learned that have enabled me to navigate these difficult situations without the health consequences I would have previously expected. I make an effort each day to support my body, mind, and spirit, by using all of the tools I have been blessed to discover: EFT to deal with the emotions, relaxation and meditation to keep me balanced and focused, eating right and exercising to keep myself as fit as possible, and most of all to keep my expectations positive and to live in gratitude for all that is right in my life. (See My Healing Journey - The Lessons That Saved My Life at the bottom of the Heal With Hope Homepage)

I think the greatest revelation of all this last year is coming to terms with the fact that life isn't always easy - it is sometimes difficult and disappointing. I am now able to accept these times as a part of the natural rhythm of life - there are ups and downs, highs and lows...and just because this moment is challenging does not mean that the next one will be. I better understand that there is a lesson in all of it - and if I keep putting one foot in front of the other, I eventually find my way to a better place.

I am filled with optimism as I know this next year will be filled with new discoveries, new opportunities, and more amazing experiences. I hope and pray that I continue to find all that is mine to know and do...and that you do, too.

UPDATE: January 2009
2008 was a bittersweet year - full of so many wonderful adventures and new experiences, but  also a time of loss as my mother finally succumbed to her illness and passed away. As sad and diffcult as that experience was, it was also full of great blessings. The challenge of her illness taught me a great deal about myself, and my mother. The memories of the bond we grew to share will be with me forever. I am also so very grateful that she was here long enough to know that I was making great progress with several new and exciting projects. I will never forget the day I was able to read her my finished book - Heal With Hope, A Healing Handbook Journal.  She was so weak and tired but wouldn't let me stop until I had read every single page to her. 

And I was always able to make her smile when I would joke and tell her that I didn't think it would be too long before Oprah would be calling to have me on her show!! Mom knew all about the line of positive intention tees I was planning to help people stay focused on the positive energy they want to attract and her eyes would light up as I spoke about all of my grand plans. (visit www.WearYourIntention.com if you would like to view these beautiful and inspiring shirts) .

Finding an outlet for my creativity, and the sense of fulfillment that has come from these projects, has been extremely therapuetic. When I think back to where I was just a few short years ago, I am reminded that miracles really do happen...and also that it is never to late to follow your dream - even when you aren't quite sure what that dream is!  As  reflect on 2008 tI am also reminded of the power of our thoughts and attitude - and how vital psitive expectation is to our good health and wellbeing. I continue to work hard each day to find peace and harmony in every moment. This is not easy, but I know that rehashing the past and worrying about the future, is a waste of time and energy. And so through the good times, and not-so-good, I do my best to be my best...to search for the blessing in every situation, to focus on what I am grateful for rather than lacking, and most of all to fill myself with hope and faith - knowing that I am exactly where I am intended to be, always striving to live in positive intention.

And so I give thanks for my vastly improved health, for being guided to all that is mine to know, and all that is mine to do...and pray that you find the same blessings in your own life.   ~ Andrea :-)

UPDATE: January 2010

Life is good.  I am so grateful for all of the blessings that have been mine to reveive in 2009. My health continues to improve.  I have been continuing the energy work with Dr. Bob Christiano, and my EFT work with Ruth Stern.  Though I must admit that my need for treatment becomes less and less.  Having learned to live in the moment, without worry about the future or reliving the past, has been immensely helpful to reducing stress in my life - and thereby greatly improving my health and well-being.  I take time each day to meditate, or sit quietly...not thinking or doing...just being.  This quiet time has further deepened my sense of inner connectedness, as well as my spiritual connection.  There has been no greater "treatment" than that of establishing a relationship with God.  Being guided by Divine Power to all the ways in which I am able to serve Him has been a process that enabled me to create a life filled with inspiration, purpose, passion...and above all peace.  My greatest wish is that you find the same in your life.  ~ Andrea Chervenak  :-)

UPDATE: February 2010

I am so blessed and filled with gratitude that all in my life is going well.  My health continue to improve, and God has allowed me so many opportunities to live a fulfilling and inspired life.  Each day I observe the power of faith - not only in God, but in myself. As Dr. Dyer so aptly expresses in many of his lectures," we are each a part of God"...and when we tap into this innate power, we are capable of so very much.  We truly are what we think about and what we believe.  And so my goal each day continues to be focusing on the many blessings that fill my life...as well as to do my very best to be the loving, caring, and kind human being that we are all capable of being. .  Healthy, peaceful wishes... ~ Andrea Chervenak  :-)