In this week’s Participant Spotlight, we chatted with Lynn Julian. Lynn shared how she connected with NCHPAD, her favorite programs, and some of the amazing work she’s doing as a patient experience consultant!
Tell us about yourself.
I’m proud to be an award-winning speaker and patient consultant, an author in nine books and of 100+ articles (linkedin.com/in/lynnjulian), a Boston Actress at (BostonActress.org) and a Pop Superhero on 30+ CDs (PopSuperhero.com). Connect with me on social media @LynnJulian007!
I’m also a patient experience consultant with corporations, foundations, researchers, politicians, and international leaders to form an accurate understanding of chronic illness, rare disease, and life with disability.
I live in Boston, Massachusetts, with my medical alert service dog, Dr. Smallz, and I love to connect with people on social at @lynnjulian007 @DrSmallzMD!
When did you connect with NCHPAD?
I was referred to NCHPAD by Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, where I completed some of my physical, vestibular, and occupational therapy as an injured survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
What NCHPAD programs have you been part of?
So far, I’ve benefited from completing the MENTOR program and still enjoy participating in Coffee Club!
What did you like about the programs?
I love that the MENTOR program addresses all aspects of good health: mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, and resilience. It was a sweet surprise when a huge box of home exercise equipment arrived at my door – for me to keep – and all for free. Money is not an excuse not to exercise when the equipment is free!
Tell us why you would recommend a NCHPAD program or NCHPAD Connect to someone else.
I’d highly recommend NCHPAD Connect to my family, friends, and support group members because I’ve personally benefited so much from their programs already.
What brings you joy?
It’s the simple things in life that bring me joy: friends, food, music, movies, art, and most of all, my medical alert service dog, Dr. Smallz.
Too often, we take our blessings for granted as if they are rights rather than privileges. We complain so easily but are less quick to complement. We need to celebrate the small stuff and always be grateful. That is the way to happiness!
What else would you like us to know?
In addition to my other work, in my “free time,” I’m also an advocate, activist, ambassador, speaker, and consultant. My daily struggles with chronic conditions lead me to volunteer as an Advisory Board Member of several international organizations: Strength To Strength (Patient Advisory Council), US Pain Foundation (Massachusetts Ambassador), American Migraine Foundation (Ambassador), Wego Health (Migraine Expert), Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (Team Leader, Headache On The Hill); Marfan Foundation, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (Ambassador/Moderator), Rare Disease Legislative Advocate (Everylife Foundation), Rare Complain Program (Global Genes), Leaftopia (Director of Patient Advocacy), and Ravel.Health & Center For Lyme Action (Ambassador/Team Leader). The main message I want to promote is one of Inspiration and Hope.
How has this impacted your life? Is there anything you’ve learned from NCHPAD that has impacted your life?
Coffee Club has taught me that it’s never too late to change yourself, your mind, and your body. Every day is a new chance to do better and be the change you wish to see in the world!
Is there a particular person you’d like to give a shoutout, like an instructor, health coach, etc?
Haley Brown brightened every morning in the MENTOR program with her spirited energy and encouragement. She had me – and the whole group – looking forward to exercising. Now THAT is a great mentor!
Stephanie Ward also does an exceptional job leading Coffee Club. She wakes us up gently, makes us all feel seen and heard, and even sings to us to start our day. Love that smile!