Amy Browne leads a full, busy life. She is a single mom of three who resides in north eastern Pennsylvania and, among many other things, loves camping and writing.
Most wouldn't have given Amy much of a chance for survival eight years ago, let alone the ability to successfully juggle so many responsibilities. Her husband, due to a bipolar disorder, left her with three children, ages 8, 10 and 13. Soon thereafter Amy was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. She had battled juvenile arthritis as a child and it had apparently blown into rheumatoid arthritis. Amy had also had asthma and migraines since she was 5 years old.
Amy didn't quit when these new adversities appeared, and neither did her family. Her children have helped with household chores and her parents, who live nearby, have been very supportive.
People like Amy attract other good people and so it was not surprising that Amy met her now boyfriend of two years, Ray. Of their relationship, Amy said, "I enjoy moonlight walks holding Ray's hand and I hope that never ends. We walk slowly when I need to. I just take life one day at a time and deal with it."
Amy did not have an easy road in terms of controlling rheumatoid arthritis. She had to take prescription medications for a time to get the illness under control; something that Amy eschewed because she believes in treating the body naturally when possible.
Amy sees all her hardships in life as a divine challenge: "I have learned that God never gives us more than we can handle. I figure God thinks I am a very strong person to put all this on my plate. I cope by simply doing my best, and resting."
Amy rarely takes credit for her gains; she deflects the glory to other people in her life: "My children and two grandchildren and Ray bring me strength in many ways. I need to be here for my children simply because I am all they have. Ray encourages me to stay active, and we often walk, which helps keep the stiffness away."
Today, Amy is a very successful writer and someone that is confident and excited about her future. Just as so many are inspired by her story, Amy found inspiration from someone very close to her: "My youngest son was born with severe asthma and had frequent hospital stays along with around-the-clock breathing treatments for his first two years. He also had some mental delays. While watching him battle, I felt I could beat the odds too. I take the position I am in control; not the RA."
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