This resilient lady’s story touched our OG GLAMbassadors, they all made sure she was included in the 2018 reps.  I have known her personally since 2009, she actually headed up the fundraiser for me when I went through surgery and treatment for thyroid cancer.  She touches a special place in my heart <3

Let’s meet Christan…

I am a mom of 4 (two 16 year olds, 10 year old, 2 year old) who has dedicated her entire adult life to caring for others. I became pregnant with twins at 18 as a Freshman in College.  Many women would have given up on their dreams, dropped out of college, and settled for less than they deserved. Not me. Not only did I complete school, I have earned FIVE college degrees!!! I currently hold 3 Associate’s Degrees (Surgical Technology, Criminal Justice, and Health Science/Paramedic), a BA in Behavior Analysis, and a Master’s Degree in Health Psychology. Four of my degrees were obtained while being a single mom!

I have been a Paramedic for 15 years and a Guardian ad Litem for 9.  Advocacy is my PASSION!!! I have lived my life in a manner that encourages others to find their voice and when that task has been too daunting or impossible, I have been their voice.  I currently work in a regulatory office and advocate for EMS professionals, patients, and agencies throughout SC. Additionally, I serve as a Mental Health provider for the First Responders of SC; teaching awareness classes and presenting prevention education to all Fire and EMS personnel in the State in an effort to mitigate the effects of the traumatic experiences that are a workplace hazard for these men and women. Diagnosed with Complex PTSD and OCD related to my experiences in the field, I understand the struggle these men and women often face. I also advocate, on their behalf, with the SC Legislator to improve Mental Health benefits for all First Responders in SC. I live the “No man is an Island” mantra and work tirelessly to prove to everyone placed in my path that they are ‘enough’ and deserve all the happiness this life can give.

I was diagnosed with Lupus in July of 2010 and struggle with the effects of this autoimmune disease everyday. Lupus has been a huge life changer for me as I suffer from constant pain and a myriad of ailments that vary from day to day. But I refuse to let it define me. I am a fighter and I will not allow it to rob my children of a mother, my husband of a wife, and my family & friends of my presence. I was diagnosed with Oral and Esophageal cancer in the fall of 2013 and spent the first half of 2014 undergoing chemo while working full time and running a household with 3 kids and a husband. Chemo was stopped when I became pregnant in June of 2014 and I have been in remission now for 3 years, 6 mths and 7 days. As if those illnesses were not enough, I was diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis in the Winter of 2016 as a result of the Lupus. Despite the weight gain I have experienced due to the ever changing medication regimens and the carrying/birthing of 4 babies, I know I am beautiful and strive to live everyday to the fullest… while keeping it real on Facebook – Ha!!

I want to be a GLAMbassador because I want to help women realize they are so much more than their past, their medical conditions, and their current circumstances!!!!! EVERY woman is an amazing myriad of beauty, brains, and badassedness (is that a word?!?!)… sometimes we just have to be reminded of that. I want to help women to find their sexy again (or for the first time if needed), to find their voice again, and to fall in love with who they are… right now, today.

I believe wholeheartedly in your mission and pray I am given the opportunity to join the movement!!!