Glamography Magazine aims to feature everyday women and their stories. Our mission is to give these women the opportunity to break out of their day-to-day, get glammed up a little, and celebrate their true, authentic selves. This is Sheri's feature from Issue #3 of Glamography:

Embracing Radical Self-Love: A Journey Through Motherhood, Medicine, and Self-Discovery

In the heart of every mother lies a story of resilience, love, and unyielding strength. For Sheri, a dedicated physician and mother of three, her journey has been a profound testament to these virtues. As we sit down for our interview, Sheri's warmth and honesty immediately set the tone for a heartfelt conversation about her family's challenges, her personal transformation, and her path to radical self-love.

The Early Struggles and A Mother's Instinct

Sheri begins by recounting a particularly challenging morning, "We had a really great weekend at a bluegrass festival near St. Louis, but my son is really symptomatic right now after coming back from camp. It's heavy-hearted seeing him struggle." Her son, Oliver, was diagnosed with Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), a condition that significantly impacts his ability to communicate, write, process emotions and perform personal self care at times. 

"He started showing symptoms shortly after he turned ten in January of 2022 and it's been a rollercoaster ever since," Sheri explains. Oliver's early symptoms of PANS ranged from complex motor and verbal tics to obsessive-compulsive behaviors. He went on to have regression in writing, communication and performing ADLs at home. He went from being a straight A student to needing an IEP.  This lead to feelings of fear, desperation and sadness. 

Sheri's journey as a mother has been marked by an unwavering determination to understand and support her son's condition. "I felt like I needed to push aside everything that was 'me' to heal my son," she reflects. This sentiment is a recurring theme in our conversation, underscoring the sacrifices many mothers make in their relentless pursuit of their children's well-being.

The Diagnosis and Finding the Right Support

The path to Oliver's diagnosis was anything but straightforward. Sheri describes the turning point when a friend suggested that Oliver might have PANS. "I had never heard of it before. We went to the pediatrician, and after some tests, we confirmed he had strep and mono, which likely triggered his symptoms."

From there, the journey became a series of medical consultations, treatments, and the constant search for answers. "He was put on antibiotics, but his symptoms persisted. It wasn't until we saw a neurologist friend in Oklahoma who believed in PANS that we started to see some stability," Sheri recounts. 

However, the journey was far from over. Sheri shares the emotional and physical toll of Oliver's condition, describing moments of severe depression and suicidality. Oliver’s condition was to a point where Sheri and her husband helped him with everything. From bathing, to dressing, to brushing his teeth. "I remember he wrote a letter to his teacher about not wanting to feel this way anymore. It was terrifying," she says, her voice tinged with the weight of those memories.

The Road to Recovery and Self-Rediscovery

In January, just before Oliver's 12th birthday, Sheri and her husband flew to New York to consult with a specialist in PANS. "We finally felt heard and had a clear plan. Oliver underwent extensive testing and started IVIG treatment," Sheri says, noting significant improvements in his condition.

As Oliver's health began to stabilize, Sheri found herself at a crossroads. "I realized it was time to start taking care of myself. I began reading, meditating, exercising, and reconnecting with music and friends," she shares. This period of self-rediscovery was pivotal for Sheri, marking the beginning of her journey toward radical self-love.

Embracing Radical Self-Love

The concept of radical self-love is one that Sheri passionately embraces. "It's not just about soft, gentle self-care. It's radical because it's intentional and goes against what many of us have been taught," she explains. For Sheri, this journey involved setting boundaries, prioritizing her own well-being, and challenging societal norms about motherhood and self-sacrifice.

"Even during the photo shoot for this feature, I had moments of doubt. I had to remind myself that this is about love, not vanity," Sheri recalls. This inner dialogue is a testament to the challenges many women face in reclaiming their sense of self.

The Influence of the 12 Steps and Spirituality

Sheri's spiritual journey has been deeply influenced by the 12-step program, a foundational aspect of her upbringing. "My dad is a recovering alcoholic, and the 12 steps have always been a part of my life," she shares. The principles of the program—acknowledging one's limitations, seeking help from a higher power, and taking a moral inventory—have provided Sheri with a spiritual framework that has guided her through life's challenges.

"These steps are not just for those struggling with addiction. They offer a blueprint for anyone seeking personal growth and spiritual connection," Sheri explains. This holistic approach to spirituality has been a cornerstone in her journey of self-discovery and healing.

Balancing Career, Motherhood, and Self-Care

As a physician, Sheri is no stranger to the demands of a high-pressure career. Yet, she emphasizes the importance of balancing work with self-care. "I see patients three days a week to ensure I have time for myself and my family," she says. Her daily routine includes early morning gym sessions, quiet time for reflection, and engaging in activities that bring her joy, such as playing the mandolin.

"Self-care is about being intentional with your time and making sure you're nurturing all aspects of your well-being," Sheri advises. This commitment to self-care is essential for anyone in a caregiving role, particularly those in the medical field.

A Message to Other Mothers and Caregivers

Sheri's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love and the strength that comes from within. Her advice to other mothers and caregivers is simple yet profound: "Find time to get quiet and listen to your inner voice. Be intentional with your time and discover what truly brings you joy."

In sharing her journey, Sheri hopes to inspire others to embrace their own paths to radical self-love, to trust their instincts, and to never be afraid to question the status quo. "This journey has taught me to see life's challenges as gifts, not curses," she says, her eyes reflecting a deep sense of peace and acceptance.

As our conversation draws to a close, it's clear that Sheri's journey is one of profound transformation. Through the trials and triumphs, she has emerged stronger, more self-aware, and committed to living a life of radical self-love. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of embracing one's true self.

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