Catalogue of Chicks

Welcome to the Catalog of Chicks — a place where you can meet everyday women and read about their extraordinary acts of bravery and courage. We hope you are inspired by their stories — we certainly are!

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<<Previous Chick Next Chick>>Cris Lenox-Billera
Martinsville, NJ
Submitted by: Big SisThe world could learn a lot from my sister. A vivacious, energetic, thirty something woman, who on a dime, became so sick so drastically some people thought it was an act. In her early twenties she broke a bone and had to have her foot fused after being told it was broken and going thru painful physical therapy only to be then told it had been broken and as a result of the physical therapy she had to have her foot fused. Surgery, a year in a wheel chair and learning to live her life differently and yet she didn't let that stop her. She remained her same sense of humor, energy, joie de vive! and a productive member of society.

Fast forward and she had what most little girls dream of, a great husband, family, house, pets and still active, charismatic, you could sense her energy and it was contagious. Then she started getting chronic sinus infections, colds, weird things that the doctors couldn't explain and diagnosed and prescribed medication for too many things to even go into. Despite this she tried to remain positive and fight whatever was happening to her. Then it started because no one could define what was happening to her it must be stress or all in her head. I couldn't believe it! I know my sister, she may be a little dramatic at times but not like this not in a negative way she was dramatic in a positive way always making people laugh and want to be around her. Little by little people stopped calling her, play dates were less and less and it didn't matter because at one point they told her she was allergic to the outside environment and should stay in.

Things began to take a toll on her, all the medication, doctors visits, ER visits, hospital stays, EXTREMELY painful symptoms and even more painful tests and she was no closer to an answer. It started to suck the very energy she was known for out of her. After many years of cyclical and not so predictable what was labeled episodes she decided she was gonna take control of her life back.

Through her perseverance and the support of her family and friends she fought back. It was not an easy battle but she recently was diagnosed and hopefully with this correct diagnosis, diet, positive outlook and medication she will once again be 100% herself. She is my hero and I am so proud of her! She is definitely one Brave Chick!! <<Previous Chick Next Chick>>