I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2005 at the height of an incredibly exciting and critical time in my career as a country music singer. I felt that accepting and admitting to the world (and the music industry) would mean I'd have to give up my dreams of singing country music.  For five years, I didn't tell anyone about my diagnosis. I continued to make records and tour.

In 2010, I lost my home and everything I owned in the "one thousand year flood" in Nashville, TN. During the difficult rebuilding weeks and months that followed,  I had my first physical MS relapse in 5 years. As devastating as the flood was, I believe God used it to alter my perspective and ultimately save my life.  I accepted my diagnosis and found a therapy to manage my disease.

I realized then that God uses people in ways that they might never expect and maybe He wanted to use me to help others with MS, both through my story and my songs.  

I have made it my life's mission to inspire those living with this disease to keep chasing their dreams!  I have also made it my goal to do all I can to connect with and raise awareness for organizations set up to help those live with MS.

Not only am I singing/performing around the country but I am speaking most weeks out of the year to MS patients everywhere.  This brings so much joy and fulfillment to my soul. I want to do all I can to lift them up so they can not only live with, but beat this disease.

I am very thankful for all that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has done for my life. If you would like to make a donation to the MS Society, please go to www.nmss.org.

Other wonderful organizations set up to help those living with MS include, but are not limited to:

• Multiple Sclerosis Foundation : www.msfocus.org
• The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America: www.mymsaa.org

OTHER PASSION:

I am also passionate for animal rescue and adoption. I am in love with my four dogs, Lucie, Cosmo, Carlie, and Jessie!

I adopted both Cosmo and Jessie in Los Angeles. There are sweet dogs everywhere in the world that need a good home. I would like to encourage everyone to visit their local animal shelters and adopt when looking for a new pet. Also, there are many places which need donations for those dogs waiting on their forever homes.