Steve Lovelace's journey with arachnoiditis demonstrates the remarkable strength of the human spirit when faced with seemingly insurmountable pain. When his neurologist delivered the devastating diagnosis in 2014 with a solemn "I'm sorry," Steve realized his life would never be the same. This rare disease, ranking at the top of the pain scale, forced him to abandon his career as a traveling salesman and reimagine his entire existence.
Steve's condition traces back to 1982, when a horrific accident left him temporarily paralyzed from the waist down with three crushed vertebrae. Though he defied doctors' predictions by walking again, the trauma planted seeds for future suffering. As mobility issues and excruciating pain gradually took over, Steve initially followed the traditional path of pain management through medication. But after years as "a zombie still thrashing in pain," he made the bold decision to quit all medications cold turkey, enduring withdrawal that he describes as worse than his original accident.
What makes Steve's story truly extraordinary is his refusal to surrender. He categorizes his days as "good days, bad days, and survival days," strategically using each to maximize his life despite constant pain. On better days, he pushes his physical boundaries through endurance sports, riding his bike with ankle foot orthotics and walking with forearm crutches.
Steve's golden doodle, Shelby, provides constant companionship, particularly on difficult days when PTSD compounds his physical pain. His journey has evolved into a mission of inspiration as he writes a book about his experiences and pursues a career in motivational speaking. Living by the mantra "Don't say I can't, say I'll try," Steve shows us that true resilience isn't about avoiding suffering but transforming it into purpose & profound insights about family dynamics with chronic illness, the pitfalls of the medical system, and finding meaning beyond diagnosis.

• Steve: https://www.instagram.com/splovelace igsh=MTA4eHRxbDB0ZmcyZQ==
• https://youtu.be/VfUyE12CpaE?si=_Odmk5dt4j_qJyJW

Send us a text

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.

Let's Get Started - Rare Patient Voice

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters
https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)

Website: https://myspooniesisters.com/

Discount Codes: GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off