The Healing Power of Community

A health crisis can take a toll on your body, mind and spirit. But having friends and loved ones around to lift you up can make challenges easier to face — and have real benefits for your whole health.

Keep reading to learn Alexandria’s story and how she overcame her autoimmune diagnosis and rediscovered her inner strength.

Alexandria’s Comeback from an Autoimmune Diagnosis

Alexandria Grantier has always been a competitor. For as long as she can remember, she’s pushed herself to become the best she can be at whatever she does. When she found CrossFit, she found a whole new way to push herself to the limits — until she couldn’t.

An Unexpected Story in the Making

For Alexandria, movement is everything. “Growing up, I was always in sports. Working out has always been a part of my life. I had a friend bring me into CrossFit for the first time, and I was like, ‘What is this? I have no idea what it is, but I love it.’ And I started to build a routine and a community.”

After finding her new passion in CrossFit, Alexandria’s life took a turn. “From there, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. It kind of turned my life into a 180 — I asked, ‘Can I go back to doing all the things I was doing?’ and they said, ‘No, you’re dying.’ It set me back mentally and physically.”

But Alexandria’s diagnosis wasn’t the end of her story.

Where Hope Meets Healing

Despite facing a life-threatening disease, Alexandria found hope through those closest to her. “One thing that makes me feel whole is community — having people who are supporting you and being able to support others.”

Alexandria experienced the power of community during the hardest time in her life. Her passion for leading a healthy lifestyle introduced her to a loving community that supported her to the finish line.

It was through the hands of expert physicians that Alexandria healed and came back stronger than before. “AdventHealth was so knowledgeable and so helpful and understanding. They guided me through that new process in my life. After going through the treatments and doing the work to get there, I have never felt better. And one thing I’ve always wanted to do was compete in a CrossFit competition again.”

Through compassionate support and clinical expertise, Alexandria was able to do things she’s waited her whole life to do: “To leave my diagnosis behind — to reach my next personal best — to be stronger today than I was yesterday.”

The Health Benefits of Community

Having close relationships is not only good for your mental health but also for your physical health. Research shows that engaging in community and investing in friendships can:

• Decrease depression
• Help you cope during difficult times
• Lower your body mass index (BMI)
• Provide better heart health
• Regulate your blood pressure

We weren’t meant to do life alone. Being a part of a community can have a big effect on your health, and Alexandria is living proof.

Whole-Health Support at Every Age

At AdventHealth, we want to help you feel whole in body, mind and spirit. From primary care to specialty medical services, our teams are here to provide the world-class care you deserve so you can live your life to the fullest.

Discover more stories of people who filled their lives with more living.