Diane is an inspirational woman who embodies strength and love. While going through medical challenges that would require three different brain surgeries, she opened both her home and her heart to her aging mother, who needed care, and her son’s best friend after he recently lost his own mother and needed a place to live.
In both her home and her workplace, Diane lives her life pouring out love and compassion to others. She is currently working third shift as an LPN, taking care of those with intellectual disabilities. Working with developmentally-delayed patients during the pandemic posed unique challenges, but Diane maintained her strength and kind demeanor. She originally took the third shift position so she could go back to school and become an RN but became very sick and had to step away from continuing her education.
Diane had dealt with migraines and dizziness for her entire life. Her doctors told her it was stress, but in 2018, they realized it was much more. One of her fellow nurses told her she needed to get to a doctor after a particularly bad night at her job, where she couldn’t keep balanced. Although afraid of the potential diagnosis, Diane went to a doctor who ran an MRI as well as other tests and found an aneurism and other health issues. This led to a total of three critical procedures and careful recovery.
After spending a month in a nursing home post-surgery, Diane moved into a two-bedroom apartment with her son. Right after moving in, her mother started developing dementia and got lost on her way to work. Diane stepped in and moved her mother down from Illinois, telling her, “Mom, you need to come home.” Almost immediately after her mom moved in, her son’s best friend moved in as well. Even with everything that had been happening to her medically, Diane did not hesitate to help others. When she moves into her new home, she is so excited to bring her family with her.
Through everything, Diane has trusted God and relied on Him for her strength. She is so thankful and gives “God all the glory” for her recovery and perseverance. She has completed her budget class and is on track to finish her 500 hours of sweat equity by the end of her home build.
As a mother, daughter, nurse and soon-to-be homeowner, Diane is an overcomer and an inspiration. During the 2021 Women Build, supporters and sponsors have the opportunity to join Diane in building her home.
Empowered women build inspiration. Empowered women leave legacies. Empowered women empower women.
Visit KnoxvilleWomenBuild.com to learn more and sign up to volunteer!
