Elizabeth’s Journey: From Chronic Illness to Thriving with AfriThrive
For years, Elizabeth lived in the shadow of an autoimmune disease that controlled every part of her life. Fatigue, pain, and endless doctor visits became her new normal. “I just felt stuck,” she recalls. “No matter what I tried, I wasn’t getting better. It was frustrating and exhausting.”
But Elizabeth is not the kind of person to give up easily. Deep down, she believed there had to be a way to feel whole again. What she didn’t know then was that her journey to wellness would begin with the simple act of planting a seed.
Finding AfriThrive, Finding Hope
Elizabeth discovered AfriThrive through a friend who mentioned the organization’s focus on growing culturally relevant food and teaching sustainable gardening practices. At first, she volunteered simply to stay busy and connect with others. “I thought I was just helping out,” she says. “I had no idea how much AfriThrive would help me in return.”
At an AfriThrive workshop, Elizabeth heard about the idea of “food as medicine.” It wasn’t a new concept—her grandmother used to talk about the healing power of fresh, natural foods—but it wasn’t something she had seriously considered for her own health. Inspired, Elizabeth decided to give it a try.
Transforming Her Life Through Food and Gardening
She started small. With guidance from the team at AfriThrive, Elizabeth planted a modest backyard garden filled with African nightshades, pumpkin leaves, and spider leaves. These crops were deeply tied to her heritage and packed with nutrients her body needed.
As the weeks went by, something unexpected happened. Elizabeth not only enjoyed tending her garden, but she began to feel better. Her energy improved, her symptoms lessened, and for the first time in years, she felt in control of her health.
“It wasn’t just about what I was eating,” Elizabeth explains. “It was the whole process—getting my hands in the dirt, growing my own food, and reconnecting with my culture. It gave me something to look forward to every day.”
Sharing Her Story, Changing Lives
Elizabeth’s transformation wasn’t just physical. It gave her a renewed sense of purpose. Today, she’s one of AfriThrive’s most passionate volunteers, teaching others how to grow their own food and sharing her story with anyone who will listen.
“I’ve met so many people who feel stuck like I did,” she says. “If my journey can give them hope or show them what’s possible, then it’s all worth it.”
Elizabeth’s garden has grown, and so has her joy. She’s thriving now—not just because she found a way to manage her illness, but because she’s found a way to give back. “This work isn’t just about food,” she says. “It’s about life, health, and community. That’s what AfriThrive gave me, and I’ll never stop paying it forward.”
