Long-time Planet Thrive member and survivor of environmental illness and myalgic encephalomyelitis (including severe chemical, food, electromagnetic, and other sensitivities), 37-year-old Amelia Hill is a beacon of light to other sufferers of these severe, chronic, unrelenting invisible illnesses. Amelia has been stuck in her “safe room” for the last five years, unable to go outside, read books or visit with friends, except through a glass window. She has suffered almost nightly life-threatening reactions to many foods, leaving her on a rotation diet of only a handful of foods. She struggles to find writing paper she can tolerate, access the Internet and do much of anything except rest. Her devoted mother Danija is now her 24 hour caregiver, cooking all her meals (each takes over 3 hours to prepare), administering reiki (energy medicine) during reactions, and helping her correspond with the world. In spite of all her limitations, Amelia uses the precious energy she does have to help spread awareness of environmental illness and inspire others to keep a positive spirit and never give up hope of recovery.
Last year (February, 2012) Amelia’s story was featured on Adelaide South Australia news: Heal Amelia. Around the same time, the Facebook group Heal Amelia’s Life was formed for people to keep apprised of Amelia’s progress and show their support as she faced the seemingly insurmountable challenges of her life. Amelia shares important events in her life such as standing outside barefoot to “ground” herself for five minutes, eating fermented cabbage on the 6th day of her rotation diet, or getting dental surgery in her kitchen. On her own Facebook page, Amelia shares inspirational images and quotes, such as “Just decide to believe that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE, … and then see what happens next” and “Alone I dug deep. And what I found, was an inner strength & beauty I had never known before.”
Amelia’s ability to rise above her circumstances and shine brightly in spirit is leading to other public appearances as more people learn of her story. Recently she was featured in Detox Your Mind’s Inside the Minds of Fifty Two Women: A Different Perspective by Debbie Spellman: Amelia Hill. You can get a sense of Amelia’s magical shine through the astute insights and pure eloquence of her responses in the interview – here is her answer to a question about what obstacle she had to overcome mentally in order to embrace such a positive outlook on her situation:
There is no more a game-changing, paradigm-shattering, belief-altering experience in life than a health crisis! Nothing will test you more … no other experience will require so much of yourself. Relentless suffering, pain, heartache, isolation, fear, daily challenges, incomprehensible decisions. It can either break you or make you … I chose the latter. The biggest ‘Brain Obstacle’ came down to a decision. I will do whatever it takes to regain my health. 100%. Whatever it takes. When I came to grips with that decision, that commitment, that promise to myself, I was able to reframe everything. The daily struggles and the setbacks, the suffering. This unwavering focus on my goal has strengthened my self-belief and transformed my entire outlook.
What’s next for the amazing Amelia Hill? She is currently overseeing the construction of a safe home right next door to her mother’s house. She is also working on a website (ameliahill.com) that will document the building process and share resources and inspiration for others. Currently, Amelia is seeking supporters to help cast her in the groundbreaking “Canary in a Coalmine” film being made to bring awareness to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), which Amelia suffers from. Amelia needs just ten people to click this link http://lnc.hr/t3ace and pledge $1 (or more, if you wish!) to the movie’s Kickstarter campaign. Her name will then be placed in a special drawing and the winner will have their story filmed, to be included in the movie. Please help Amelia continue to fly the EI/ME flag!
Great piece Julie. It is good to see you writing again. Hopefully the hands are better or perhaps you are just fighting through the pain.
Well Done.
Thank you, Julie!
I am so very grateful to be a part of such a wonderful online community like Planet Thrive. I have been embraced over the years by the love, kindness, compassion & friendship of devoted PTers… They are an incredible bunch!
Thank you for your continued support & thank you for sharing my healing journey!
I agree with Denny.. It’s great to see you back writing.. No one can craft words like you, Girl! xx
I just shared it on Facebook. That was exciting! You are really an inspiration Amelia! I’ve probably over used that word with you but the word is appropriate.
A.
I so admire you Amelia, and your lovely family, Danija especially. The ‘detox your mind’ interview is amazing, I am sure it will lead to greater understanding, and healing for so many. I look forward to seeing the next installment of progress you are making on the safe home, and your new website too. All the very best, Bee xx
Thank you sweet Denny for acknowledging my efforts and reappearance here. ;-) The fingers must be doing a bit better to be able to do this… it was really fun to put this together! xxx
Thank you Amelia! We’ve loved having you as part of the PT community. I can’t wait for the day you can participate more again… miss your presence greatly! It’s always such a great treat to see a post or photo from you when you are able to share. Much love!! xx
Thank you for sharing on Facebook, Andrew. It’s so wonderful for Amelia to know she is inspiring others with her amazing spirit.
Thanks for posting here Bee! The apple does not fall far from the tree in the Hill family. Two amazing women who are an inspiration for so many. I think I should do an article on Danija next. Maybe it can help inspire and encourage other parents to stand behind their chronically ill children. xx
Thank you, Missy J xx thanks you for your kind words & ever-present support. Means the world. You know I’m your biggest fan!
Hi Andrew! Thanks so much for sharing I really appreciate your support! xx
Hi Bee! Thanks so much for taking the time to read the 52 Women Project interview on the Detox Your Mind website.. I’m glad you enjoyed it! You’re so sweet xx
Hi Amelia,
As a suffer of MCS, I am curious to know if you have tired the Annie Hopper or Ashok Gupta Programmes.
I started Annies , but have really struggled to keep it up,
unsuccessfully. It obviously doesn’t work for everyone.
All the best
Donna S
Hi Donna,
I do believe that Amelia has done the Gupta program and continues to use it along with many other healing modalities including EFT and Donna Eden Energy Medicine. Best, Julie