What would you do if after living an active life, out of the blue, you were unable to stand or walk? And after much testing and research, you finally receive a diagnosis that is life-altering? This is the story of our Cover Girl, Jamie Fewell.
Jamie is a wife and mother of four beautiful children. She is an entrepreneur and runs three businesses, Martinsville Academy Gymnastics, The Rhinestone Hanger Boutique, and Kids Rock Pageants by Jamie Fewell. She’s also a stunning Pageant Titleholder, Pageant Director, Judge, and amazing friend.
It’s not always going to be easy but at least I know I’ve tried.”
Jamie Fewell
Though you would never guess it now, growing up, Jamie was always very shy and backward. She really lacked any confidence in herself and never really believed she was capable of doing the things that she wanted to try. “I missed out on some really cool opportunities because of this. I never ever want any child to live with what ifs… that is no fun!” Completely out of character, at the age of 20, she got this crazy idea to try out for the Indianapolis Colts Cheerleading squad. This admittedly shy young lady competed with over 400 other ladies for 24 spots. She never imagined that she would make the squad, but she was hoping to at least try something that she had always dreamed of.
It was a tough audition, but because she believed in myself Jamie made the squad that day! This was when things began to change for Jamie because, from that point on, she began to live without regrets. “It’s not always going to be easy but at least I know I’ve tried.”
This is why Jamie loves working with kids and has been coaching gymnastics since 1998. As a coach Jamie mentors so that they learn to work through their insecurities and have confidence in their abilities. They are like little sponges, and she hopes that by sharing her story she is able to encourage others to always fight and believe in their dreams.
Five years ago, everything in Jamie’s life changed. Out of nowhere, she found herself unable to stand or walk for nearly 8 months. It was at this time that she was diagnosed with POTS Syndrome. POTS or Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is one of a group of disorders that have orthostatic intolerance (OI) as their primary symptom. OI is a condition in which an excessively reduced volume of blood returns to the heart after an individual stands up from a lying down position. The primary symptom of OI is lightheadedness or fainting. No one is exempt from developing POTS and the cause of POTS is unknown.
This was a very difficult time, and she was completely devastated and felt completely hopeless. One of Jamie’s strongest traits is that she is a fighter and doesn’t give up easily. With the right treatment and determination, this amazing mom has been able to get her life back on track to be “living” again. There is no cure for POTS and it’s a daily struggle, “however, I live life with a positive mindset and always add humor to everything… It might be tough but adding laughter and humor always helps.”
Despite all of the things that Jamie has accomplished and overcome, there is no doubt about what she’s most proud of and claims as her greatest accomplishment. It is 100% being a mom to her 4 amazing children. Being a mom is definitely challenging but has been the biggest gift ever!! “I am so thankful for always being so persistent and going after things I want in life. When I was diagnosed with POTS and I couldn’t walk, I set a seemingly impossible goal of competing for Mrs. Indiana and walking onstage in over 6-inch heels.” It took her well over two years to get herself to that point, and “boy did it feel good. I did it… I wore the 6-inch Heels, and even better competed in a swimsuit at age 45 lol… Go, momma!! I didn’t take home the crown… YET. But I’m not giving up. I did take home so much through the process.”
As for the future, Jamie wants to continue to fight her POTS battle with Hope, strength, and of course lots of humor. She wants to be the best mom to her kids and the best gymnastics coach to her gymnasts. “I want to always live life to the fullest and to always continue to chase all my wild and crazy dreams.”
To learn more about Jamie’s journey with POTS, and gymnastics, shop her boutique, or learn more about KidsRock Pageants by Jamie Fewell, you can reach her on Facebook at Jamie Fewell, on Instagram @JamieFewell1977 or email her at jamiefewell@yahoo.com
Leave a Comment