Let me take you back to St. Louis, Missouri, where my story begins. Growing up in the heartland of BBQ and the iconic arch, animals were a distant part of my life. My interactions with them were limited to zoo trips and farm visits, experiences that felt separate from my day-to-day reality. That all changed when I was nine years old.

One day, at my great-grandparents' farm in Mississippi, I witnessed something that shifted my perspective forever—a chicken being killed. As a nine-year-old, this moment struck me deeply. It wasn’t just a scene; it was a stark realization about where our food comes from and how animals are treated. This experience planted a seed for my journey, though it took years for that seed to fully blossom.

Fast forward to adulthood, and life threw me a curveball. My once unshakeable confidence was challenged by serious health issues—high blood pressure, cholesterol concerns, and troubling digestive problems. In 2003, a scare with a preliminary Crohn's disease diagnosis pushed me to rethink my health and lifestyle. My doctor’s warnings about heart disease and stroke were a wake-up call, prompting me to reassess my daily habits and transition eating more plant based foods.

As my health improved, so did my understanding of veganism. What started as a quest for physical well-being soon expanded into a deeper exploration of the ethical and environmental aspects of veganism. I realized that veganism was not just a diet but a lifestyle committed to reducing harm to animals and our planet. I came to see animals not just as food sources but as living beings deserving of compassion and happiness.

This journey has transformed me in ways I never anticipated. Veganism has become a way to live in alignment with my values and contribute positively to the world around me. It’s been a continued path of growth and discovery.