I Am the Storm

You can withstand the storm, and sometimes, you must own it. We all have the power within to challenge the giants in our lives – and triumph.

1. Personal Hardship as a Catalyst for Action

Janice Dean's personal story of resilience highlights how life's storms often push us to action. Her journey began with unimaginable grief as she lost both of her husband’s parents to COVID-19 due to preventable causes. This tragedy transformed her grief into a mission to expose the truth behind these deaths.

Through her pain, Janice discovered the power of speaking out, even when you feel you’re up against an unstoppable force. She demonstrated the importance of persistence, despite political institutions trying to silence voices like hers. Rather than giving in to sorrow, she focused her energy on exposing corruption, showing that sometimes great change starts with very personal, deeply felt loss.

Her advocacy helped contribute to a deeper public understanding of governmental mismanagement during the pandemic. Janice's battle exemplifies the way personal hardship can inspire someone to act for the greater good.

Examples

• Losing both husband's parents to nursing home mismanagement.
• Publicly campaigning against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s administration.
• Inspiring others who've suffered losses to join her fight for accountability.

2. Raising Awareness to Save Lives

Shelly Elkington turned her daughter's tragic death from opioid addiction into a battle against the pharmaceutical greed that fuels the crisis. Casey, Shelly's daughter, spiraled into addiction after being prescribed painkillers, showing how easily trusted medications can destroy lives.

Shelly began raising awareness by sharing her story in media outlets and connecting with other grieving parents. Together, they shined a light on opioid abuse and its devastating effects. By addressing lawmakers and demanding legislation to regulate opioids, she helped change how this issue is discussed and treated in the US.

Although Shelly's fight isn’t over, her determination has led to tangible outcomes that might save future families from similar tragedies. She remains hopeful that her efforts will continue to shape reforms and accountability in the pharmaceutical industry.

Examples

• Sharing her story widely and uniting with other families impacted by the opioid crisis.
• Advocating for legislation enabling lifesaving treatments like Narcan.
• Attending the State of the Union as recognition for her contributions.

3. Confronting Corporate Bullies

Adam Curry’s clash with MTV over the MTV.com domain illustrates how standing your ground against corporations can lead to unexpected victories. As an early internet enthusiast, Adam unknowingly registered MTV.com, thinking it would support his on-air engagement efforts.

When MTV decided it wanted the domain, they brought legal action instead of simply asking him. Adam’s refusal to back down stemmed from feeling bullied, not greed. His moral stance eventually compelled MTV to settle the matter quickly and fairly.

This story highlights that sometimes all it takes to gain respect and fairness is boldness, and a willingness to stand firm on principle, even when dealing with powerful entities.

Examples

• Registering multiple domain names during the early days of the internet, including MTV.com.
• Facing a lawsuit from MTV and asserting his moral right to the domain.
• Giving up Elvis.com for free to Lisa Marie Presley, just because she asked.

4. The Power of Speaking Out

Lindsey Boylan broke her silence about working in a toxic environment under Andrew Cuomo’s administration, helping to topple his reign. Despite the risks, her courage started a movement that exposed years of harassment and bullying.

Her tweets and essay detailing inappropriate behavior inspired others to speak out. Amid backlash, she persisted, dismissing smear campaigns and media attacks. Her bravery led to Cuomo’s resignation, ultimately proving that standing up for justice, even when the odds seem insurmountable, can lead to change.

Lindsey’s story reminds us that every movement often starts with one courageous voice willing to seek truth and accountability.

Examples

• Sharing her experiences as a former aide to Cuomo in a Twitter post.
• Publishing detailed accounts of her harassment despite facing public scrutiny.
• Encouraging 11 other victims to find the strength to come forward.

5. Nurses as Frontline Warriors

Arlene Simmons’ experiences during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic reveal the struggles and heroism of medical workers. As a traveling nurse, she worked in overwhelmed New York hospitals, facing unrelenting pain and chaos.

Arlene encountered horrific scenes, such as patients dying due to insufficient supplies, and nurses collapsing from exhaustion. Despite the trauma, she persisted, helping others even when resources were scarce. Her story exemplifies how selflessness and resilience can shine during the darkest times.

This experience left Arlene with a renewed appreciation for life and a commitment to serving others, showing how adversity can foster both personal growth and community healing.

Examples

• Leaving her family behind in Georgia to support New York’s overwhelmed hospitals.
• Witnessing the chaos inside under-resourced facilities during the pandemic’s peak.
• Returning home with symptoms of COVID-19 but recovering and committing to continue her work.

6. Turning Disability into Strength

Aaron Hale’s life changed in an instant when an explosion blinded him, forcing him to adapt while preserving his identity as a soldier and father. By viewing his blindness as losing "only a couple of tools," Aaron refused to let it limit him.

Instead of falling into despair, Aaron continued to live boldly by channeling his energy into new creative challenges, such as cooking elaborate meals and running a chocolate business. He exemplifies how embracing your circumstances and focusing on what you can still do helps you overcome even life-altering challenges.

His story is an inspiring example of resilience, adaptability, and choosing to thrive in the aftermath of tragedy.

Examples

• Blinded after an IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan.
• Starting EOD Confections, a chocolate-making business, with his wife’s support.
• Reframing his view on challenges, treating them as surmountable obstacles.

7. Small Steps Lead to Big Changes

The battles described in this book show that incremental efforts, even small, can lead to meaningful progress. Whether it's enacting opioid legislation, securing more medical supplies, or exposing workplace abuse, every action matters.

These individuals made progress by persistently applying pressure. Small victories, like empowering others to speak up or improving access to resources, eventually turned into larger wins.

Their journeys serve as reminders to never underestimate the impact of steady, consistent advocacy.

Examples

• Shelly’s advocacy paving the way for Narcan access for first responders.
• Arlene’s role in shining light on the need for better pandemic preparation.
• Lindsey’s small tweet growing into a monumental cultural shift.

8. Community Amplifies Courage

Many Davids found strength in community, proving the importance of support networks when fighting giants. Shelly connected with grieving parents, Lindsey encouraged fellow survivors, and Janice rallied others to expose corruption.

These alliances not only provided emotional support but also amplified their messages and brought attention to their causes. Shared advocacy showed that a group’s voice can wield more power than one.

Building connections and finding allies emerged as essential strategies in navigating personal and societal struggles.

Examples

• Shelly’s collaborations with bipartisan lawmakers in opioid reform.
• Arlene’s camaraderie among fellow frontline workers during the pandemic.
• Janice attracting attention to her cause by uniting families seeking justice.

9. Resilience is a Universal Weapon

Every story in this book is rooted in resilience. These individuals demonstrate that courage isn’t about fearlessness; it’s about moving forward despite fear. Whether tackling grief, oppression, or physical limitations, resilience was their guiding force.

This resilience not only carried them through challenges but also inspired others around them. It serves as the ultimate reminder that strength lies within all of us.

Examples

• Aaron’s ability to find fulfillment after losing his sight.
• Arlene’s commitment to her work despite witnessing unimaginable trauma.
• Lindsey’s resolve to face backlash and continue fighting for justice.

Takeaways

1. Channel adversity into purpose by identifying positive actions that can arise from hardship.
2. Seek out allies and build communities to amplify your voice when taking on larger challenges.
3. Approach fear and failure as stepping stones toward personal growth and eventual triumph.