At Wider Circle, we know that rediscovering health often starts with something simple – a conversation, a shared meal, or the courage to take one small step. That’s why we share stories like Sandra’s: to show how connection can lead to lasting change.
In this edition of Stories from the Circle, meet Sandra—a woman once limited by pain and chronic illness. With support from her Wider Circle community, she found new strength, better habits, and even the freedom to dance again.
Watch Sandra’s story on YouTube as well to see how community helped her reclaim her health. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the healing power of connection.
We hope her story inspires you to see what’s possible when people come together to care.
Sandra J.
From Chronic Pain to Dancing Again One Step at a Time
After years of pain and isolation, Sandra found strength, joy, and a new rhythm to life thanks to the healing power of connection through Wider Circle.
Before joining Wider Circle, Sandra’s world had grown small, constrained by chronic pain, asthma, and the weight of injuries that left her unable to walk far without breathlessness. “My whole body hurt,” she said. She often stayed home, isolated and aching, unsure if change was even possible.
Sandra’s turning point came during a visit to her doctor’s office, where she first heard about Wider Circle and felt inspired to give it a try. She quickly embraced her new community, discovering practical ways to improve her health through shared meals, healthy recipes, and motivating conversations. “We’re constantly learning,” she said. “We help each other with whatever our ailment is, and it helps the next one.”
With newfound encouragement, Sandra began walking more, rediscovering strength she thought she had lost. “That got me moving muscles I hadn’t used and I was like, wow, I can do this again,” she said. Her increased activity improved her sleep, significantly reduced her pain, and restored a strong sense of independence.
Sandra now walks more freely – often without her walker, sometimes with just a cane, and sometimes without any support at all.
At a recent Wider Circle holiday party, Sandra celebrated her progress by getting up on the dance floor and dancing for the first time in years, a joyous milestone in her journey.
Surrounded by familiar faces and warm energy, Sandra felt a deep sense of belonging. “I enjoy the people, and the people enjoy me,” she said, “We come together with happiness and love.” For her, each gathering was more than just an event, it was a place where happiness and love brought everyone together.
Sandra’s transformation has been profound, and one of the clearest signs of her progress has come from her doctor, who noted that she’s visiting the office far less frequently. “I haven’t been in the hospital recently and it’s taken me off of a lot of medication,” Sandra shared.
She has lost 30 pounds, decreased her reliance on pain medications, and her breathing has improved so much that she rarely uses her inhaler.
“The sunshine, the fresh air, it’s improved my lungs. My lungs are open. I can breathe. I can smell flowers,” she expressed with joy.
Sandra’s story reminds us of the powerful impact that community, encouragement, and small steps can have on our health journeys. With support and connection, healing becomes not just possible – but joyful.
Thank you, Sandra, for sharing your inspiring journey with us. Your experience shows us how community can reignite strength, confidence, and a vibrant sense of life.
And thank you to our sponsors for helping make stories like Sandra’s possible. Your support brings life-changing connection, healing, and hope to members every day.
Want to hear more of Sandra’s story? Check out the video below:
About the author: Jamie Zale
Wider Circle
