Mel Groenewold was only 17 when she lost four limbs to meningococcal disease.

For a long time after that, Mel was angry and frustrated by all the things her body could no longer do. It took years and a lot of therapy to work through her emotional & physical struggles. After over a decade of feeling afraid to be seen without her prosthetics @ a beach event led by author & confidence coach Heidi Anderson, Mel removed them & went to the beach on her knees. Anderson told the group to be on their knees for the group photo. That moment started Mel on a new path of self-acceptance and empowerment. Anderson started the open mic events to allow women with amazing stories to share their experiences and empower others to do the same.

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