Photos courtesy of The Phoenix JourneyPeople
Nonprofit of the Month: The Phoenix Journey
The Hello Woodlands Nonprofit of the Month is brought to you by Randy Lovelace of Paragon Independent Insurance Agencies and highlights a local nonprofit organization that serves the Montgomery County community.
The nonprofit of the month is The Phoenix Journey, a local non-profit organization that works to transform the lives of individuals with autoimmune diseases through holistic support and compassionate care. Read our interview below with Dominique Cousin, Founder of The Phoenix Journey.
THE INTERVIEW
Tell us about The Phoenix Journey. What is the organization’s story?
I was a working mother of two, full of life and abundance and a wife of a chef. One day, I woke up and my legs stopped working. I was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis). I was devastated. My world felt like it ended. There was a series of early signs leading up to that day, I never thought was an issue until it was. I went to doctor after doctor and all I received was doom and gloom. I was told I would NEVER walk again. I was told my only option was an expensive drug I would have [to shoot] into my veins for the rest of my life every six months. I asked numerous times if there was another option. I presented several options I found online and heard from other holistic professionals. Every doctor I went to see said absolutely not and made me feel like I was crazy for suggesting anything else. Then one day, I forgot who my children were. That was it. I took charge of my own health and advocated for myself. I chose methods after much research on what I wanted to do next. My chef husband began cooking the right foods needed for my overall health based on the disease itself. This was a game changer and then I got better. I went to ask my doctor if I could take less medicine after my scan indicated I was getting better. I was again told no. That is when I made up my mind, my doctor wasn’t quite the one for me. I made my decisions within reason understanding my risks and was able to make an educated decision for myself. I now run daily and I’m able to align myself with the right holistic doctors and medical doctors. I made them work together for my good. I genuinely believe that’s all how it should always be.
How did the organization start?
It started from a dream, I was recovering from a stem cell transplant, and I had a dream continuous for several days straight. Long story short, I found myself on the top of a mountain, thousands of people were below looking towards me, looking for answers. They were looking for help for their sickness. The clouds had shifted where the sun was out. And there was a red bird that grew into a fiery red phoenix with wingspan larger than an eagle. I knew in that moment, I was called to guide those individuals. I know the Lord would be on my side through it all and we were all to be stronger than we were before; much like a phoenix. So I gathered an army of people and I asked them: Do you want to help a lot of people in a truly unconventional way? I was lucky they said yes!
What is The Phoenix Journey’s mission?
Empowering those with autoimmune diseases to change and sustain a new lifestyle in order to improve their current state of disease one person at a time.
We are committed to offering a comprehensive suite of tools and services, encompassing a holistic approach to wellness. Additionally, we will provide structured accountability checkpoints to ensure that our Phoenixes continue to thrive and maintain their progress even after completing our program.
Why?
Because 1 in 5 people have an autoimmune [disease] and 1 in 3 don’t know they have an autoimmune [disease]. These numbers are rising yearly and many people don’t have a voice or know exactly what to do about it, past taking the latest drug that is prescribed. I suffer from Multiple Sclerosis and was in a wheelchair. I was told I would never walk again. I was given the most advance drug they had and was told all this medicine could do was slow down the inevitable. I would never walk again within three years. Well, I went a very holistic approach, found the right diet, supplements, and workout regimen for me. I found the right lifestyle changes that fit my diagnosis, body type, etc. Now I run daily and live a very active life; without the pain or the symptoms I once felt. My story is not an anomaly. It just isn’t told to the masses. So now, I want no other person to feel how I felt which was alone.
Who and where do you serve?
Those with autoimmune diseases in Montgomery County and surrounding areas. We also counsel virtually across the country.
What programs and services does The Phoenix Journey offer?
We offer education on the options available, coaching with accountability, resources on who to trust by vetted holistic and medical doctors, nutrition options to learn how to stop the problem, and community to help them through it.
What makes The Phoenix Journey unique?
No one is doing what I’m doing. We are bridging the gap between holistic health and traditional medical care.
Our goal is to deal with the whole body and not just the symptoms. Our provider’s purpose is to get to the root of the problem; whether it lies within: the mind, body, or soul within. Trauma is real. Past injuries are real. Genetics are real as well.
Finally, not all care takes traditional insurance which is quite costly for a patient. We do our best to negotiate pricing for said patient and take on some expenses in certain situations.
How can the community get involved, volunteer, and support The Phoenix Journey?
- We have a gala on Saturday, November 2nd at 6pm at Houston City Place Marriott. Learn more
- Or we have other events throughout the year and they can volunteer by filling out form here.
- We also have an annual 5K that supports those currently dealing with their autoimmune struggles and we band together to let them know we are all in this together as a community. Learn more
Where can the community learn more about The Phoenix Journey?
Visit the website at https://www.phoenixjourney.org
Partner with The Phoenix Journey: https://www.phoenixjourney.org/partnerships
Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_PhoenixJourney
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089190405360
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_phoenix_journey/
ABOUT RANDY LOVELACE
To learn more about Randy Lovelace, his “Referral for a Cause” program to help local nonprofit organizations, and Paragon Independent Insurance Agencies, please call (281) 298-0440, email rlovelace@paragoninsagencies.com, or visit www.paragoninsagencies.com/woodlands.
