What does it take to rebuild your life after a rare autoimmune disease leaves you partially paralyzed during a global shutdown? Today’s guest, Marion Jones, shows us what invisible strength really looks like.Diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) during the COVID-19 pandemic, Marion faced misdiagnosis, isolation, nerve damage, and the grief of losing the life she once knew. But her story doesn’t end there.Marion went from 30 seconds of walking to running 7 world-major marathons—New York, Chicago, London, Berlin, and soon Tokyo and Boston—raising awareness for rare diseases every mile of the way. 🏃🏾‍♀️✨She is now a powerful advocate, speaker, and upcoming author sharing her mission to inspire resilience, visibility, and hope for the chronic illness community.If you need a reminder that small steps can lead to unbelievable transformation, this episode is it. 💙⭐ IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:✔️What it’s really like to be diagnosed with NMO during the pandemic✔️How Marion rebuilt strength after partial paralysis✔️Why she shifted from grief to gratitude✔️The mindset that carried her through 7 marathons in 2 years✔️How to balance chronic illness with career, ambition, and rest✔️Why advocacy matters—and how your story can help others✔️The meaning of “invisible strength” in the face of adversity🕒 CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome + Intro to Marion Jones01:31 – The Diagnosis: Understanding NMO09:30 – From 30 Seconds to Marathons17:28 – Shifting Grief to Gratitude22:02 – Advocacy, Community & Chronic Illness Visibility31:50 – Marion’s Book + What’s NextSUPPORT MARION’S MARATHON MISSION: Help Marion raise funds for life-changing care at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center: https://www.givengain.com/project/mar...Every donation supports research, patient care, and rare disease advocacy.💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATIONWhat does your invisible strength look like today?Drop your thoughts in the comments—your story could inspire someone who needs it.🎧 LISTEN TO THE INVISIBLE STRENGTH PODCASTHosted by Karin Wagner & Chris Burton, ‪@baddestchaplain‬, spotlight real stories of resilience from people living with chronic illness and autoimmune diseases.🌿 Need Support Living With Chronic Illness?Invigorate helps people with chronic conditions move from fear & overwhelm → to clarity, steadiness, and a life that feels like YOU again.✨ Rebuild your life → 🌟 Top Picks → Support Groups → Coaching ↓ ➡️https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com💙 Connection💧Guidance ✨Transformation🎧 Subscribe for MoreHonest conversations about invisible illness, resilience, and thriving despite the hard days.Hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode.⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for general education and shared lived experiences only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your treatment or lifestyle.

💜 In this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, Olivia Atkin shares how a childhood epilepsy diagnosis reshaped her life—and ultimately fueled her work as an entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and founder of Achieving Success.

From navigating an invisible illness to working with the New York Giants, launching a business, and redefining success on her own terms, Olivia reminds us:
You can build a life you love, even when your health rewrites the rules.

If you live with epilepsy, chronic illness, or you’re chasing big goals while managing real challenges, this conversation will resonate deeply. 💙

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How epilepsy shaped Olivia’s resilience and identity✔️ Why vulnerability is a leadership strength✔️ What people don’t see about invisible illness✔️ How to set goals without burning out✔️ Self-compassion practices for chronic illness✔️ The mindset shifts that helped Olivia thrive✔️ How to redefine success when life pivots✔️ Encouragement for anyone newly diagnosed

Key Moments:00:00 Intro
00:54 Diagnosis & Athletic Dreams
07:24 The Drive Behind Her Success
14:08 Bullying, Shame & Resilience20:23 Resetting Goals After Setbacks22:44 Military Spouse Life25:53 Boundaries & Work-Life Balance32:58 Balancing Health + Ambition40:05 Vulnerability as Strength

✨ Rebuild your life → 🌟 Top Picks → Support Groups → Coaching ↓ ➡️https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com💙 Connection through Monthly Free Support Groups: Save your spot here.

💧Guidance through individual and group coaching: Discover more here.

✨Transformation: Start here.🎧 Subscribe for More!Honest conversations about invisible illness, resilience, and thriving despite the hard days.

Hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode.

Invigorate helps people move from fear and overwhelm → to clarity, steadiness, and a life that feels like YOU again.
Explore tools, support groups, and coaching:
https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com

@AchievingSuccessWithOlivia

Special thanks to Co-Host Chris Burton (@baddestchaplain)

This podcast is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your care.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your care.