When you have your health, you have a thousand dreams. When you don’t, you have but one. This saying has had much more than a passing influence on most of us, including myself. Health challenges affect us all and can be profoundly limiting to many, including those we love – those we would literally do anything for. For my part, empathy for those struggling originates from my small-town upbringing in Ketchikan, Alaska, where it is common to see the community band together for support during tough times. I saw this first-hand, over and over, growing up. The women of Alaska are especially able and resilient, so I had many strong role models that lead by example. As a young world traveler I recognized the need for more people to be hands-on and engaged in service to others. That realization drives me to this day and is why I started Essential Ninja.