Michigan Single Mom’s Business Soars Despite Severe Health Challenge, Recession
JENISON, MICH.(March 6, 2016) – Finding work in a tough economy is hard enough, but this single mom found success while dealing with an even more daunting problem: Narcolepsy.
“Life takes some interesting twists,” said Laurie Ayers, a mom of two in Jenison, Mich. “I never thought I’d be supporting my family with wax!” She credits working at home and the home fragrance business Scentsy and its wickless candles and scents for saving the day.
This smiling, redhead single mother lives with a-typical narcolepsy, a chronic neurological disorder that affects the part of the brain that regulates sleep and wake cycles. It is characterized by overwhelming drowsiness and difficulty staying awake. There is no cure. Medication and lifestyle changes at best can only manage symptoms – though with little success and strong side effects.
Contrary to stereotypes, narcolepsy is not related to depression, seizure disorders, fainting, lack of sleep or other conditions that cause abnormal sleep patterns. “Lazy, or depressed, that’s exactly what many people think,” Ayers said.
And, despite enduring narcolepsy for most of her life, Ayers worked outside the home with a career with the Federal Government. But as her narcolepsy progressed, she was no longer able to keep her eyes open to work a traditional eight-to-five job. [Read more…] about Michigan Single Mom’s Business Soars Despite Narcolepsy
