Helen Samson Mullen
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Adult Honoree
 Helen Samson Mullen was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the end of 2018. She’s a mother of two, wife, sister, daughter and friend who has had a lifelong keen interest in health and well-being.
She has spent many ‘successful’ years in her brain, earning a degree in physiological sciences, a PhD and post-doc in gastrointestinal research, and gaining years of experience in medical and clinical research before retraining as a professional certified coach.
The autoimmune experience landed her squarely in the fullness of her own physiology, which has been rich in invitations to accept, learn, grow, and heal in a body-centered, integrated way. While honored to be a Senior Executive Coach for pLink Leadership, she is also passionate about supporting clients with an autoimmune diagnosis or living with a chronic condition to meet themselves where they are with compassion and care and live fully with their condition. She is the co-creator and co-host of The Autoimmune Campfire podcast.
Born and raised in the NE of England, she now lives in Wilmington, Delaware, with her husband and puppy. She enjoys both the open nest and when her two adult children are home.
Join or support Helen's team, Helly's Heroes, today! |
Frank’s hands became affected with arthritis at age 11. Despite his diagnosis, he was active in many sports including basketball, shot put, discus, football, and rugby, all of which further took a toll on his fingers and hands, and eventually his neck, shoulder and arm.
As a previous dancer and very active individual, the onset of Abby's rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis was very impactful for her. With pain occurring pretty suddenly, she was not able to keep up with dancing and had to take time off of work and school. After several doctor appointments, Abby was able to get treatment to help the pain. Five years later, she is in college and on the cross country team. She learned to persevere through all the challenges she has been through. Abby says, "I wouldn't be here today without my family's amazing support, and I am so grateful for them."
The last few years have been a crazy journey for the Ansalvish family. It all started when Julia was just 18 months old with a simple rash that wouldn't clear up, to walking with a limp, and then Julia refusing to walk at all.