One conversation with Danielle Campo-McLeod might forever change how you face adversity.
She is one of those people who leaves a wake of empowerment and invigoration everywhere she goes. You could have a 5 minute conversation with her, or you could sit down for one of her award winning speaking engagements and the result is the same: you are forever changed.
Danielle and I go way back (nearly 4 decades!) to my hometown of Windsor, Ontario, where we met and bonded over being the little sisters to hocking playing brothers. We were “Rink Rats”, and – fun fact – we were also among the first girls to play in Timbits hockey, long before Girls Teams existed.
At that time, Danielle had been diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. Things like running and jumping were difficult, and Danielle (who, I swear, came out of the womb with a competitive athlete’s spirit!) found herself unable to move in the way she wanted to – that is, until she hit the water.
I would have to write an entire novel to fully explain to you how this incredible woman became a:
- Paralympic Gold medalist
- A recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
- A recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
- A member of the Order of Ontario
- The recipient of the National Hero Honour on Canada’s Walk of Fame
- A Mother of 5
- A published author of her memoir, “Resurrections: My Will to Survive is Olympian”
- And an award-winning keynote speaker, mental health expert, and coach
Or, to explain how a decorated Paralympian would one day find herself in the ultimate battle for her life after being put into an 11 day medically induced Coma.
But, honestly, no written words can compare to the sheer power of HEARING Danielle tell her story herself. Listen here ⬇️
