Hi, I’m Samantha—lifelong wanderer, powerlifter, and professional phoenix-in-progress.

In 2020, multiple sclerosis tried to clip my wings.
Instead, I set them on fire.

I’m a Tulsa native who’s spent the last few years lifting heavy things, navigating the weird maze of chronic illness, and refusing to let a neurological diagnosis write my ending. I started this blog—Winged by Fire—as a way to tell the truth about life with MS while still chasing adventure.

Here’s what I know:
You don’t have to be symptom-free to be strong.
You don’t have to be fully “healed” to move forward.
And you definitely don’t have to be perfectly healthy to live boldly.

💪 A Little Backstory

Before MS, I was already drawn to grit.
I found it in the weight room. I found it in travel. I found it in quiet moments when you feel like everything might fall apart but you keep going anyway.

After my diagnosis, lifting became more than just strength training—it became survival.
Adventure became more urgent.
And everything I thought I knew about “limits”? Rewritten.

Now, I’m building a life that makes space for both fire and flight—flare-ups and freedom.

✈️ What This Blog Is (And Isn’t)

Winged by Fire is a space for:

  • Traveling with MS and chronic illness (yes, it’s possible)
  • Powerlifting and movement with an unpredictable body
  • Honest, sometimes messy stories of resilience
  • Tools, tricks, and mindset shifts for living well with chronic illness
  • Celebrating strength in all its forms—mental, emotional, and physical

This blog isn’t about toxic positivity or pretending things are easy.
It’s about living anyway.

💛 If You’re New Here…

You belong here if you’ve ever:

  • Felt like your body betrayed you
  • Wondered if you can still be adventurous with a diagnosis
  • Needed a community that gets it
  • Wanted to see what it looks like to live life on your own, fire-forged terms

🎯 Let’s Connect

I write this blog solo—for now—but I want to hear from you.
Comment, subscribe, or message me. Tell me where you are in your journey.
Tell me what you’re carrying—and what you’re dreaming about.

You don’t need permission to take up space in the world.
Especially if you’ve been through the fire.

🕊️ Wings out.
🔥 Let’s fly.