I was raised by strong people who taught me to stand up to bullies.

I am giving thanks as I do all year long, but especially now.

I also am grateful I worked with an amazing mentor in my twenties who taught me what health care really was.

“You cannot cut, poison and burn yourself to health” Dr. Mary Ellen Zawacki would say. She warned of a takeover by big pharm back in the 90s, before her untimely death.

I am grateful I became a journalist and learned how to separate facts from fiction and do my own research.

I am thankful I was able to say no.