EH Magazine-Vol 40 Final Volume 40 | Page 58

Garden of Life Brand Ambassador Coel Mahal

PUSHES PAST OBSTACLES
The year 2020 was one of hardships and loss . Never before have we seen such an emphasis on taking care of ourselves , staying healthy and keeping our immune systems strong . COVID-19 has affected nearly 54.4 million people globally . With so much heaviness in the world , we ’ d like to really embrace our gratitude for our health and focus on the small things we are grateful for — today and into the future .
by Sirenna Patapis
Last November we kicked off our # thankstomyhealth campaign , with our incredible Brand Ambassador , Coél Mahal , who shared her story of overcoming adversity , healing and coming back stronger than before . Coél is an incredible dancer , musician and actress . She also has a background in fitness and martial arts . Her life was turned upside down in 2015 when she was hit by a car whose driver was texting and driving .
“ My doctor said the way I was struck was going to cause a lot of complications for my left knee for the rest of my life . Having been an athlete for as long as I could remember and pursuing a career as a performer at the time , he recommended that I change career paths and learn to accept not being able to be as physically active as I was ,” said Coél .
The thought of changing careers and not being able to pursue her dreams was some of the hardest news Coél had ever faced . However , despite the low chance of recovery she was not going to give up the fight .
“ Unsatisfied with the idea of giving up , I sought out multiple doctors until I found one who understood my determination and had the confidence in his skills to match . I underwent two successful surgeries for my left knee in the span of two years . Some days , I couldn ’ t even wear a shoe on my left foot because the weight of that shoe caused too much pain . But I never gave up . Instead , I held on to the thought , ‘ go in strong , and come out strong ’.”
With lots of physical therapy and her unwavering dedication to one day returning to her active lifestyle , Coél began to regain strength in her knee . Now Coél is stronger than ever and is pushing herself with new goals and challenges . She explains , “ I would not have been able to heal without prayer , the support of my family , and amazing supplements from Garden of Life to help with my physical therapy routine . So whatever challenge you ’ re facing , keep pushing ; you can go further than you think .”
All year long , let ’ s highlight the ways good health empowers great things — big and small .
56 Vol 40 • Extraordinary Health