South magazine 76: Health & Wellness | Page 12

I S S U E # 76 1/2 CONTENTS DISCOVER THE SOUTH Features > 58 MOM 2.0 Angela Merritt is proving that it is possible to be a mother of three, co-founder of a lifestyle brand worth millions, medical assistant and bodybuilder. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. WRITTEN BY GEN FULLER & PHOTOGRAPHED BY D. PAUL GRAHAM 64 HE SAID SHE SAID 72 Fight the Good Fight True courage is looking your own mortality right in the eye and saying, “not today.” Local cancer survivors share their inspiring stories. By Emilie Kafalas & Justin Jarrett Former police officer and three- time cancer survivor, Candence Elizabeth Vales is finally living her truth. After being misidentified as a cross-dresser, she finally found the strength to come out as a transgender woman. WRITTEN BY JUSTIN JARRETT & PHOTOGRAPHED BY D. PAUL GRAHAM 68 (CULT)IVATED IN SECRET Going from poster girl for the church to being excommunicated, Michelle LeClair shares her story of escaping Scientology. WRITTEN BY JUSTIN JARRETT & PHOTOGRAPHED BY KEVIN GARRETT 78 HOME GROWN Farm patriarch, Del Ferguson stumbled upon his 100 percent grass-fed beef company by accident. Now, he’s an expert in producing hormone, antibiotic and steroid free beef and the best jerky in town. WRITTEN BY AMANDA SUROWITZ & Photographed by D. Paul Graham PHOTOGRAPHED BY CEDRIC SMITH