about ME

 My name is Anne Marie Croft and I became a Clarity Coach because I wanted to help those who have chronic illnesses and are learning what that means for their lives going forward. I understand what it is like to struggle because of chronic illness. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor when I was six years old. I have had three surgeries to remove it. I have had seizures since I was 6. I have been on over 30 medications to try to treat the seizures and they all had their own side effects. One caused me to begin losing my hair.  One caused my hands to shake so badly that I had trouble eating. When I was 22 I was diagnosed with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. I have dealt with pain daily and somedays it has been so bad that I couldn’t tie my own shoes or dress myself. Throughout this time, I was going to school to get my bachelor’s degree in Health and Sport Studies. It took me 7 years, but I was extremely proud on the day I crossed the stage and received my degree. 

I later graduated with my Graduate Certificate in Public Health. I got a job that I loved. Yet, after about 6 months I was exhausted and in pain all the time. I thought my lupus had flared. It turned out my liver was failing.

 It took several months to discover that I had a genetic condition--hemochromatosis. My body can’t do anything with the excess iron it has, so it had all settled in my liver.

I started graduate school again, to try to work on my graduate degree in Health Care Administration. I stopped going, because from week to week I couldn’t remember where my classes met. I was extremely frustrated, because I felt like my short term memory loss was going to hold me back from what I wanted. It took me a long time before I realized, that I just needed to learn some work arounds—and learn how I could help people with my skill set and abilities. And that is what led me to become a Coach. I have been through so many things, and I know you have been too. I have a few other chronic illnesses that I am happy to tell you about, but I also don’t want to bore you with my story. I want to learn your story. I want to know what struggles you are facing. And I want you to know, that those of us who have chronic illnesses are given a unique sense of clarity, and if they choose to embrace it, it will give them a new sense of self and place in the world. I am here to help you find your new self.