Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenzie Vath.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been fortunate to live in southern California, enjoying the famous 75-degree weather and palm tree skyline. I graduated from St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel for middle school and Jserra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano. Staying local as part of my plan; I attended Chapman University. During the summer of 2009, I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease after battling health challenges for the majority of my life. More to come on that part of my story. I had to leave Chapman and pivoted to online education. Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Purdue University online with a Bachelors’s in Holistic Medicine. My passion for wellness and natural healing was innate since I was a child. It became a focus through my teen and young adult years as I desperately was in search of answers to cure me of my ailments.
I ended up starting a company I still own today; Holistic Umbrella. I focus on Lyme advocacy and education. I also sit on the board of the Global Lyme Alliance, a non-profit focused on Lyme awareness and funding for research to find a cure.
My current position is focused on developing and maintaining hotel assets across the US. As the VP of Strategic Innovation at Pacific Hospitality Group, I oversee the Capital Expenditure department, Spa, Retail, Wellness, and Sustainability. Truly a passion for a full plate and progressive change.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My health was a significant roadblock. My studies were a challenge as well as maintaining relationships. I battled with mystery symptoms for nearly ten years prior to my diagnosis. My symptoms started when I was ten years old. I could not focus in school and I would get sick all the time! I was constantly fatigued, always feeling burnout, and not able to keep up with other kids my age. Through the years, I was misdiagnosed or told I was faking it. Lack of proper care led to depression, anxiety, and mood disorder. I read books, followed diets, and created a routine, but nothing helped. There came a point where it was no longer just affecting me. It was affecting all the lives around me because I could not articulate what was wrong. I felt misunderstood, alone, and like a burden to those around me. I wanted to disappear. I wanted to die. It was up to me. I felt I had to battle this alone and find out what was really going on with my body. I attended a speaker event with my parents, where they focused on health. They talked about something called Lyme disease. They discussed the symptoms and the evolution of t. At that moment, I knew. I turned to my mom and said, “This is what I have! This is it”. My results came back and I was positive for Borrelia Burgdorferi, aka Lyme Disease.
Fortunately, I had a mother who was my advocate as we visited a revolving door of physician offices trying to find an answer. Trying to treat one thing would spark a new symptom and we would be back to square one. My symptoms included: learning disabilities, mental illness, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, brain fog, and more.
I was relieved when I first received my diagnosis, but what I was not prepared for was the next 10-year journey of unbearable treatment. My mom and I moved to Arizona and lived there for three months. I was hooked up to IVs from 8-5 pm, getting dosed with multiple antibiotic strains, vitamin C, Ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and more. A full kitchen counter of supplements and powders.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I always chuckle at this question since I do many things. I’m the Vice President of Innovation for Pacific Hospitality Group. I oversee a handful of departments; capital expenditure, engineering, spa, retail, wellness, and sustainability. I’m the Founder and President of Impact100 OC a local non-profit organization. Our goal is to empower women through collective giving to impact and transform lives right within our community. I am on the board of Global Lyme Alliance, an international organization focused on raising awareness and funding to support research in the fight against Lyme disease and tick-borne illness. My company Holistic Umbrella is a platform creating awareness around Lyme disease and wellness. I encourage you to follow my journey and learn more about Lyme, the family, and the secrets of the OC. I am an author; my recent publication; The Ignored Pandemic: Real Stories of Lyme Disease; is now available on Amazon.
The book is focused on Lyme disease education and a beautiful collection of stories from Lyme Warriors around the world. It is an authentic display of Lyme as a global pandemic. I have written a children’s book and biography about my father, a very interesting entrepreneur born and raised in a small town in Michigan now the founder of multiple entities. My favorite job at the end of the day is raising my three beautiful children. Hudson is four years old and loves to dress up. Brooklyn just turned two and pink is her favorite color, no choice when dressing that girl. Lenox is ten months and his favorite thing is food and giggles. I am blessed to be where I am today, living in my dream home, designed and built by me with a collection of inspiring street art. I still enjoy time outdoors with my dogs and family, but I am always aware of the ticks.
How do you think about happiness?
My children are my greatest joy and the source of endless happiness in my life. Their laughter, curiosity, and unconditional love fill my heart with warmth and gratitude. Watching them grow, learn, and experience the world reminds me of the beauty and innocence that exists in every moment. They inspire me to be the best version of myself and to strive for a better future not only for them but for everyone impacted by Lyme Disease. Being a Lyme Disease advocate has been a blessing in disguise. It has given me a purpose, a platform to raise awareness, and a chance to make a difference in the lives of others. Speaking out and sharing my journey has not only empowered me but has also provided comfort and support to those who may feel alone in their own battles. Together, we are creating a community that understands, empathizes, and uplifts one another.
The joy of creating and being part of this community is immeasurable. Connecting with fellow advocates, patients, and caregivers has brought a sense of belonging and solidarity. It’s in these connections that I find strength, inspiration, and motivation to continue the fight against Lyme Disease. Being able to extend a helping hand, offer guidance, or simply lend an ear to someone in need brings me immense fulfillment.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be a Lyme Disease advocate, to speak out, and bring awareness to this often misunderstood illness. It’s through our collective efforts that we can make a positive impact, change lives, and create a world where no one feels alone in their journey. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will continue to shine a light on Lyme Disease, helping others feel supported, understood, and empowered.
Pricing:
- Paperback: The Ignored Pandemic: Real Stories of Lyme Disease on Amazon $19.95
- Hardcover: The Ignored Pandemic: Real Stories of Lyme Disease on Amazon $24.95
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.holisticumbrella.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holisticumbrella/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenzie-vath-58158553/
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Ignored-Pandemic-Real-Stories-Disease/dp/1961472503/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Image Credits
Photos taken by Michelle Marie Photography
