Living with a chronic illness can challenge not only the body but also a person’s sense of identity, purpose, and hope. For many, spirituality becomes an important part of the healing journey—offering meaning in difficult moments, strengthening resilience, and helping people navigate uncertainty. Yet spirituality looks different for everyone, shaped by personal beliefs, values, and life experiences. In this episode of the ICU Podcast, we explore the role spirituality can play in coping with chronic vestibular conditions. We’re joined by Lynn Johnson, a vestibular patient and devout Christian, and Rev. Carol Rexroad Cannon, a vestibular patient and retired United Methodist pastor, as they share how faith and spirituality have supported their journeys and helped them find strength, connection, and hope. Guests Carol Cannon graduated with a BA in chemistry from Carleton College in Minnesota and received a Master's in Divinity (MDiv) in Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral training from Yale Divinity School. She served with her husband, Robert, as a United Methodist pastor for forty years. Carol was diagnosed with vestibular neuritis in 2016, which developed into PPPD. Vestibular rehab therapy has helped restore her balance. Carol enjoys hiking mountain trails near her home, visiting with family, and volunteering in the church and community to work for justice, peace, and wholeness. Lynn Johnson’s life changed in 2015 when she suddenly developed imbalance and loud tinnitus. After months of worsening symptoms and multiple doctor visits, she was diagnosed with Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIED) and Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction. She now lives with profound hearing loss, oscillopsia, and imbalance, which ended her career as a high school biology teacher and limited her mobility and independence. Lynn believes earlier diagnosis might have preserved her hearing. Despite these challenges, she remains determined to live fully. She is a VeDA Ambassador, co-leads a support group for vestibular patients with hearing loss, and facilitates an AIED Facebook support community. Attribution: The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days by Kate Bowler and Jessica Ritchie. New York: Convergent Books, 2023. Blessing # 67: “For when you thought you would feel different by now." https://katebowler.com

Spirituality & Chronic Illness

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