Ambassador

Meet Debbie

A Journey of Transformation and Self-Discovery

In the peaceful outskirts of Brisbane, on a three-acre property in Chambers Flat, lives Debbie, a remarkable woman whose story of resilience, transformation, and hope serves as an inspiration to many. At 60 years young, she has embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing, finding unexpected support in HOPR's alcohol-free beverages.

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A Life of Service and Early Career

Debbie's professional journey began in radiology, where she spent 30 years working her way up to becoming a specialist in bone mineral density for osteoporosis patients. Her career was marked by dedication and expertise, collaborating with endocrinologists and making significant contributions to patient care.However, life had different plans. At 40, Debbie was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and severe depression, leading her down a path she never expected. "It numbed everything. It made me have energy," she recalls about turning to alcohol, which became her coping mechanism for the next 25 years.

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Navigating Life's Unexpected Turns

When chronic fatigue syndrome and severe depression forced Debbie to step down from her beloved position at the radiology department, it marked the beginning of a challenging yet remarkable journey of reinvention. At the time, she was managing a thriving miniature horse stud with 36 horses in her breeding program, a testament to her lifelong love of animals. The loss of several beloved horses to colic surgeries during this period deepened her struggles.

Yet, Debbie's resilient spirit wouldn't let her give up. After a two-year break, she channeled her nurturing nature into veterinary nursing, running anesthetics at the hospital and caring for animals with the same dedication she had shown her radiology patients. Despite her expertise and passion, challenges with clinic management led her to seek new horizons.

Never one to stay idle, Debbie then ventured into manufacturing camper trailers, building a successful business from home. However, when manufacturing partnerships fell through and Queensland's severe weather events of 2011-12 impacted the industry, she faced another crossroad.

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Finding Her True Calling

These setbacks led Debbie to what would become one of her most rewarding roles, disability support work. For the past 12 years, she has dedicated herself to improving the lives of others, particularly working with people with intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges. Despite facing her own mental health struggles, Debbie shows up every day with compassion and determination to make life better for those in her care.

Her entrepreneurial spirit, still burning bright, led her to launch an event styling business that flourished until COVID-19 hit. While she's had to scale back the physical demands of setting up wedding arbors across sand dunes, her creative spirit remains undiminished.

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Throughout all life's changes, animals have remained a constant source of joy and purpose in Debbie's life. Today, she continues to work with horses on her property, and her love for breeding Border Collies has become a cherished part of her life. "My love for my Border Collies are my everything," she shares. Breeding puppies requires 24/7 dedication, but for Debbie, the hard work is rewarded by "a whole lot of cuteness to love." Plus she pour and create candles for other side businesses she has. She is a woman of many passions, she also enjoys creating different fragrances and unique designs.

The Weight of Responsibility

Today, Debbie juggles multiple roles with grace. She's a disability support worker, a primary caregiver for her parents who live on her property, a loving grandmother and a care daughter. Her husband, who survived three heart attacks and open-heart surgery during COVID, stands beside her as they navigate life's challenges together.

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A Turning Point

As her 60th birthday approached, Debbie reached a pivotal moment. "Something has definitely got to change. This is not me," she realized, recognizing how alcohol was affecting both her well-being and her relationships with loved ones.

Her journey to recovery was influenced by her deep-rooted belief in natural medicine and plant-based healing. She had witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of medicinal cannabis on her mother's health, after encouraging her to try it for years. "I've always believed in natural medicine and plants," Debbie explains, which made her particularly receptive when she discovered HOPR through Jose's Facebook explanations about the ingredients and benefits.

The transition wasn't immediate, it took a whole case to acquire the taste. "But after that, I started to see the benefits," she shares. "It wasn't just tricking my mind, it was actually working, the relaxation, my sleep." Where she once poured a vodka after work before tending to her horses and pets, she now reaches for HOPR, finding genuine satisfaction in this new ritual.

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The transformation has been remarkable, better sleep, improved mood stability, and a renewed sense of self. She's lost 14kg since starting her journey in July 2024, combining HOPR with a Mediterranean diet and healthier lifestyle choices. Unlike previous attempts to quit alcohol where she tried various alternatives that left her unsatisfied, HOPR provided the authentic support she needed. "I wish I found HOPR earlier," she reflects.For Debbie, one of the most significant changes has been in how she experiences special moments. "Last year my Christmas looked so different," she beams. "I got to enjoy my family and didn't feel I had to be drinking." Instead of going through a bottle of vodka, she now celebrates with HOPR, maintaining clarity and creating meaningful memories with her loved ones.

A New Chapter as a HOPR Ambassador

Debbie's passion for HOPR stems from her own transformation. "I feel very passionate about HOPR," she explains. "If I can help make a difference and encourage others, there is hope with HOPR." Whether she's at car shows displaying her 1977 Sandman or caring for her beloved Border Collies and miniature horses, Debbie proudly carries her message of hope and transformation wherever she goes.

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Looking Forward

"I'm finding myself again," Debbie reflects, her voice full of hope. Her journey from functional alcoholic to wellness advocate demonstrates that it's never too late to make positive changes and start again. Through HOPR, she's not just found an alternative to alcohol, she's discovered a new way of living, one where she can be fully present for herself and her loved ones.

Debbie's story reminds us that transformation is possible at any age, and sometimes the best chapters of our lives begin when we least expect them. Her path of constant reinvention, unwavering dedication to helping others, and deep love for animals shows us that life's setbacks can lead to beautiful new beginnings. Plus the importance of being present, taking steps back and taking care of our health, not just for us but also for people around us. As she continues her journey with HOPR, she stands as a beacon of hope for others seeking their own path to wellness and authentic living.

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