I’m Moey, and this is how I got here.
I was diagnosed with a rare, incurable autoimmune disease.
But my path to wellness didn't begin with illness. It began with a desire to live fully and take better care of myself.
The Wake-up Call
As the new year began in 2013, I evaluated the way I had been living my life and not prioritizing my health. I had watched my father suffer from multiple health problems in his later years and wanted a different life for myself. I changed my diet, my fitness, and routines and committed to making consistent, healthy and mindful choices. When 2014 rolled in, I had lost the extra weight I had gained through the years and felt healthier and stronger than ever before. I treasured my walks with my sweet dog, Scoutie, and fell in love my new yoga practice, which spoke to my mind, body and soul. Life was good.
The Setback
At the end of that year, I came down with a respiratory illness that steered my life into constant physical distress. After more than two years of health trauma, hospitalizations, surgeries, and ER visits, my second team of doctors diagnosed me with a rare autoimmune disease, EGPA. There is no cure and they said I would be a continual high dose of steroids and injections for the rest of my life. One of my specialists strongly suggested that I shut down my business and start on disability. Between the illness and the steroids, my weight steadily increased, my sleep was minimal and I lived a life of exhaustion. But from the point that I was told the name of the disease, my quest to find answers began.
Starting Over
Over the next several years, I immersed myself in learning, through courses, books, trial and error, and from experts in their fields. I worked on all aspects of my life, focusing on everything that affects our bodies and the practices that are intertwined with our whole selves, all while continuing my medical care. My plan was to defeat the disease and reclaim my health.
A New Life
With each step forward, I gained more hope. Each new hurdle became another step toward reaching my goal.
It was not easy, and the doctors did not think it was possible, but the day that my labs came back normal for the first time since the sickness began, it had happened.
I got my health back.
My doctor said, “Wow; I would not have predicted that and only typically see that with patients actively on oral steroids … these suggest that EGPA has somehow resolved… which is honestly something I have not seen before.”
From that day forward, my goal has been helping others who are looking for hope and guidance too.
Nourish, Grow & Bloom
Through Zuzu’s Garden, I share the tools to help you nurture and grow a healthier life, with joy, hope and change.
Why I Created Zuzu’s Garden
Throughout those years, I often wished I had someone to walk beside me—someone who could help me sort through information, stay focused on my goals, navigate setbacks, and remind me that meaningful change was still possible.
That support was something I largely had to build for myself.
That’s one of the reasons I created Zuzu’s Garden.
As an educator and coach, I believe meaningful change happens when people have the right combination of knowledge, support, guidance, encouragement, and accountability. The principles I teach are rooted in the approaches that helped me reclaim my own health, including plant-based nutrition, self-reflection, mindfulness, supportive relationships, movement, self-care, and working in partnership with healthcare professionals.
While the core elements remain the same, every person is different. My role is to help each individual apply these principles in a way that fits their unique circumstances, personality, lifestyle, and goals.
I teach, guide, support, and encourage people as they create lasting changes that help them live healthier, fuller lives.
Because every person’s story is different.
But if there’s one thing my journey taught me, it’s this: no matter how difficult the circumstances, hope is a powerful thing. Sometimes getting your life back begins with believing that a better future is possible.
Have a Question?
Ask Away!
I'd love to hear from you.
Whether you're looking for support on your wellness journey, interested in future coaching programs, or simply want to learn more about Zuzu's Garden, feel free to reach out.
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