In this episode of Grace Through Storms, we’re joined by the courageous and inspiring Nicole DuBois — a mother, wife, HR executive, and author of the memoir Unparalyzed, written under the pseudonym Danielle Bryan. Nicole shares her extraordinary journey through the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the unraveling of her marriage, and the profound spiritual awakening that helped her rediscover hope, joy, and healing through God’s grace.

At the age of 35, Nicole’s life appeared picture-perfect: a thriving career, a beautiful home on City Island, and a loving son. But beneath the surface, her marriage was crumbling, and her health began to fail. What started as a strange numbness in her fingertips eventually led to a shocking diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS. In this heartfelt conversation, Nicole walks us through the emotional rollercoaster of navigating life-altering news, her battle with fear and uncertainty, and how her faith was challenged — and ultimately strengthened.

Nicole explains her decision to publish her memoir under a pseudonym, rooted in her cultural background and the value of privacy in Caribbean households. Over time, however, she’s emerged from behind the pen name, ready to own her story and share it openly in the hope of encouraging others. Unparalyzed is more than a medical journey — it’s a testimony of resilience, transformation, and the sustaining power of God’s grace.

We talk about the physical symptoms of MS, including loss of sensation, hospitalizations, relapses, and ongoing treatments. Nicole discusses how she found a life-giving support system, including a neurologist who introduced her to infusion therapy, which has helped her maintain remission for several years. She also opens up about the emotional weight of being unsupported by her spouse during her illness and the healing she’s found in remarriage and motherhood.

Nicole’s healing journey wasn’t just physical. Through therapy, solo travel adventures, and ultimately writing her book, she began to process deep emotional wounds and reclaim her sense of purpose. From a powerful trip to Greece to long-distance biking on her Peloton, she shares how she found balance, strength, and joy again.

This episode is a testament to the truth that even in the darkest seasons, God is present. Nicole reminds us that MS — or any diagnosis — does not have to be a death sentence. Instead, it can become a call to transformation. Her story will encourage anyone facing chronic illness, personal loss, or simply needing a reminder that they are not alone.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Nicole’s early signs and eventual diagnosis of MS

• The emotional impact of managing illness during a marital breakdown

• Why she chose to write under a pseudonym and what it meant to step out from behind it

• The day-to-day realities of living with MS, including flare-ups and treatment

• How travel, writing, and movement became part of her healing

• Rediscovering faith, joy, and purpose through her storm

Nicole is now embracing public speaking and recently gave her first paid talk — proof that God is using her story to impact lives far beyond what she imagined.

Connect with Nicole DuBois:

• LinkedIn: Nicole DuBois

• Instagram: @unparalyzed_book

• Book: Unparalyzed by Danielle Bryan (Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Archway Publishing)

Be sure to like, comment, share, and subscribe to Grace Through Storms. Your support helps us continue sharing stories of overcoming and God’s grace through life’s most difficult seasons.