Episode 565: Nicole O’Donnell on Resilient Hope, Chronic Lyme Disease & Healing Through Community
In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Nicole O’Donnell—author of Resilient Hope: A Memoir of Life With Chronic Illness—to discuss her deeply personal Lyme disease journey, the emotional realities of chronic illness, and the transformative power of community, mindset, and hope.
Nicole shares how her life changed after developing debilitating Lyme disease symptoms, the years of medical confusion that followed, and how COVID intensified her chronic illness experience. Through vulnerability and honesty, she opens up about navigating fear, identity loss, parenting while chronically ill, and ultimately discovering purpose through advocacy and storytelling.
This conversation also explores the importance of patient-doctor relationships, nervous system regulation, healing mindset, and how Lyme disease impacts entire families—not just the patient.
Most importantly, Nicole reminds listeners that healing is possible, and no one has to face Lyme disease alone.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- Nicole O’Donnell’s personal chronic Lyme disease journey
- How Lyme disease symptoms can become invisible and misunderstood
- The emotional impact of medical dismissal and misdiagnosis
- Why mindset and nervous system regulation matter in healing
- How chronic illness affects marriage, parenting, and family dynamics
- The role community plays in Lyme disease recovery
- Why Nicole wrote Resilient Hope
- How storytelling helps validate and empower Lyme patients
- The importance of hope, advocacy, and finding purpose through adversity
About Nicole O’Donnell
Nicole O’Donnell is a Staten Island-based entrepreneur, mother, advocate, and author of Resilient Hope: A Memoir of Life With Chronic Illness. Through her writing and advocacy, Nicole seeks to help people living with Lyme disease and chronic illness feel seen, heard, and supported.
Her book weaves together stories from members of the Lyme disease community to create a message of resilience, healing, and connection.
Read More About Nicole’s Manhattan Book Launch
Tick Boot Camp recently attended Nicole O’Donnell’s inspiring Manhattan book launch event, where nearly 1,000 people gathered in support of the Lyme disease community and the message behind Resilient Hope.
Explore More Tick Boot Camp Resources
Final Thoughts
Nicole O’Donnell’s story is a reminder that chronic Lyme disease affects every part of a person’s life—but it can also become a catalyst for transformation, deeper connection, and purpose.
Through Resilient Hope, Nicole is helping build a stronger Lyme disease community rooted in validation, compassion, and healing.
If you or someone you love is navigating Lyme disease, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a powerful reminder that resilient hope is possible.