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From Publishing House Intern to Advocacy Icon: Lea Fayad's Rise Through Words
From Publishing House Intern to Advocacy Icon: Lea Fayad's Rise Through Words

Arabian Post

time2 days ago

  • Health
  • Arabian Post

From Publishing House Intern to Advocacy Icon: Lea Fayad's Rise Through Words

In a world where careers often follow straight lines, Lea M. Jabre Fayad's journey has been anything but conventional. What began with a love for reading and writing evolved into a lifelong mission to use words as a tool for awareness, healing, and empowerment. Lea first discovered her passion for storytelling during her academic years, which eventually led her to intern at a publication house between her BA and MSc at University College London. It was there that she took her first leap, getting her articles published and realizing that her voice carried value. Yet, despite this early success, believing in her potential as a writer remained one of her greatest initial hurdles. ADVERTISEMENT But life had more complex plans for her. While climbing the professional ladder, working as a Director of an NGO for individuals with special needs, Lea received a life-altering diagnosis: Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological condition that forced her to resign in December 2023. What might have been the end of a career turned out to be a powerful rebirth. 'I was shattered,' she says. 'But I didn't know then that this would become my turning point.' Faced with adversity, Lea did what she always knew best, she turned to storytelling. Using her Instagram presence and YouTube platform, she launched 'Heart to Heart', a series of deeply honest conversations with fellow SPS patient and friend Ilea. Their content, created from lived experiences, began resonating globally with patients, caregivers, and those seeking inspiration through vulnerability. Her efforts did not stop there. As her impact grew online, she returned to professional life with renewed purpose, taking on the role of Fundraising & Communications Manager at Reddo Care, a UK-based nonprofit working to break the cycle of child neglect and abuse. From behind a screen, she now drives powerful narratives for vulnerable children across London boroughs, demonstrating that location or physical health need not be a barrier to change. In Lebanon, she co-founded 'Boukra Nour' (Tomorrow's Light), an NGO built in partnership with Reddo Care, focused on youth empowerment and community inclusiveness. It's a name that reflects her vision: that even in the darkest moments, tomorrow can shine brighter. ShiningSikh Her written contributions have spanned from current affairs and political analysis to rare disease publications, further solidifying her place as a writer with depth and reach. And most recently, she proudly edited her first book, a milestone that combines her early dreams with her new reality. Lea's story is a powerful reminder that when life forces us to pause, it may just be preparing us to speak more loudly and with more clarity than ever before. She now measures success not by titles or paychecks, but by presence, impact, and the stories she leaves behind. 'Success means living in the present, a day at a time,' she shares, a philosophy rooted in her journey of self-rediscovery. With more books to write and lives to touch, Lea Fayad isn't just a writer or an activist, she is a living testament to the power of words when wielded with purpose. Also published on Medium. Notice an issue? Arabian Post strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don't hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com. We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.

Wife Told She Has Just Days to Live—What Husband Does Next Breaks Hearts
Wife Told She Has Just Days to Live—What Husband Does Next Breaks Hearts

Newsweek

time6 days ago

  • Health
  • Newsweek

Wife Told She Has Just Days to Live—What Husband Does Next Breaks Hearts

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The undeniable bond between a man and his wife of over 45 years was captured in their final days together, as he did everything to make her smile before she passed. Charity Johnson, 43, captured the heartwarming video of her dad, Hollis, doing everything he could to make his wife, Loretta, smile and laugh during her final days. Whether it was dancing around her bed, making her favorite food, or watching Lifetime shows together, Hollis made sure his wife felt loved, supported, and entertained until the very end. Hollis, 68, and Loretta were married for an incredible 45 and a half years, and during that time they welcomed seven children and 21 grandchildren. It was no secret to Charity that her parents were best friends, but she told Newsweek that it was "so wholesome and beautiful" to see the love and compassion between them during those final days. "I feel so blessed to be the product of true love," Charity said. "I witnessed an organic partnership and friendship based on trust and the foundation of God. They were amazing examples for anyone who knew them." Hollis and Loretta Johnson during her final days before she passed away in May 2025. Hollis and Loretta Johnson during her final days before she passed away in May 2025. @thetipsybloom_style / TikTok Loretta was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome in 2020, which impacted her mobility severely. Her health deteriorated in the years thereafter, and earlier this year she was placed on dialysis for kidney failure. Unfortunately, Charity explained that her body didn't respond well to dialysis, and there were no other treatment options available. Doctors warned that Loretta had just seven days to live, so the family decided to take her home to Slidell, Louisiana, and make her as comfortable as possible. It felt important for the family to celebrate Loretta's life until she passed away on May 3 due to kidney failure. Ultimately, she survived for 11 days after the doctor warned she had just a week left, and those extra days meant the world to her family. Charity continued: "My dad retired earlier than he wanted to become her full-time caregiver. He took care of her for the last two years without any assistance. She was so spoiled by my dad because that was her man. She bragged about him to anyone that would listen. They read the Bible together, he gave her baths, picked her up and transferred her to and from the wheelchair, they laughed, and slept next to each other every night." Indeed, Charity captured a sweet video of her dad dancing and singing to entertain his wife during her last week. The clip was shared on TikTok (@thetipsybloom_style) and it left internet users sobbing, with over 7.4 million views and 1.2 million likes at the time of writing. Coping with grief hasn't been easy for the family, as Charity said her mom "left a void that will never be filled." But watching videos like this back and remembering the love that her parents shared for over four decades, brings so much comfort. Charity told Newsweek: "We are learning to live without our link and supporting each other the best we can without her guidance. Our dad is staying active and taking care of himself. He is even open to dating, and I hope God grants him all the desires of his heart. He is an amazing man of impeccable character who honored his vows for 45 and a half years until death did them part. "We've had an overwhelmingly positive response to the video. In a world that can feel so divisive, their love story seemed to remind people of the value of unwavering love and support. The doctor gave her seven days, she gave us 11. Four more days was a win." After sharing the video of her parents proving to be "the definition of true love" on TikTok, it has generated over 40,500 comments. One commenter wrote: "this is the most beautiful thing I've seen in a good long while." Another TikTok user wrote: "I love how she left with happiness surrounding her." While another person added: "The fact that he can still make her smile like that in this time speaks volumes." Do you have any viral videos or pictures that you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@ and they could appear on our site.

Music Legend, 57, Makes Rare Public Appearance Amid Heartbreaking Diagnosis
Music Legend, 57, Makes Rare Public Appearance Amid Heartbreaking Diagnosis

Yahoo

time09-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Music Legend, 57, Makes Rare Public Appearance Amid Heartbreaking Diagnosis

Music Legend, 57, Makes Rare Public Appearance Amid Heartbreaking Diagnosis originally appeared on Parade. Celine Dion made a very rare public appearance in Las Vegas on June 6. The music icon took in Coldplay's show and shared a post about her experience on Instagram a few days later — and she gave the show her seal of approval. "What an unforgettable evening with @Coldplay at @AllegiantStadium…My heart is still singing," Dion captioned a post that included photos from her backstage as well as in the stands at Allegiant Stadium. Dion attended the concert with her sons, René-Charles Angélil and twins Nelson and Eddy Angélil. "A heartfelt thanks to the band and their amazing team for welcoming my family with warmth and kindness. It was all…fantastique," she added. Dozens of fans reacted to Dion's post in the comments section, many excited to see her out and about as she continues treatment for Stiff Person Syndrome, which has kept her from performing. "You look so beautiful. So happy to see you!!!!" one person wrote. "It's so amazing to see you having fun and doing well," someone else said. "Couldn't be more happy for seeing you having fun with your sons," a third comment read. "It's so good to see Celine out and about enjoying herself with her boys and looking fabulous," a fourth Instagram user echoed. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 Dion has been plagued with symptoms of Stiff Person Syndrome since 2008. In 2022, Dion was officially diagnosed with the rare neurological condition, which causes mobility issues, pain and muscle spasms. The "Taking Chances" singer hasn't performed a concert since 2020. However, in each health update she gives her fans, she's said that she hopes to return to the stage soon. Dion has performed a handful of times over the past couple of years, but her appearances tend to be sporadic. Music Legend, 57, Makes Rare Public Appearance Amid Heartbreaking Diagnosis first appeared on Parade on Jun 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.

‘I Am: Celine Dion' will now compete for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking at Emmys — so what's the difference?
‘I Am: Celine Dion' will now compete for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking at Emmys — so what's the difference?

Yahoo

time05-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

‘I Am: Celine Dion' will now compete for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking at Emmys — so what's the difference?

Prime Video's documentary I Am: Celine Dion, which chronicles the iconic pop singer's battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, has been accepted to compete in the Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking category at the 2025 Emmys, Gold Derby has confirmed. This juried award, presented at the Creative Arts Emmys since 2005, honors documentaries that "showcase an exceptional filmmaker's vision, compelling storytelling, artistic innovation, and the ability to inform, transport, impact, enlighten, and create a meaningful, indelible work that elevates the art of documentary filmmaking." Notably, films selected for this category are not eligible to compete in Best Informational Series or Special or Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special. More from GoldDerby How the longtime 'Severance' cinematographer wound up directing Season 2's standout episode 'We could do this show forever': 'Somebody Somewhere' creators on final season, heart, and the humor of Bridget Everett The Making of 'Out of My Mind': Inside the groundbreaking Disney+ film redefining disability representation on screen What's the difference between Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking and Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special? According to the 2025 Emmys rulebook, documentaries with an aggregate theatrical release exceeding 70 days must enter the Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking category. They are ineligible for competition in the Documentary or Nonfiction Special or Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special categories. The television broadcast or streaming debut of these documentaries must occur within one year of their initial public exhibition, excluding film festival screenings, which do not count as theatrical screenings. Programs nominated for an Oscar in any category are also barred from submitting. In essence, the Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking category was created to celebrate documentaries that had a robust theatrical run before airing on television. For example, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, another standout film that was in contention for last year's Best Documentary Feature Oscar, will also compete in this category. Speaking to Gold Derby last year, director Irene Taylor reflected on her initial surprise when approached about the project. "I did not know Céline before this film," she admitted. "In fact, I was a little bit surprised when a producer contacted me — someone who had worked closely with her and her management in the past. She said she was thinking of me for this possible film that Céline was open to. I was surprised because my films are very much character-driven, but I had never focused on someone with as much celebrity as Céline has." As the film delves into Dion's struggles with a long-hidden illness, Taylor speculated why the singer chose her for the project. "I think Céline was looking for someone she could tell her secret to. That's really what the film is about — this unfortunate lie that she had been telling the world." Filmed more than two years ago, Taylor sought to focus the most pivotal and deeply challenging period in Dion's life. "It would have been out of bounds just to do a straightforward biopic when her body was going through this tumultuous detox off of medications. She was trying to figure out what was happening with her vocal cords. She was also at home with her children, adjusting to having the kind of time she hadn't had for decades. It was very clear that the film needed to focus on this exceptional period of her life." A performer since childhood, Dion's identity has long been intertwined with her role as a global entertainer. "Céline began performing before she was even a teenager, so she didn't necessarily know how to step out of that role," Taylor explained. "I wanted the film to have some balance between the struggle and that essential talent and joyful person Céline is at heart," she explained, adding that these elements helped "brighten up the film a little bit." One of the film's most harrowing moments captures Dion experiencing a medical crisis while undergoing therapy for her illness. Reflecting on the scene, Taylor revealed, "We call it a medical episode because her body just goes into this rigid stance, and we didn't know if she was breathing." Initially, the crew prioritized Dion's safety, but it quickly became clear that she was in capable hands. "Her bodyguard and her physical therapist had a protocol given to them by doctors of exactly what to do," Taylor explained. Ultimately, they decided to continue filming. "Céline had told us, 'Don't shy away. Always film, and I'll tell you to stop.' Remarkably, Céline never asked to see the footage — she trusted us to document her truth." I Am: Celine Dion is streaming on Prime Video. Best of GoldDerby Chloë Sevigny on Kitty Menendez and 'Monsters' fascination: 'People are endlessly curious about those who have privilege and abuse it' Jason Isaacs relives filming 'The White Lotus' piña colada scene: 'It was one of the reasons I was worried about taking the job' Kaitlyn Dever on playing 'horrible' characters in 'Last of Us', 'Apple Cider Vinegar': 'I just don't see any other option but to give 100 percent' Click here to read the full article.

Celina Dion skips Eurovision contest
Celina Dion skips Eurovision contest

Gulf Today

time18-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Gulf Today

Celina Dion skips Eurovision contest

The 69th Eurovision Song Contest was held at Basel's St. Jakobshalle, packed with 6,500 excited ticket-holders dressed to the nines while 36,000 others watched a live transmission in a nearby stadium. An estimated 160 million people across Europe and beyond were expected to tune in for the annual TV spectacle, where kitsch, glam and spectacular staging go hand in hand. Twenty-six countries were in contention, with 11 having been eliminated in the semi-finals during the week. Basel had been abuzz all week with rumours that Celine Dion might make an emotion-laden appearance as she battles Stiff Person Syndrome. The Canadian superstar, now 57, launched her international career by winning Eurovision 1988, while competing for Switzerland. But in the end, she did not appear. "We have been in contact with her through various channels and regret that ultimately it was not possible to include her in the show," Eurovision organisers told AFP. "We send her all our best wishes and, above all, good health." Sweden had long been the bookmakers' hot favourite to win in Basel with the comedy trio KAJ's sauna song "Bara Bada Bastu". But they finished fourth ahead of Italy, Greece and France as JJ scooped up the microphone-shaped trophy. Albania, Ukraine and Switzerland rounded out the top 10. Agence France-Presse

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