Meet Alexus Goodwin | Health Advocate, Public Speaker, & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexus Goodwin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexus, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I think that is one of the most difficult questions we are faced with in our lifetime. Do we keep going or do we give up? That is a question I have faced in multiple phases of my life. It was through those moments, where that question showed me who I really was and what I was truly capable of.

When I was high school, I bullied by classmates who I thought were my friends. Being bullied made me feel alone, depressed, and hopeless. It was the trigger to other problems that ultimately lead to self harming and a suicide attempt. It was during that attempt where I even though I wanted to give up, I had to keep going. Something in me told me I had a bigger purpose and that there was a bigger plan for me, even if I couldn’t see or understand it yet. It took me years and other turning points until I figured out what that purpose and plan was or could be. In June 2015, I was told by doctors after a 7 day hospital stay, that I had a rare autoimmune disease called Myasthenia Gravis that causes severe and extreme muscle weakness. Prior to June 2015, I spent 8 months of sophomore year of college experiencing progressive and wavering symptoms that no one could explain. I thought I was going crazy and was even told it was all in my head. I struggled for years mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The questions I battled with the most were “why me?” and “do I keep going or give up?” It was in 2021 where I found myself at another turning point but this time something in me changed. It was like a lightbulb went off. After another bad experience of medical gaslighting and discrimination, I had enough. I began self-advocating for myself and seeing that there was power in my voice, I began advocating for others living with MG and chronic illnesses and disabilities. I shared my story on social media and what came from it, honestly brings tears to my eyes. I began helping people all around the world, I have done multiple podcast interviews, several blogposts, appeared in Miss Caribbean UK’s documentary called the Enlighten Me Series where they spotlight black women around the world living with health conditions, was a panelist speaker at the Autoimmune Association’s Autoimmune Summit, gave a TEDx Talk in December 2021, and recently have been added to Healthline Media’s team of freelance writers. It was all this that lead to me starting my own organization for those living with chronic illnesses and disabilities called Warriors Unite to provide a safe space where support is given, community is formed, and living life to the fullest despite having a health condition is encouraged.

Through all my hurt, pain, and adversities, I found passion and purpose. In my lowest moments, I think of all the people I’m helping and inspiring and I’m forced to keep going. There is quote that says “If you are going through hell, keep going.” I believe that is how you know. If you are going through it and want to quit, just don’t. You never know what is waiting for you on the opposite side of everything.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think the most amazing thing about the journey with my advocacy work is that I did not go looking for it alt all, it found me. I’m most proud of my TEDx Talk. I randomly just started praying, desiring, and hoping to give a TED Talk and be a public speaker out of nowhere honestly. I always thought I would be a counselor or singer. Telling my mental and physical health story was not easy, it is and was challenging to share personal things, most of what I had never truly discussed before, but I felt like it was needed to unlock something for someone else out there going through similar struggles. I’m still not where I want to be yet, but I think one thing that has opened the doors for me that it has is that I keep going no matter what. Whether 10 people support me and listen to me or just 1 person, I will always keep going. I know I have a message and that I want to do something impactful with my life and time on the planet and that is what drives me. I want to leave my mark on the world. I feel like nowadays a lot things and people are focused on things that don’t really matter. Character and substance has always been important to me. I want the world to know my journey and what myasthenia gravis. I want people all over the world to say I helped them and inspired them.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m great at itineraries but terrible with planning things to do in Atlanta, since I’m still new myself. Let’s see: Milk & Honey for brunch for sure, a braves game and spending some time at the battery, a nice walk in Centennial Olympic Park for a tour of downtown, Mary Macs Tea Room for some amazing soul food, and then Edgewood for nightlife.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a few people to dedicate my shout to. First and foremost, my parents. They have taught me lessons of love, care, sacrifice, survival, and resilience. They support me in the best ways they know how, always. My amazing therapist/mentor, Kristen Lee who always supports me, challenges me, holds me accountable, and who encouraged me to put my story about there and pursue whatever is on my heart. Lastly, Leah Prather, my friend who supports me, inspires me, and sees things in me I don’t even see in myself.

Instagram: @_lxygee

Youtube: https://youtu.be/UAfUeg7OMWg