#375 Athena Brownson: Lyme Disease, Real Estate, and Radical Resilience — Part One

At 25, Athena Brownson was a rising star in real estate with a pro skiing past and unstoppable energy. Then came Lyme disease—a diagnosis that would upend her health, identity, and entire way of life.

In Part One, Athena shares the unfiltered truth of what it means to live with a chronic, invisible illness for nearly a decade. From neck surgery to plasma transfusions, she walks us through the daily battles, emotional toll, and quiet strength it takes to show up—even when she doesn’t want to. 

This episode is a reminder that resilience isn’t loud or pretty—it’s built moment by moment, one breath at a time.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

From Pro Skier to Top Agent: The Unexpected Pivot

“I never thought I’d end up in real estate. But once I did, it clicked—relationships, homes, design. It all came together.”

At the Peak—and Then Everything Changed

“Three years in, I was at the top of my game. Then came the diagnosis: Lyme disease. My body started falling apart.”

What Lyme Disease Actually Does (And Why It’s Hard to Diagnose)

“Lyme attacks your body where you’re genetically weakest. For me, that meant chronic nerve pain and multiple autoimmune issues.”

From Athlete to Patient: Learning to Survive in a New Body

“I don’t remember what it’s like to feel okay. Every day, I wake up in pain. That’s been my life for almost eight years.”

Plasma Transfusions and Mental Fog: A Day in the Life

“I get plasma removed and replaced four days a month. My life revolves around staying alive and staying upright.”

Invisible Illness, Visible Impact

“People don’t see it—but that doesn’t mean it’s not real. Lyme is the fastest-growing epidemic in the U.S.”

Toolkit Mentality: How Music, Coffee, and Podcasts Keep Her Going

“I don’t always want to get up. But music, good coffee, a favorite podcast—those little rituals make it possible.”

Why You Must Be Your Own Advocate

“With Lyme, you have to fight for your care. You have to find the right doctors, the right support, the right rhythm.”

Grit Over Glamour: Lessons from the Ski Slopes

“Skiing taught me everything—discipline, failure, grit. That training saved me when life got really hard.”

The Power of Mental Focus When the Body Fails

“It’s not just physical. The mental part—the decision to keep going—is what gets me through every single day.”

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Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Athena Brownson

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