In this episode of the S.O.S. podcast called "I Defy the Lies," features an interview with Dr. Eric Shannon Parr, who shares his inspiring life story of overcoming health challenges, pursuing education, and helping others. Throughout the interview, Dr. Parr talks about how his faith, perseverance, and positive attitude helped him navigate through difficult times and achieve his goals.
Dr. Parr's journey began in 2013 when he was pursuing his doctorate while working as a school counselor. However, he started experiencing painful uric acid bouts which turned out to be gout attacks. Despite losing weight, the attacks continued and he was eventually diagnosed with IGA nephropathy, a kidney disease that scars the kidneys. The doctors gave him three years to live, but he defied the odds and lived for nine years longer than they predicted.
In 2014, Dr. Parr was rushed to the hospital after experiencing uncontrollable shaking, itching, and brain fog. He was diagnosed with kidney failure and had to undergo dialysis three days a week for three years. During this time, he lost his career and stopped pursuing his doctorate. However, he chose to keep going and even started training for a triathlon while on dialysis.
Dr. Parr's story is one of hope and perseverance. He credits his faith and no-quit attitude for helping him overcome his challenges. He also found writing his book, which chronicles his journey, to be therapeutic and healing. Throughout the interview, Dr. Parr emphasizes the importance of not giving up and believing in oneself.
The conversation also touches on other topics such as the impact of lighting on mood, the therapeutic nature of writing, and the importance of having a no-quit attitude in life. The podcast episode offers a powerful message of hope and resilience to listeners who may be facing their own challenges. It serves as a reminder that with faith, perseverance, and a positive attitude, anything is possible.
🔑 Key Takeaways
✅ Dr. Eric Shannon Parr overcame numerous health challenges, including gout attacks, IGA nephropathy, and kidney failure, yet defied medical predictions by living nine years longer than anticipated.
✅ Even while undergoing dialysis three times a week, Dr. Parr showcased immense determination by training for a triathlon.
✅ Faith, perseverance, and maintaining a positive attitude were instrumental in Dr. Parr's journey of survival and achievement.
✅ Writing his book detailing his life journey served as a therapeutic and healing process for Dr. Parr.
✅ The story shared by Dr. Parr in the S.O.S. podcast episode is a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and the human spirit.
🤔 Discussion Points
✅ How do personal beliefs, like faith, play a role in overcoming life's toughest challenges?
✅ In what ways can chronic health challenges impact one's mental well-being and how can one mitigate these effects?
✅ How does the act of sharing one's story, like Dr. Parr did through writing, contribute to healing and coping with adversity?
✅ Discuss the potential impact of lighting on mood, drawing from Dr. Parr's insights in the podcast.
✅ What strategies can people employ in daily life to develop and nurture a "no-quit" attitude, even when not faced with significant adversities?
Meet Dr. Parr
Dr. Eric Shannon Parr, a Navy veteran, an internationally published educational research scientist, and a chronic kidney disease dialysis and transplant survivor advocate. He has also written a memoir called "Defying the Lies," which explores his life story, from his early years to his struggles with chronic kidney disease, and how he overcame the odds to become the successful person he is today.
Dr. Parr's life story is one of hope and perseverance. He has overcome various health challenges and personal setbacks, including being diagnosed with a kidney disease that left him with only three years to live. Despite the odds, he never lost hope and continued to fight for his life. He attributes his success to his faith, perseverance, and a no-quit attitude, which helped him overcome his challenges and emerge victorious.
Dr. Parr's life story is an inspiration to us all. It shows us that no matter how difficult life may become, we should never give up hope. With faith, perseverance, and a no-quit attitude, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way. His memoir, "Defying the Lies," is a must-read for anyone looking for a source of inspiration and motivation to keep fighting for their dreams.
Watch The Full Episode
Resources:
Memoir - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6W1YRRK
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drericsparredd/
