Bennett Media Group Presents:

Anna’s Story - Surviving with Goodness (Filmed 2019)

2025 Update from Anna Dravland

Founder of Spread Goodness Day


Hi friends,

I’m Anna Dravland, the founder of Spread Goodness Day. The short documentary above shares how this little nonprofit came to life in 2017—right when my own life was turned completely upside down.

2017
I was working my dream job with Travel Marquette and had just announced the first Spread Goodness Day. I was on cloud nine—everything was going exactly as planned.

But a few weeks later, everything changed.

My carotid artery tore in half, releasing two blood clots that caused a massive stroke. I couldn’t walk, speak, or even tolerate light and sound. My brain simply shut down.

Miraculously, a nursing professor found me almost immediately. That moment—and the incredible people who stepped up to help—saved my life.

I spent 19 days in the hospital and five months in rehab. The first sign of hope came when my paralyzed toe wiggled for the first time. That tiny movement marked the beginning of a miraculous recovery from total paralysis on the right side of my body.

From there, I began the long, emotional journey of healing—powered by relentless determination, the unwavering support of my community, and a healthy dose of SISU.

And through it all, Spread Goodness Day became more than just my project—it became my lifeline and my purpose.

In 2018, I made the painful but necessary decision to leave my job and accept my new limitations. My brain had changed. My life had changed. But my passion for spreading goodness had only grown stronger.

From 2019 through 2021, I navigated a few minor surgeries and continued to adapt to my new reality. In between procedures, I was also battling frequent migraines and seizure-like activity that lingered for months at a time—making it even harder to function or plan for anything. Each challenge reminded me how fragile life can be—but also how important it is to lead with kindness and keep going.

Then in July 2022, everything shifted again. I was hospitalized for severe abdominal pain that led to the discovery of Intestinal Malrotation, a rare birth defect. I couldn’t eat solid food and lived in constant, agonizing pain. I spent about eight months unable to eat as I waited—desperately—for answers and the chance at a solution.

It took finding Dr. Kareem Abu-Elmagd at the Cleveland Clinic—12 hours from home—to get help. He performed a complex, life-saving reconstructive surgery that gave me back some quality of life. I had the procedure not once, but twice. (At this point, I joke that I’m collecting rare conditions and surgeries like trading cards.)

Finally, in December 2023, I underwent what I hoped would be the last major step: removing my colon and receiving an ileostomy. The surgery worked. I gained back nearly 30 pounds and started feeling strong again—like maybe I was finally catching a break.

Early December 2024 – Seizure & Setback
Then, in early December, I suffered a major seizure while at a local movie theater. Because of my stroke history and brain damage, the seizure set me back in a big way. I was once again forced to rebuild—from the ground up—needing 12–20 hours of sleep a day just to function. I had to drastically restructure my lifestyle again.

And while I was resting, a new problem quietly emerged.

End of December 2024 – A New Diagnosis
Just a few weeks after the seizure, I was hospitalized with an intestinal blockage. During that stay, I was diagnosed with Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS)—another rare and brutal condition. For the third time in my life, I became unable to eat without unbearable pain.

But this time, the pain never goes away. It's constant. I can no longer walk more than a few steps without intense, debilitating pain.

In May, I spent two more weeks in the hospital. It took a team effort—from my local doctors to a University of Michigan pain specialist to a surgeon in Colorado—to start finding a path forward.

Where I Am Now – May 2025
Right now, my health is my priority. Not just to make my life easier—but to make life easier for the people who love and care for me. I want to be present with them, not just reliant on them.

This journey has been heartbreaking, painful, and at times very isolating. But knowing that you continue to embrace and celebrate Spread Goodness Day means everything to me. It reminds me that I still have a voice. That I still matter. That I can still make a difference—even when I can barely move, eat, or think.

There is always a way to do good, find good, and celebrate good.

The Movement Is Bigger Than Me
In the past three years, I’ve spent about eight months in hospitals and nearly a full year without being able to eat. Each year, I’ve had to pull back more and more, relying on the energy of this amazing community to carry Spread Goodness Day forward.

As I struggled with the continuous loss of my ability to manage this event, a friend told me something that has stuck with me:


"It’s not a movement unless it moves without you." – Victoria Leonhardt

And it has moved!

Schools have it on the calendar.
Businesses have teams planning events.
States are issuing official proclamations.

That little idea I had back in 2017? It’s alive. It’s thriving. And it belongs to all of us now.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life is unpredictable—but kindness, community, and humor can carry us through anything.

So I ask you, with a full and humble heart:
Send your prayers. Your good vibes. Your intentions. Whatever you believe in. That I might find peace, continued healing, and strength for the road ahead.

Let’s keep spreading goodness. Let’s light up the world—one act of kindness at a time.

And let’s laugh along the way. Because if we’ve made it this far? We’re already winning.

With endless gratitude,  
Anna

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Thank you for your interest in my story and Spread Goodness Day! I’m grateful for opportunities to share my journey on podcasts. I am unable to travel or fill out any forms. Conversational format is the only format I can commit to.

I am passionate about advocating for disability, brain injuries, chronic and rare conditions & more. Through it all, I’ve discovered how to survive with as much goodness (and humor) as possible. That it is powerful to bring goodness to the darkest pieces of our lives.

Because of my health, I need to keep things simple and straightforward—no long forms or memorized speeches. If you’d like to connect, I can be reach at: spreadgoodnessday@gmail.com or give me a call at 1-906-362-1689.

Let’s spread some goodness and change the world together!

Warmly,

Anna Dravland