Turning Illness Into Strength Through Faith and Determination

I joined the practice in 2012 as a Young Lion.

At that time, my mother was struggling with multiple severe health problems:

Chronic diabetes

Kidney failure

High blood pressure

Anxiety

Diabetic retinopathy

Watching her suffer deeply affected me.

I began praying earnestly every morning for her recovery and protection.

Participating in meetings and doing activities became the source of my strength and wisdom.

Gradually, I started witnessing the power of daimoku working in her life every day.

Balancing Expectations And Dreams

Over the years, I joyfully took on various Gakkai responsibilities:

YWD Chief

Statistics Incharge

Student Division Incharge

Following my parents’ wishes, I completed my MBA.

But deep inside, my real passion was athletics and fitness.

Choosing that path was not easy.

My parents initially opposed my decision strongly.

Still, based on faith, I summoned the courage to pursue what truly made me feel alive.

I completed a professional certification in fitness from one of the foremost institutions in the world and became a fitness-yoga instructor.

Building My Life Through Discipline

My daily routine became extremely demanding.

I balanced:

Virtual fitness classes

Physical training sessions

Yoga practice

Athletic preparation

Gakkai activities

But no matter how hectic life became, every morning began with vibrant daimoku and study of the NHR.

I also made a determination that before beginning my evening training sessions, I would do at least one Gakkai activity.

As Student Division Incharge, I prepared sincerely for meetings and focused on creating empowering experiences for members.

Discovering Joy In Competition

In 2019, I started participating in obstacle course races.

Although I had to pause for some time, I resumed competing in 2021 — this time in powerlifting competitions.

Victories began flowing steadily:

1 Gold medal at district level

4 Gold medals at state level

Bronze medal at my very first national championship

Seeing my determination and growth, my parents gradually changed their perspective and began supporting me wholeheartedly.

When Health Challenges Intensified

Then in 2022, my health began deteriorating suddenly.

I developed:

Severe insomnia

Digestive problems

Skin infections

Respiratory infections

Migraines

The condition became so severe that I was taking eight tablets daily.

At the same time, my mother lost eyesight in one eye and then gradually in the other.

Despite everything, I responded to these challenges by becoming even more diligent in my faith and activities.

As Region Statistics Incharge, I focused on:

Quick transfer actions

Timely Gohonzon processes

Supporting members sincerely

During this period, I also enshrined my Gohonzon.

Even amid immense physical exhaustion, I won another bronze medal at nationals and attended the 2nd General Meeting shortly afterward.

Facing An Unknown Illness

In 2023, my condition worsened significantly.

I frequently developed high fevers and severe body pain.

Doctors initially suspected tuberculosis, but tests ruled it out.

The absence of a clear diagnosis became emotionally exhausting.

At one point, I even lost the joy of training.

My life condition dipped drastically.

Around this same period, I took responsibility as a Zone Chief.

Determining To Win As Sensei’s Disciple

At that time, these words from Ikeda Sensei became my turning point:

“The resolve to accomplish your goals is what counts. If you earnestly put your mind to something, your brain, your body, your environment — everything — will start working toward achieving that end.”

(Faith into Action, 30)

I made a powerful determination:

I will report a victory worthy of being Ikeda Sensei’s disciple.

Toward the Hope and Friendship Meeting in June, I challenged myself to transform my health fundamentally.

I began chanting three hours and twenty minutes every day.

I also determined to attend the Mentor Memorial Training Course.

Transforming Poison Into Medicine

Then, one breakthrough after another began appearing.

After undergoing five surgeries, my mother’s eyesight was restored.

And just days before I traveled to Delhi for the Mentor Memorial Training Course, doctors finally diagnosed my illness:

Takayasu arteritis.

For the first time, I had clarity.

During the training course, I renewed my vow deeply in the presence of the three eternal mentors.

I also received advanced medical guidance and began proper treatment.

Gradually, my health stabilized.

Most importantly, my joy returned.

I began training again with fresh energy and appreciation for life.

Winning Again — Inside And Outside

As Honorary District Chief, I worked closely with fellow leaders to strengthen attendance and encourage members through home visits.

I also:

Introduced two people to the practice

Helped two members reconnect to faith

Weeks before the National Championships in October 2024, I faced another challenge.

I was struggling heavily with my weight.

I challenged myself rigorously:

Gave up carbohydrates

Trained intensely

Maintained strong daimoku

Eventually, I successfully reduced the excess weight and won a silver medal at the championships.

Then in February 2025, I won a gold medal at the UT-level Bench Press Competition.

With that victory, my total medal count reached 16.

I was also awarded:

Best Lifter in the Women’s Category.

Living With Gratitude And Mission

Today, my autoimmune condition remains under control with only a minimal dosage of medicine.

I am once again preparing to participate in obstacle course races.

My mother continues dialysis and is doing well.

Looking back, I realize that every challenge pushed me to reveal greater courage, discipline, and compassion.

Faith taught me not merely how to survive difficulties — but how to transform them into strength.

My Determination

I now determine to:

Continue winning in health and athletics

Bring glory to Sensei through my victories

Make my state a land filled with peace and joy

Live my life as an extension of Sensei’s heart

No matter what obstacles appear, I know that with daimoku and courageous action, I can always transform poison into medicine.