Second Chance w/ Marika Meeks

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How A Dog Helped Marika Meeks Through Cancer And Re-Connect With Her Daughter

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About The Episode

Marika Meeks was born in England, coming to the U.S. at a young age. In the first three decades of her life, Marika had been an entrepreneurial spirit who was now a wife and mother at age 41. At this time, she got the heart-sinking information that she had cancer – and had been living with it for 6-8 years already. Deciding not to do chemo, with a lower chance of survival than she wanted to risk, she decided to try other methods – which led her to where she’s currently based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

She survived through the cancer and while it was still hard to get out of her depression at first (not that it ever ends), she found a way to positivity and motivation through the adoption of her dog, Stella.

Not only was Stella important for Marika herself, but having this dog helped her bond with her daughter – who was in high school and who she’d been struggling to connect with after being away so much with her treatments. Marika’s husband, who previously had made it a condition of their marriage that they wouldn’t get a dog (but encouraged her to get one eventually) ended up becoming in love with Stella, too.

Stella was rescued and fostered before they got her, so Marika wanted to pay that duty back. It was also an act that she saw the ability to give back to dogs, to beings, and give them a second chance just like she was given another. The Incredibull Stella nonprofit was born, helping to do such and to raise awareness with pit bulls in particular, too. In addition to this work, Marika also wrote a book called “Incredibull Stella: How the Love of a Pit Bull Rescued a Family” about this whole experience, to date.

About The Guest - Marika Meeks

Marika Meeks is an entrepreneur, wife, and mom who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 41. Unsure of survival, she made it through and found her joy and purpose again after her dog Stella came into her life. Now, she’s made it her mission to give a second chance to other dogs, just like she was blessed with. Marika is doing this through her own non-profit, named Incredibull Stella. The organization spreads pit bull breed awareness, teaches the benefits of pet ownership, and supports shelters that save dog lives. Recently, she also wrote a book “Incredibull Stella: How the Love of a Pit Bull Rescued a Family” about her journey.

Featured Links

InterviewJack SommerMental Health, Family