From Nurse to Patient to Innovator: The Recovery Toolkit’s Journey

NATIONWIDE - NOVEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) In the quiet moments of her health struggles, Emily Sandison found herself grappling with both physical pain and the challenges of understanding the healthcare system. As a registered nurse and psychology graduate, she was no stranger to the complexities of healthcare. Yet, it wasn’t until she became the patient , facing the challenges of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and chronic fatigue , that she truly understood the voids in the system. This experience sparked the creation of The Recovery Toolkit, a platform designed to provide accessible tools and support for people living with chronic illness.

The Birth of The Recovery Toolkit

In the early days, Emily’s journey was deeply personal. After years of struggling with complex health conditions, she realized that the resources available to people facing invisible illnesses were often inadequate. Emily’s experience was not only about seeking medical treatment; it was about discovering how to live well while navigating the challenges of chronic illness.

With the goal of helping others facing similar battles, Emily created The Recovery Toolkit , a platform offering a wide range of resources and tools aimed at improving quality of life for people with chronic conditions. Initially starting as an Instagram account, The Recovery Toolkit grew into a trusted international resource for those navigating the challenges of invisible illnesses.

Overcoming Obstacles

The journey to building The Recovery Toolkit was not without obstacles. Emily’s experience transitioning from healthcare professional to patient allowed her to better understand the limitations within the system. As a patient, she faced the realities of misdiagnosis and navigating a healthcare system that wasn’t designed for complex conditions. The emotional toll of feeling unseen and unheard became a powerful motivator to create a space where others could find support.

“My focus wasn’t on building a brand , it was about creating a community that provided the kind of support I couldn’t find when I needed it most,” Emily recalls. The Recovery Toolkit became a space where people could access adaptive tools and resources while also receiving emotional support and validation of their experiences.

What Sets The Recovery Toolkit Apart

While many wellness platforms focus on idealized outcomes, The Recovery Toolkit takes a unique approach. Emily emphasizes that recovery is not about returning to a pre-illness self, but about learning to live fully within one’s current capacity. This perspective sets The Recovery Toolkit apart from others in the wellness space.

“We aim to empower individuals to thrive in the ‘messy middle’ of recovery , where real people live,” Emily explains. Her recommendations for tools and products are based on her lived experience and thorough evaluation of evidence-based science. Each product recommendation has been tested in real-world conditions, blending clinical knowledge with personal insights to ensure that the resources shared are practical and helpful.

The Future of The Recovery Toolkit

Looking ahead, The Recovery Toolkit plans to expand its offerings, with new toolkits designed to address specific needs like pain relief, energy conservation, and mobility. These toolkits will include educational materials to help users understand how to incorporate these resources into their daily lives. Additionally, Emily’s team is working to make these tools more accessible internationally, including offering support for navigating insurance and funding options.

The Recovery Toolkit’s goal is to ensure that individuals with chronic illness, regardless of location, have access to the tools and support they need to live well on their terms. Whether through private insurance, disability benefits, or workplace accommodations, The Recovery Toolkit is committed to helping clients make informed decisions and access the resources available to them.

A Movement Born from Resilience

The Recovery Toolkit is more than just a platform , it’s a movement. Born from Emily’s personal struggles and a desire to help others, the platform has become a beacon of hope for those living with chronic illness. The community surrounding The Recovery Toolkit is not just about products but about providing empathy, validation, and support for individuals navigating the emotional and physical challenges of chronic conditions.

Emily’s story, from registered nurse to patient to advocate, is one of resilience and dedication. The Recovery Toolkit offers a place where individuals can find not only resources but also a sense of community and understanding , something that often feels missing in the healthcare system.

If you or someone you know is navigating chronic illness, explore The Recovery Toolkit on Instagram today for the tools, resources, and emotional support you need to take control of your recovery journey and thrive on your own terms.