Antoinette Thames

Antoinette Thames is a retired preschool teaching assistant with sixteen years of dedicated service and currently serves as a volunteer Peer Health Leader and advocate. Through education, encouragement, and compassionate guidance, she supports community members living with chronic illnesses, empowering them to make informed choices about their well-being. Her service is not simply a role—it is a calling shaped by faith and personal testimony.

Above all, Antoinette gives all praise, honor, and glory to her Heavenly Father. She firmly believes it is only because of His mercy and grace that she is able to live, endure, and thrive. Every accomplishment, every milestone, and every day of progress reflects His mercy and grace at work in her life. She openly acknowledges that without Him, she would not have the strength to persevere.

At the age of nine, Antoinette was diagnosed with chronic hives, beginning a lifelong journey of health challenges. Over the years, she has also been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), peripheral artery disease (PAD), type 2 diabetes, and avascular necrosis (AVN) of both hips, resulting in five hip surgeries. Two years ago, she experienced an occipital lobe infarction. Through every diagnosis and challenge, she declares that Yahweh Elohim (God) has been—and continues to be—her Savior, Healer, Strength, Comforter, and Sustainer.

Now fifty-six years old, Antoinette continues to move forward with a “Hope, Help, Healing, and Choice” mindset rooted in unwavering faith, trusting completely in the One who holds her life and future securely.

Click here to read all of Antoinette's articles on Chronic-Hives.com.