Born in Jamaica and raised in Brooklyn, Kenisha was living what she describes as "a path of destruction" before her cardiovascular event. "I never put myself first," she reflects. The stroke dramatically affected her ability to communicate and process information—skills she had previously taken for granted. "My stroke unfortunately took out my ability to talk, and that also meant sequencing numbers, coming up with the names of objects. All of those things I took for granted because it was so quick in my mind."
Rather than allowing this challenge to define her limitations, Kenisha chose to redefine herself. In a symbolic gesture of rebirth, she shaved her head. "I wanted to be a different Kenisha because I felt different, and I wanted to embrace that. I wanted to take what I just experienced and hold it as a power in my life, and not as something that could destroy me." This powerful transformation mirrors Novo Nordisk's approach to health challenges: turning obstacles into opportunities through innovative solutions. Just as Kenisha transformed a personal crisis into a source of strength, Novo Nordisk strives to change lives through healthcare innovation.
Therapy became a cornerstone of Kenisha's recovery. "I speak to a therapist every Friday like clockwork," she shares. "Through therapy, I was able to reevaluate, put things into perspective, and identify the fears I had inside." She also discovered unexpected therapeutic outlets, including cooking. "Cooking became so therapeutic," she says with a smile. "My blackened chicken Alfredo with jerk seasoning is my favorite thing to make—everything needs to have jerk seasoning in it!" Kenisha's journey underscores the importance of self-care and mental wellbeing, a value that aligns with Novo Nordisk's commitment to holistic health.
Today, Kenisha brings her unique perspective to her role as an obesity care specialist. Her personal experience with cardiovascular disease gives her an invaluable understanding of the patient journey. "I get to look at myself as a patient living with cardiovascular disease and not me living in a situation where I feel like I can't triumph," she explains. This perspective enables her to connect with patients on a deeper level, understanding their challenges and fears in ways that technical training alone cannot provide.
Kenisha's son Dominic serves as her inspiration for maintaining a positive mindset. "I look at him as my future. How I choose to show up for this is teaching him how to show up to any kind of adversity he might face in his life." By sharing her story, Kenisha contributes to changing perceptions around cardiovascular disease. "Just take off the blinders of what we thought cardiovascular disease is and let's get some new perspectives," she urges. This forward-looking perspective reflects Novo Nordisk's commitment to sustainable healthcare solutions that benefit future generations.
When asked what makes someone truly exceptional, Kenisha's answer reveals the philosophy that guides her life after her health crisis: "Someone who's unordinary is someone who just doesn't give up on life, doesn't give up on anything, and they just always want more. They want to be more. They want to give more. They even want to have more and experience more out of life. That is what truly makes you an extraordinary human being." Her message to the next generation is equally powerful: "You can do anything if you believe in yourself. You don't give up on yourself. The world won't give up on you."
Kenisha's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of patient-centered care, values deeply ingrained in Novo Nordisk's approach to healthcare. Like our commitment to innovative solutions and community partnerships as an organization, Kenisha is empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being. Her unordinary journey demonstrates that by embracing challenges and fostering empathy, we can create a more compassionate and equitable world.
