The story that we are sharing today is so special to me, not only because it’s from the woman who inspired me to begin this podcasting journey, but because her’s is a story that every person listening today needs to hear. The first time I interviewed our guest was back in November, but her story is so inspiring and relevant to today’s health crisis, that I asked her if we could re-record and include the current crisis in our conversation. 
Cassi Lopez is the owner of So Gold Studio, she is arguably the best body piercer in New York City, and she is a warrior. Cassi has been featured in The Coveteur, Refinery29, Nylon, Elite Daily, Allure, Cosmopolitan, Insider, Elle Australia, and The Daily Mail, and her client list includes A-listers such as Game of Thrones actor, Nathalie Emmanuel. 
But most importantly, Cassi is an 8-time brain surgery survivor. And she is still with us today because she continuously and relentlessly advocated for herself when doctor after doctor sent her home, some even insinuating that she was mentally unstable, all dismissing the fluid that was leaking out of her nose as mucus. She would later learn that it was in fact fluid from her brain leaking out of her nose. 
Cassi never gave up on herself because she knew herself, and she knew her body, and she knew that something wasn’t right. So she continued advocating for herself until one Independence Day she went to an Urgent Care Walk-In Center and met the Doctor (a woman) who immediately recognized her symptoms, and ultimately saved her life. 
Now more than ever, living in our Global Community we can see that life isn’t always kind to us all, nor is it fair. But strength comes from adversity, and humans are drawn to those whose stories show the incredibly resilient nature of the human spirit to not only survive but also to thrive. 
Cassi is certainly one of these angels. After meeting her for the first time over coffee, it became clear to me that hers is a story that holds the secret to life: you have to be your own advocate. 
This story is intense and can be triggering for some people, as we describe some graphic details about a serious health condition and surgery that Cassi has gone through. 
For more information about Cassi and So Gold Studios please visit https://sogoldstudios.com/ and be sure to check out her Instagram pages @sogoldbk and @cassisoclassy. 
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