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March 13, 2025
By Renata O'Donnell Photography
Today for the "Women's History Month", we are celebrating this beautiful woman:
Meet Dara Lamson, 38, nurse, leader, and survivor providing safe spaces and spreading compassion and healing for all.
"I think if you care deeply, you are willing to stick your neck out.” -Loretta Ford
Dara embodies precociousness having been born premature, weighing just over 2 lbs. She grew up in Southern Maine, a lover of animals and dance (especially pointe ballet). She was diagnosed with a chronic rheumatological illness in high school and underwent various treatments including chemotherapy. Despite these challenges, she graduated in the top of her class and went to college in Connecticut.
Life Challenges:
Facing various health setbacks in her early 20's, Dara moved back to Maine to finish school, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in nursing in 2010. Through nursing, Dara found a sense of purpose, drive, and connection, caring and advocating for patients experiencing health challenges not so different from her own. Inspired by unconventional health modalities that complemented her ongoing treatment, Dara pursued certification in holistic nursing in 2013. She is a reiki master with an interest in energy healing for pain management.
Achievements:
With a natural sense of leadership, Dara quickly entered nursing administration, holding various management positions for the past 15 years. She is currently pursing graduate education while balancing her full-time nursing career. She will graduate as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in August 2025. Dara plans to combine her passion for mental health and alternative medicine into a sustainable practice working with patients for many years to come.
Perhaps her greatest achievement and sense of fulfillment comes from being mama to her daughter, Gwynevere. Motherhood brought unexpected gratification and discovery, refocusing Dara's values and priorities. Motherhood also reinforced the intrinsic strength all women possess.
What do you value most in life?
I feel blessed with the opportunity to wake up each morning and help others. It is beyond fulfilling to advocate and lend strength to others who are experiencing illness and/or hardship. We all require support. Living near the ocean, dance parties, making jewelry, and slow, meditative nature walks bring me peace.
Words of wisdom for other women:
"you are so much stronger than you know." Enduring chronic illness, pain, abusive relationships, a challenging career, and parenting has taught Dara perseverance is not optional and something all women excel in. Through ongoing support of each other, all women thrive.
Another one of Dara's Favorite quotes:
"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all." Helen Keller
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Thank you, Dara, for sharing your story and empowering others!
#womenshistorymonth #womansupportingwomen #womanpower #mainephotographer