“At 19, I herniated my L5-S1 disc while lifting a patient, triggering excruciating sciatic pain down my leg For nearly 2 years, I navigated a maze of doctors, physical therapists, specialists, and prescriptions like gabapentin, but found no pain relief. After seeing my MRI, one specialist told me to give up my dream of becoming a firefighter. That was devastating, but it also fueled my motivation to fight for my future. Despite the pain, I completed a grueling 16-week fire academy, determined no