Born in New Zealand in 1984, I was always healthy and happy, exercising on a regular basis. I moved to Arizona in 1999 to begin school at ASU and a new career as a cage fighter. I started training with AZ Combat Sports and realized I was feeling weak on a daily basis. My first fight was in Las Vegas against Gina Carano and because I was in a weakened state, I lost. I was finally diagnosed with Celiac Disease in the beginning of 2008 and had to completely change not only my diet, but my lifestyle. Its been a challenge and has affected my training now to where I cannot train the same way or for long periods of time. A new diet has definitely helped but I am feeling the results of celiac disease more and more every day.