Founder, Lymethriving
A life-altering chronic illness moved Rush from what she thought may have been her deathbed to creating Lymethriving, an organization that offers support and services to those suffering with chronic illness. In the past four years, this Stamford, CT, resident has developed a philosophy of healing that taps into one’s own emotional strength. Prior to Lymethriving, Rush owned a small website development company, and prior to that, she was the operations manager of a NASD securities firm. She and her husband (and their dogs) have a home near the water.
Tell us highlights of your professional career. What are your proudest achievements?
The most fulfilling work I have done has been over the past four years. Since 2012, I have been offering emotional support services to chronically ill people through my organization, Lymethriving. In 2011, I was dealing with chronic Lyme disease so severe that I felt death might be imminent. It was a life-altering experience that led me to discover that the true power in the healing process is in one’s self. Once I became physically well, it became my passion to extend an invitation to others dealing with chronic illness to address the emotional aspects of their illness and empower them.Since then, Lymethriving has established free teleconference calls to address the spiritual/emotional aspect of chronic illness; two- or three-day retreats to help participants discover what lies beneath the illness in a supportive and loving environment; and I’ve written a book, Chronic Illness as an Access to Quantum Healing, for anyone dealing with chronic illness who longs for peace and fulfillment.
What brought you to UT Dallas?
I came to UT Dallas in the early ‘80s when the campus was young. I loved the flexibility of night classes as I was working full-time at a financial planning company in Dallas. My brother, also a graduate of UT Dallas, has enjoyed a successful business career and currently resides in New Jersey.
Who was your favorite professor and/or what was your favorite class and why?
I fondly remember a course in advertising taught by an instructor (I’m afraid I can’t remember his name) who also worked full time at an advertising agency in Dallas. He had us work on a class project centered on marketing Cherry Coke, which was about to hit the market. I greatly appreciated that the faculty at UT Dallas always had such solid industry experience and could share real-world information with us.
What’s the best advice you have received?
Always follow your heart.Don’t be so hard on yourself.Strive for excellence instead of perfection
What advice do you have for students hoping to succeed in the business world?
Do what you love and love what you do. You will spend many, many hours working each week. If you don’t love it, you will have an incredibly stressful and unfulfilling existence. Things can be good and can also be uncomfortable at the same time. Develop an empowered relationship to failure and use it as a learning tool rather than something to gauge your self-worth. Always operate with integrity.
What makes an effective leader?
Effective leaders are authentic and have a strong sense of self. They are not ruled by their ego. They inspire and encourage.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I really enjoy opportunities to travel as a family. Our two daughters live in Boston so it’s always a treat to all be together. I also love hiking and kayaking. Going out on a peaceful morning to spend time on the water is wonderful. We are huge dog lovers and my husband runs a pet health insurance company that partners with the ASPCA. Enjoying life with our dog(s) is quite central to us all. My husband and I are both South African and we love traveling back home to visit whenever we can.
