January 6, 2017 | Feature Features
ONWARD & UPWARD
Facing tremendous personal obstacles, JJ Virgin powered through the pain and came out on top.
Nutritionist, businesswoman and author JJ Virgin’s writing career began under incredible stress. A few weeks before her first book debuted, her son was struck by a hit-and-run driver and left terribly injured. Being the sole breadwinner of her family, she knew she had to move forward with promotions and interviews, despite her son fighting for his life in the ICU. Thankfully, her son miraculously survived, and her book, The Virgin Diet, ended up on The New York Times best-seller list. Fast-forward to today and Virgin is still touting the benefits of living a healthful life, but is taking that journey to the brain—in more ways than one. Gearing up to release her fifth tome, Miracle Mindset: A Mother, Her Son, and Life’s Hardest Lessons ($25, North Star Way), out Feb. 17, and a PBS special called You Are Stronger Than You Think due February, Virgin is ready to bring what she’s learned to the masses. “The book goes beyond inspiration to provide powerful lessons that [readers] can use in their own lives,” she shares. “Upleveling your mindset impacts every area of your life. Gratitude and forgiveness have been two of the most powerful tools for doing this.” With that winning outlook, Virgin is focused on sharing her story and raising awareness for brain injuries. First on the docket is getting the word out about Brain Injury Awareness Month, in March, and supporting her favorite charity, Love Your Brain. Then, she’ll take a trip down the aisle to marry her soul mate Tim O’Horgan at L’Auberge Del Mar. A fairy-tale ending for a fearless fighter.
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