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Dr. Candice McDonald

@drcandicemcdonald

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Fueled by Iced Coffee, Rock Climbing, & Adventures That Make Great Stories | NASA 🚀 | 1st Responder | Author @fireengineeringbooks | Views are my own

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Just trying to make sure when my grandkids say, “My Nana is cooler than yours,” they have the adventure receipts. by @drcandicemcdonald

The education and connections at @fdicindy have been absolutely amazing! I am more excited than ever for what the next year will bring! I am so honored to be part of something so inspiring! by @drcandicemcdonald

One week ago today, we were climbing rocks and soaking in California’s incredible beauty. The adventure was amazing, but the best part was sharing it with my daughter! by @drcandicemcdonald

The plan was to rappel down a waterfall, but apparently the water was on vacation! We got more of a trickle than a waterfall, but the adventure was still absolutely amazing! 📸 California by @drcandicemcdonald

It’s spooky season! 🎃👻 I had the BEST time dancing on the pier with @fashion_luvaluva and @grownup_dish ! There’s something magical about embracing your inner child, laughing until your cheeks hurt, and surrounding yourself with people who remind you that life is meant to be FUN! 📸 Santa Monica Pier, CA #halloween #womensupportwomen #pumpkin by @drcandicemcdonald

California officially makes state #21 that I’ve climbed in! And what better way to celebrate than scaling rocks BAREFOOT for the first time?!

Thank you @eatsleepsurfla for a fantastic day!!

My feet now have major appreciation for my @scarpana shoes! @rei @petzl_official

#climbing #womenwhoclimb #womenover50 by @drcandicemcdonald

Plot twist: The girl who wears tactical boots and climbing shoes now has a glam squad with @democracyclothing by @drcandicemcdonald

by @drcandicemcdonald

I think I’m officially classified as a permanent fall risk. #climbing #climbingover50 #womenwhoclimb by @drcandicemcdonald

32 years ago today, my biological dad died from an overdose. This was long before we openly talked about addiction, childhood trauma, or the lasting impact they have on families.

I remember being just four years old, helping him roll joints and putting them into a plastic bag before we headed to the park to “see his friends.” At that age, I had no idea what I was actually doing.

I remember a family member calling my dad a “jailbird.” I fiercely defended him, only to later ask questions and discover it was true.

I remember the unpredictable bursts of anger. And more than anything, I remember the traumatic violations that forever changed the course of my life.

I remember being a little girl trying to understand how I could love someone and dislike them so deeply at the same time. How someone could be both a person I loved and a source of so much pain.

Even 32 years later, the impact remains in ways people might never imagine.

To this day, I hate filling out the family history section of medical forms. There is an immediate feeling of being judged when I answer honestly, as though someone else’s addiction somehow determines my future. As though my father’s choices are a reflection of who I am or who I might become. Sometimes I lie, I put the history of my adoptive father. I share this because addiction doesn’t just impact the person struggling with it. It leaves lasting marks on children and families, often long after that person is gone.

And sometimes, the children who grow up in those circumstances spend much of their adult lives learning how to heal from things they never should have experienced in the first place. by @drcandicemcdonald

Just sitting here on a random Tuesday, eating my lunch, and thinking about how many “short vacations” I would need to get my skydiving license from @skydivephoenix by @drcandicemcdonald

Okay, fine. I’m addicted to skydiving. Turns out flying through the sky at 120 mph is pretty freaking amazing!! Thank you @skydivephoenix & Rob for an amazing time!! #Skydiving #Arizona by @drcandicemcdonald