Sheela Newley battles severe health issues and finds hope in music

In the United States, Sheela Newley, 42, faced a significant health crisis that began to unfold several years ago. Despite maintaining a healthy diet, she experienced a drastic weight loss, dropping from approximately 110 pounds to under 100 pounds. This alarming change was accompanied by painful menstrual cycles, chronic sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties, which she described as brain fog. Concerned about her deteriorating health, Sheela sought medical advice, leading to the discovery of slightly abnormal thyroid levels. However, she felt that there was more to her condition than what was initially diagnosed.

After moving back to New York to be closer to her family, Sheela underwent further medical evaluations. Doctors identified inflammatory nodules on her thyroid and ultimately diagnosed her with Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack the thyroid gland. This diagnosis marked a turning point in her health journey, as she had previously placed her hopes in various treatments that had not yielded the desired results. By the age of 26, her health had declined to the point where she had to leave her New York apartment and return to her parents' home in Princeton, New Jersey, where she reached her lowest point.

During this challenging period, Sheela took the time to reassess her life and priorities. She realized the importance of being an active participant in her healing process and sought alternative methods to improve her health, as conventional medicine had provided little relief. Music became a vital source of inspiration and motivation for her, giving her a reason to fight for her future. As her strength gradually returned, she began to explore a career in music, which blossomed as she continued to heal.

In 2015, Sheela and her husband, Alexander Newley, moved to London, where she further pursued her passion for music. Throughout their relationship, Alexander supported her journey and was unaware of the severity of her health issues until he witnessed her struggles firsthand during a trip to Tuscany. Sheela's mother-in-law, Dame Joan Collins, has also been a source of encouragement, expressing her admiration for Sheela's musical endeavors. As of 2022, Sheela had relocated to Vienna shortly before giving birth to her daughter, Deia, and remained optimistic about her health, despite the risk of relapse. She had learned valuable lessons about her body and healing, which gave her confidence in navigating any future challenges.