Amy, thanks for joining us at Ocean State Stories. Let’s begin with what brought you to Rhode Island.
I was born and raised in Oregon, but moved to Rhode Island about ten years ago after my ex-husband got out of the military and we moved here because he is from here.
Tell us about your education, please.
I studied Sustainable Agriculture in California before moving to Rhode Island and then went to Johnson & Wales University for business.
In 2019, you were diagnosed with lupus. That must have been devastating. Please give us some details.
In 2019, I was diagnosed with lupus after spending many years labeled as somewhat of a medical mystery. Shortly after that diagnosis, I got pregnant with my fourth child. Around six months into the pregnancy, I went to the doctor for a regular prenatal checkup and was admitted to Rhode Island Hospital and diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension. I was in right heart failure and had to stay in the hospital for the rest of the pregnancy. My son was born premature because my heart was failing and I had to go on a pump that delivered medication 24/7. I stayed attached to that pump for three years and had around nine different central lines placed throughout that time. Shortly after my son was born, I went into a thyroid storm and was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease. Again, I was hospitalized while I received treatment to prevent heart failure. About a year later, I was diagnosed with leukemia and did about a year of oral chemo.
And all of this inspired the organization you founded and lead, Mothers Healing Fund. What does it offer and who does it serve?
While all of this was happening, my family life was falling apart. Eventually got divorced and have been working really hard on rebuilding my life, emotionally, physically, spiritually, financially…really in every sense of the word.
I started Mothers Healing Fund because the more I would learn about women and mothers who were struggling with their health and especially the ones doing it on their own, I kept thinking: they really need support or they will never get better.
I became a yoga teacher while I was really sick and it probably saved my life. The studio offered me a scholarship otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. There were many times people reached out and supported me in my community and I kept thinking, more women need that kind of support. The people and businesses that offered me lifelines contributed so much to my positive health outcomes. And if you want healthy kids, you need healthy moms. I just wanted to create something that would provide some immediate, short-term relief financially for moms and then equip them with networks of practitioners, resources, businesses and tools to help them rise above their circumstances.
The goals are:
- Offer immediate financial relief to ease the burden.
- Surround women with skilled practitioners, supportive communities, and essential resources—empowering them to overcome challenges and truly heal.
And we understand word is spreading outside of Rhode Island. Can you elaborate?
Yes, I currently have applicants for the financial grants in seven states, including Alaska!
You are a big gardener. What are the mental and physical health benefits?
Being in nature is just good for you! It slows your mind down and working with soil boosts your mood. Plus, vegetable gardening gives you access to the healthiest produce you can get. I am a big advocate of circular economies and supporting local economies so gardening is not just a hobby in that respect, it’s a tool for health.
Do you want to tell us about your children today?
Yes, I have two boys and two girls. My kids are very resilient and have strong characters because of everything they have been through. They are all very close and I enjoy seeing them support each other.
What’s on the horizon for Amy Dolan?
Right now I am working full time as a marketing coordinator and building this nonprofit on the side. I would like to get back into the holistic healing community and continue my training in trauma-based mind body therapies, yoga, breathwork, somatics, etc. But right now I am just very busy with work and kids!
Lastly, you are seeking donor support to continue the work of Mothers Healing Fund, correct?
Yes! We want to help as many women and children as possible and we urgently need donor funding to continue. We are on social media and, of course, the website.
Editor’s note: This interview was conducted by email.
Copyright © 2025 Salve Regina University. Originally published by OceanStateStories.org.
