Against The Odds North Texas Woman Returns To 'Dream Job'
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PANTEGO (CBS11) - In a wheelchair and unable to care for herself, a former North Texas police officer is fighting her way back to the badge.
Sheli Godbold, a former Euless police officer, was forced to quit after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
"It was on April 24, 2012. All of a sudden it felt like I was having a stroke," said Godbold.
A visit to the emergency room showed she had multiple sclerosis. Her condition would only worsen.
"I was devastated. I had my dream job. Always wanted to be a cop, I was a cop and for a while there, I thought my life was over," said Godbold.
Her time behind the wheel of a squad car now shifted to sitting between two armrests of a wheelchair. Eventually, she lost her hair during chemotherapy.
"There was time when you know, this type of life isn't worth living," said Godbold.
But just as life seemed so dark, Godbold found light. She came across a blog of a woman battling MS who underwent stem cell treatments overseas.
"It is risky but I'm a risk taker. I'm out here in the streets every day," said Godbold.
She packed her bags and headed to Russia.
"You can't tell me I can't do something," said Godbold. "I'm going to do it."
After returning home, she started rehabilitation and then intense workouts.
Two years later, she said she was strong enough to walk and live on her own thanks to a Russian doctor.
"He's my hero. He gave me my life back," said Godbold.
She got back her life, which she is once again putting on the line to protect and serve. This time it is for the people of Pantego.
"I don't know if I have a year, five years, 20 years to give you, but I'm going to give you my best every single day I'm out there," said Godbold.
Her dream is now a reality she hopes inspires others in the community.
"Just don't give up. People may tell you, 'no you can't do that.' Or you know, 'that's impossible.' Don't listen to them. You know what's in your heart," said Godbold.
Godbold officially receives her badge on November 14 at a special "pinning" ceremony.
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