Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Vandermeyden.
Hi Heather, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2000, my life changed forever. After developing severe complications from ulcerative colitis, I underwent thirteen abdominal surgeries and spent three months in the hospital — much of that time in the ICU. During that period, I experienced over twenty near-death experiences, during a three-week period of time. I witnessed my nurses resuscitating me, saw my unborn children, spent time with deceased family members, and felt healing in ancient waters, seeing both God and Jesus. I was told it wasn’t my time to cross fully into heaven, and when I returned to my body, I began a long journey of recovery — learning to walk and talk again over the course of a year.
That experience transformed every part of who I am. Once I regained my strength, I became a foster parent and went on to care for 25 children over five years, eventually adopting two of my own. I’ve remained active in the foster care community, advocating for children and families in need of healing and hope.
My book, Miracles from the Other Side, shares my near-death experiences and the profound spiritual insights they brought. My mission is to remind others that death is not something to fear — it is a continuation of love, peace, and connection beyond what we can see. Today, I share my story through podcasts and outreach work to inspire others to find hope in their own healing journeys.
Miracles from the Other Side is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all — my road has been anything but smooth, but it’s been profoundly meaningful. After my three-month hospitalization, I faced an incredibly long and painful recovery. I had to relearn how to walk and talk, and at one point my body was so frail that I dropped to just 79 pounds and lost all of my hair. It took a full year to regain my strength, and even after that, I continued to deal with random health complications from the thirteen surgeries I went through.
Life brought more unexpected challenges when I went through a difficult divorce and found myself raising my children as a single, full-time mom. There were many moments where it would have been easy to give up, but I kept coming back to the peace and healing I experienced on the other side. Those memories reminded me that even when life feels impossible, we are never alone and there is always light waiting to break through.
Every challenge has shaped who I am today — more compassionate, more grounded, and deeply grateful. I truly believe that our struggles can become the very thing that helps us guide others toward healing. Everyone has struggles in their lives and we need to be compassionate towards others.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Today, my work centers on sharing messages of hope, faith, and healing that were born out of my near-death experiences. I’m the author of Miracles from the Other Side, where I share what I witnessed and learned during that sacred time — including the deep peace, love, and divine connection that exists beyond this life. My mission is to help others find comfort, healing, and courage, especially those who are grieving, facing illness, or searching for purpose after a trauma.
In addition to writing, I speak on podcasts, participate in interviews, and work with IANDS (the International Association for Near-Death Studies) to connect with others who have had similar experiences. Through IANDS and other outreach, I’ve found a wonderful community where we can share openly and support those who are curious or seeking understanding about life after death.
I’m also training to become a birth doula, continuing my passion for helping others through life’s most sacred transitions — from birth to death, and everything in between. I see both as deeply spiritual moments that remind us of the miracle of life.
I’m most proud of using what I went through — the pain, loss, and recovery — to bring light to others. What sets me apart isn’t just my story of survival. After my recovery, my greatest joy came from fostering children, while working with their birth families and advocating for open adoption, when appropriate. This experience has taught me that love and healing take many forms, and that each life we touch matters deeply.
Whether through my book, my speaking, my work with IANDS, or my journey as a future doula, my desire is to help others understand that no matter how hard life gets, we are deeply loved and never truly alone.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can connect with me through my website, heathervandermeyden.com, where they can learn more about my story, upcoming events, and ways to collaborate. The best way to support my work is by purchasing my book and sharing it with others who may find hope and healing through it.
I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Salt Lake City chapter of IANDS (International Association for Near-Death Studies). We host free monthly meetings that offer a safe and welcoming space for people to share and learn from near-death and spiritually transformative experiences. Our meetings are held on the fourth Friday of each month at 7 PM, at 2001 S. State Street in Salt Lake City. Everyone is welcome to join us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://heathervandermeyden.com
- Instagram: heather_vandermeyden
