My Family Always Told Me I Was a “Dumb Girl.” They Were Wrong.
My father’s rage and my family’s silence left me terrified to speak — until I found purpose in fighting for safer communities
My father’s rage and my family’s silence left me terrified to speak — until I found purpose in fighting for safer communities
For years, I felt my voice went unheard as I battled migraine pain. Speaking up for myself — and others — has given my pain a purpose.
Durante años, sentí que ignoraban lo que decía mientras soportaba el dolor de mis migrañas. Hacer que mi situación y las de otras personas se conozca le dio sentido a mi dolor.
I worried about protecting my bones and livelihood as a pianist and teacher, but my bone loss has reversed
Me preocupó la protección de mis huesos y poder continuar con mi profesión de pianista y profesora, pero mi pérdida ósea se ha revertido.
I was dismissed by healthcare providers time and again, and earlier treatment could have prevented my cancer
Proveedores de atención médica me ignoraron repetitivamente y un tratamiento más oportuno pudo haber prevenido mi cáncer
Having multiple brain aneurysms taught me to embrace resilience and self-care
No podía oler, saborear la comida ni dormir bien durante años. Así que aprendí a salvaguardar mi salud proactivamente.
I couldn’t smell, taste or sleep well for years. So, I learned to be my own advocate.
Caregiving for a loved one is tough, but I’m thankful for the journey
Managing bipolar disorder has been a lifelong journey, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come
I had no idea how sick I was until, in bed one night channel surfing, a Rosie O’Donnell show saved my life
No sabía cuán enferma estaba hasta que una noche mientras buscaba qué ver en la televisión encontré un programa de Rosie O’Donnell que salvó mi vida
Living with metastatic breast cancer has been hard, but I’m thankful for every day
Vivir con cáncer mamario metastásico ha sido difícil, pero me siento agradecida por cada día que vivo
I didn’t have gallstones. I had HELLP syndrome.
Once I was free of my secret, life opened up for me in powerful ways
A supportive OB-GYN finally got me the treatment I needed
Una ginecóloga obstetra sensible finalmente me dio el tratamiento que necesitaba
I’m using my voice to advocate for myself and the millions of people living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
I thought I was healthy, but everyday stress was damaging my heart
I was 26 when I found the first spot. Then it came back.