real women real stories

Katie and her dog, Moxie, on a hike near their home earlier this year.

A Misdiagnosed Ectopic Pregnancy Nearly Sent Me Into Septic Shock

Doctors convinced me my symptoms were connected to my anxiety — and I believed them

pregnancy
Stephanie Brooks-Wiggins

From Shame to Advocacy: My Decades-Long Journey Living — and Thriving — With HIV

My diagnosis in 1986 cost me my job — but gave me purpose, strength and community

hiv
Monique Denise

My Life Really Began When I Got My Breast Cancer Diagnosis

I’m living with stage 4 cancer, and I’m determined to live my life to the fullest

breast cancer
Jaimie Seaton

My Quest for Uninterrupted Sleep

I’ve had insomnia for more than a decade, but I’m finally taking charge

sleep disorders
Jacque and her family, 2022.

The Truth About Being a Cancer Warrior

How battle language can make someone with breast cancer feel like a lone soldier

breast cancer
Kimberly Holiday-Coleman

My Symptoms Were Dismissed as Hemorrhoids, but I Had Colon Cancer

My cancer diagnosis led me to appreciate the little things — and learn to dance

colon cancer
Mary Millard

I Contracted a Superbug That’s a Top Public Health Threat — And It’s More Common Than You Think

I was super-healthy, and I never thought I would get an infection that wouldn’t respond to treatment

antimicrobial resistance
Monica Cox

I Became a Bladder Cancer Survivor at 30

Bladder cancer most often affects older adults. My diagnosis was an exception.

cancer
Molly Grace Young

Chemo Day Is Always Better With Costumes, Wigs and Props

Some people knit. Others sleep. I’m putting on my own personal Broadway show from my chair at chemo.

breast cancer
Elisa Seeger and her son Aidan, 2009

I Made a Promise to My Son

In the 10 years since my son died from a treatable condition, I’ve helped pass legislation to save other children — but there’s still work to do

medical tests
Kunttas Family

The Unicorn in the Room: My Infertility Journey Led to an Unexpected Discovery

Fertility testing revealed that I have a rare condition that makes becoming and staying pregnant difficult

infertility
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Even though I had access to comprehensive healthcare and specialists, my symptoms were still dismissed

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I Was Bleeding to Death on the Bathroom Floor — While the Medics Insisted I Couldn’t Afford the Ambulance Ride

I was having a medical emergency but racism, classism and sexism got in the way of my care

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Erica Rimlinger in a pink wig

I Was Searching for a Miracle Cure for My Breast Cancer. I Found Hope Instead.

A diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer sent me down the road of magical thinking, but the only miracle I found was hope

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