My chronic diseases have affected every aspect of my life, from my quality of life to not being able to keep plans or watching a movie with my family; it has devastated my entire life. Even so, I talk with many other patients through online support groups and I listen to their problems and try to help them to see that regardless of everything, life is worth living and worth spending time with their loved ones.
I advocate because of what I’ve been through with doctors, nurses, insurance companies and pharmacies. I don’t want to see other patients struggling like I did for years until I found my voice and decided enough is enough. We as patients and human beings have the right to be heard and accepted with medical professionals. They need to actually listen to the patient and what they are feeling; it is so disappointing not being heard or being ignored. I decided to push back and make my team patient-friendly. I advocate so others can also get the help they need. I enjoy listening to them and helping them.