Brittany Leech
State: Oregon
Chronic Conditions: Cystinuria, Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
As a patient with both POTS-Dysautonomia and Cystinuria, a condition characterized by the buildup of the amino acid cystine in the kidneys and bladder, I have learned how to adapt both my career and social life to maintain my quality of life.
While adapting to life with chronic illness sometimes looks like missed school/ work due to hospital visits or severe pain, repeated and invasive surgical interventions and chronic pain and fatigue, it also brings awareness to the common battles the chronically ill face in the healthcare system.
Diagnosed at age 9, I have spent the last 30 years learning how to advocate for my care, advocating for others, building resilience and learning how to enjoy and engage with the world around me without compromising my care.
I advocate because I want to support and inspire others to advocate for themselves, advocate for those who cannot and improve quality of care.