Riley Dial

When I was first diagnosed with Functional Neurologic Disorder, I was a sophomore in high school. After my diagnosis, I was unable to attend school and had to transition to home school. Playing soccer was no longer an option and my friends turned their backs on me. I began feeling alone and depressed. I had to learn to love myself again and realize that my diagnosis did not define who I was or determine my quality of life. It took several months before I felt comfortable telling my story. Now, I use every platform available to tell my story hoping to encourage others who may be dealing with a similar situation.

Too often we allow fear to stop us from speaking up at times when our voice matters most. We should never feel afraid to speak up, especially when it comes to our own health. It's okay to ask questions when we don't understand and it's okay to be honest with doctors about what is going on with our health. I advocate to teach others the importance of speaking up for themselves in health care settings. I want everyone to know their voice matters and deserves to be heard. I also educate others on the importance of self-advocacy, providing helpful tips on how to speak up for yourself in healthcare settings. I travel to schools and speak with students about how to advocate for themselves when at the doctor.