Highlighting patients and care partners from around the world living positive lives despite the hurdles they face.
These are their stories, in their own words.
By José Picayo I am 64 years old, a photographer and a weaver. Like many men, I did not know much about the prostate until I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022. Not knowing or understanding prostate cancer, when one hears the words “you have cancer,” one thinks of dying. Having had my father … Read more>>
By Fi Clark Around December I developed tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, as a side effect to medication that I didn’t want and didn’t think I needed. At the time I was in denial – if I don’t give it attention then surely it will go away. So I waited…and waited…and whilst I waited, … Read more>>
By Helen Ross In this blog post, 25-year-old guest blogger Helen Ross shares her story of struggling with anxiety, depression, and crippling panic attacks as a young adult attending college and playing competitive sports. According to the American Institute of Stress, anxiety and depression are the two most common reasons that college students seek mental … Read more>>
By Stephen Mellott I’m an adult with ADHD. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a rewarding career as a product manager for the last 32 years. I earned my bachelor’s degree in business and went back to school in 2012 and earned my MBA. I made a career move to a completely new industry four … Read more>>
By Ashlee Olsen In 2004, about six weeks after giving birth to my son, I developed my first symptom of neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a rare condition where the immune system damages the spinal cord and the optic nerves. One morning, I woke up and couldn’t see out of my right eye. I visited the local … Read more>>
By Sylvia Groves I am 68 years old and live in a rural area in a fairly remote location in the United Kingdom. My health had always generally been good. I got plenty of exercise outdoors, did physical work, and ate a very healthy diet, including a wide variation of fruits and vegetables daily. I … Read more>>
By Sandie Briar With ill health comes a newfound strength that gives an insight into the real me. I see things now that need mastering so I can live a half-decent life. I’m 68 years old and have followed my maternal grandmother and mother with osteoarthritis that manifests in our hands and wrists leaving us … Read more>>
By Elizabeth Briggs My experience started when I had a bad cough for months starting in October. After months of antibiotics, chest x-rays, and steroids, my GP asked me if I was aware I had a heart murmur. “All fresh news to me,” I replied with a smile on my face. Little did I know … Read more>>
By Barbara Kelly My name is Barbara, I have been married to Richard for 40 years; he is my rock. Having lived on the North Shore of Long Island, we retired to coastal South Carolina in 2009 without a plan, not knowing a soul in town. Never big on planning for the future, we are … Read more>>
By Marina Stock This is my second weight loss journey. Twenty years ago I lost more than 100 pounds in 13 months with a slimming club. I even won an award! I also started running, beginning with the Race for Life, a 5K run, and working up to the Cardiff Marathon (42K). I stopped running … Read more>>