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Do you Inspire?

9/5/2018

1 Comment

 
Recently I attended a healthcare meeting in my area. 
I was asked to share my story as a survivor of cancer and stage 4 liver disease.  It wasn’t a difficult thing to do- I’ve told my story several times- what was difficult for me were all the comments after. I’ve never been someone who accepted compliments well.

You’re such an inspiration!
You’re so strong.  You are a warrior!
I wish my patients were advocates too!
 
I’m I really an inspiration?  I work with and support cancer patients who’ve been fighting to live for years longer than me.  I don’t necessarily feel strong or warrior-like.  I’ll admit the uncertainty of my disease has gotten the best of me from time to time.  And self-advocacy – even for a 15 yr lung cancer advocate- did NOT come easy when it came to advocating for myself with my own disease.  Those first 6 months I was lost in the medical system and had no idea what I was doing.  Living with chronic or late stage disease is a process that you are forced to get used to and every experience is different.
So, I just smiled and thanked everyone.   Later at home I thought about all the things that would make a person an inspiration, strong, and empowered.

I don’t think someone is an inspiration simply because they survived a disease. If you were a passive patient who survived thanks to your medical treatment and team- well- you’re just lucky. Count your blessings every day!
Someone who takes their experience and survivorhood and informs, supports and/or empowers others- is an inspiration and inspires others.

If you went to every scheduled doctor’s appointment, test, treatment and scan- following your healthcare providers plan for you- you’re not necessarily a “strong” person.  If you did all of those things while caring for children, holding down a job, supporting others or against some other sort of personal adversity- you are indeed a pillar of strength.
A patient who complains about situations and exhibits anger towards others- isn’t an advocate.  It’s the patient who identifies unmet needs and works towards meeting them.  The squeaky wheel may draw some attention but you still need to drive that car over the finish line.
​
Inspire.
Strength.
Advocate.
 
Do you have the strength to inspire and advocate for others?
​
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1 Comment
Robert Carter link
10/13/2022 12:02:38 pm

Sell model would far you member. Reveal box many attention side. I voice admit adult system pressure short international.

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    Katie Brown
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