stories
People all over are fighting the stigma associated with their health condition – and winning. Read their stories – and share yours!
Erik
Erik is a licensed clinical social worker, an avid fisherman, a former professional boxer, and the father of a young son, Tynan. Ty was born with a health condition called Sturge-Weber syndrome, an abnormality of the blood vessels in the brain that can cause seizures and other serious health problems.
James
James’s story begins at age 18 with a new driver’s license. “I thought I was a fairly cool driver but then I managed to turn over a Land Rover, and it blew up,” he says. “I was trapped inside it with four others and they all got out. I was the last one out.
Clarinda
Clarinda was just 15 when a youth worker walked into the YMCA and shot her. Nothing personal, it was just his initiation into a gang. He had to show he was unafraid to use a gun or to go to jail.
Pat
Pat’s health condition is invisible. She has Ménière’s disease (MD) resulting in a progressive hearing loss. Initially it was mild on one side. But by her mid-30s, Pat was profoundly deaf in her left ear – and determined to keep it hidden.
Carolee
Carolee has spina bifida. “It’s the most common neural tube defect,” she says. “It causes me mostly mobility issues. I’m mostly paralyzed. I’ve lived on my own for almost 20 years.