Chronic illness is definitely tough most days… However, it can also make you very grateful for what you do have. Since we have to live with it either way, we might as well make the best of it! Personally, having Lyme Disease and living with a PICC line has given me these 5 reasons to be grateful for my chronic illness.
1. IT HAS TAUGHT ME TO BE RESILIENT AGAINST THE SETBACKS THAT LIFE THROWS AT ME ON A DAILY BASIS.
2. IT HAS TAUGHT ME HUMILITY AND COMPASSION FOR OTHERS THAT ARE GOING THROUGH SIMILAR SITUATIONS.
3. IT HAS TAUGHT ME PATIENCE TO GET THE THINGS I WANT.
4. IT HAS GIVEN ME PERSPECTIVE AND GRATEFULNESS FOR THOSE DAYS THAT I FEEL GOOD ENOUGH TO DO SIMPLE THINGS, LIKE GOING FOR A WALK WITH A FRIEND.
5. FINALLY, IT HAS TAUGHT ME THE VALUE OF FRIENDSHIP AND MADE ME REALIZE WHO MY REAL FRIENDS WERE – THE ONES THAT WERE WILLING TO STICK BY ME THROUGH THE WORST DAYS.
Today, my friends at Mighty Well and I decided to each share what we are grateful for, whether in sickness or in health. Comment in the section below to let us know what you are grateful for!
Emily: As someone who took a leap of faith by starting a company out of college while going through treatment for Lyme disease, I am overwhelmed with thanks. Some days have been harder than others, but what keeps me going is the overwhelming support that we have gotten from our friends, family, and patients that we have helped. As I reflect on what I am thankful for, three things come to mind. First, my health and that I am able to undergo treatment. Second, my family and friends, because without them I would be able to pursue my dreams. Finally, all of the people I have met on social media and through Mighty Well who constantly remind me why we do what we do. In 2017, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of patients and we hope you come along for the journey of revolutionizing the way patients see themselves inside and out.
Yousef: Over the last two years, Mighty Well has gone from a single product idea to a VC funded company with a big future ahead of it. We will be able to help many more patients as time goes by and as the company continues to grow. It has given me the chance to change the lives of people that had the setback of being sick while a majority of us go about our lives oblivious to what so many people go through on a daily basis. I see it in my Co-Founders, who I am privileged to know, and it has driven me to work on making Mighty Well a reality while expanding the opportunities and markets we can help. In truth, I am thankful for many things from the company itself to my co-founders and customers, but what I am ultimately thankful for is the opportunity. The chance to give back to the people who silently suffer while those around them are unaware.
Maria: As a friend of a chronically ill patient, claiming to fully comprehend what he or she is going through can be a bit of an overstatement. Being completely honest, it can sometimes be very confusing. Nonetheless, Emily has always been very open with her loved ones and friends, including me, about her feelings and frustrations as a Lyme disease survivor. This has given me a little glimpse of what it means to be chronically ill. This glimpse has been extremely important for me, and I am very thankful for it, for this is what made me recognize that something needed to change. Something needed to change in the way chronically ill patients are diagnosed, and the way they have to deal with their medical conditions, which can so often be lonely and infuriating. I am thankful for all the people that have reached out to me to share a little insight about what they go through, and how we can help, for this is what keeps me going in our daily mission to help patient #LiveMightyWell.
Emma: I am thankful for Mighty Well and the opportunity we have to help people look and feel their best in spite of their battle with chronic illnesses. I have had the opportunity to learn about and speak to some of the most inspiring people out there, people who despite their health constraints wake up every day and decide to make a difference. I am thankful for the space provided to create programs that can give back to the community we serve, and in return become a more socially and environmentally responsible company. I am thankful for the chance of working with some of my favorite people in the U.S., creating lifelong memories from constant traveling, sleepless nights and countless laughs. I am so thankful to be able to #LiveMightyWell.
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