Wear Your Voice

By: Amanda Morrissey

In September 2015, I started walking strangely. Just the odd stumble, like I was trying to walk upright on a boat. I went to a doctor who said, after a 5-minute consultation, I had an aftereffect of a virus. I walked out to my car and burst into tears. I knew something was wrong, but if a doctor wasn’t concerned by it, I probably shouldn’t be. So I pushed it away from my mind.

After a few weeks my symptoms had progressed to stumbling around like I was drunk. I also started having bone and joint pain, and a tremor on my right side. I kept feeling exhausted all the time so my husband convinced me to see another doctor. Immediately, she noticed that something was very wrong and thought I had Guillain-Barré syndrome, so I was referred to a neurologist.

By December, my symptoms were so bad I went back to the doctor and she told me to go to the emergency room. What I remember the most was the smell: a mix of bleach and disinfectant. Now when I smell that, I remember that exact moment and how terrified and alone I felt. I had blood tests, a lumbar puncture, and an MRI done, which sounds like your inside a transformer... while it’s transforming.

In January I was diagnosed with Paraneoplastic, which is an autoimmune disease where the body creates an antibody to fight cancer but the antibody gets confused and attacks healthy cells. There are about 30 different types. In my case, I have Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration. The cerebellum handles speech, walking, balance, coordination, fine movement and now, researchers think it also handles emotional response.

When you become chronically ill or disabled it turns your entire life upside down and I fell into a deep depression for three years. Being sick became my main identifier because my days were spent getting chemotherapy or Intravenous immunoglobulin, IVIG, in bed because I couldn’t move. With my diagnosis, it is common to get cancer, so I wasn’t surprised when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I isolated myself from my friends and family because I’m very self-conscious about my symptoms, mainly because I have difficulty with my speech. I slur my words and I’m very monotonous. Also fatigue and tremor makes socializing difficult. On average a healthy person has around 10 usable hours a day, on a good day I have about 3, then it’s like a light gets turned off. 

For three years I struggled and had difficulty coping with my new normal, while I grieved the life I had. I’ve since learned a new way to cope, a healthier way, after therapy, medication, and time. I cope by focusing on something I’m passionate about and which gives me a new purpose. When my husband and I decided to move from the Netherlands to Scotland, because of a looming Brexit, I had to return my government sponsored custom wheelchair and smart drive. So I founded a t-shirts and apparel company called Panda Tees to raise money for an electric wheelchair. My favorite designs, since it’s breast cancer awareness month, is simply called "Boobs." It shows breasts in many forms, from lop sided breast to mastectomy scars. The other is a slogan that says “I’m feeling okay-ish” to normalize feeling okay-ish instead of always putting on a brave face.

"Boobs" Mug sold at Panda Tees

After I reach my personal fundraiser goal, I want to continue on and donate a percentage to Eurordis, a non-profit for rare disease awareness and advocacy, which is a subject that is very close to my heart since I have one. I really want to make a difference in people’s lives, I want to support and empower the chronically ill, POC, LGBTQIA+, anyone with disabilities, women and any groups, who are made to feel like they do not belong, or feel like they aren’t important.

 My advice is wear your voice and make a difference 

Comments

  • Posted by Nora Schell on

    BITCOIN LOST OR STOLEN LOST RECOVERY MASTERS TELLS YOU HOW TO GET IT BACK.

    I was originally introduced to bitcoin by an Instagram acquaintance of mine. The notion appealed to me, so I decided to invest through the website. I made money from investments in the beginning, and I continued to do so until the website vanished. I couldn’t get any money out before the incident, but luckily my friend suggested Lost Recovery Masters. Right on schedule, they helped me receive my entire money back. It was a pleasure to work with them and they did an excellent job. It may seem unbelievable, yet it is exactly what happened. They put a lot of effort into their work, and we were reimbursed. Consult Lost Recovery Masters.

    Learn More: https://lostrecoverymasters.com/
    Whatsapp: +44(7537)-105921
    Email: Support@lostrecoverymasters.com

  • Posted by Charles Sadowski on

    I am writing to express my deepest gratitude to Sam of REFUND POLICI RECOVERY SERVICE team for the incredible support and assistance she provided me during a challenging time. His professionalism, expertise, and unwavering dedication truly made a difference in my life.Eight months ago, I found myself in a state of despair after falling victim to a Bitcoin mining company skam. The loss of my hard-earned savings was not only financially devastating but also emotionally draining. However, thanks to REFUND POLICI RECOVERY SERVICE intervention and relentless efforts, I am thrilled to share that I have successfully recovered a significant portion of the funds that I thought were lost forever.From the moment I reached out to her agency, I was met with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to helping me navigate through the complexities of recovering from financial fravd. His team meticulously investigated the situation, leveraged his expertise in the field, and diligently pursued every available avenue to recover my funds.Beyond his professional competence, what truly sets his agency apart is the genuine care and empathy they demonstrate towards their clients. Throughout the process, I felt supported, informed, and reassured that I was in capable hands. Sam’s dedication to achieving a positive outcome was evident every step of the way, and for that, I am immensely grateful.Thanks to his efforts, I am now able to move forward with renewed confidence and peace of mind. I cannot overstate the impact that REFUND POLICI RECOVERY SERVICE assistance has had on my life, and I will forever be indebted to them for helping me reclaim what was rightfully mine. Thanks to REFUND POLICI RECOVERY SERVICE’s entire team for their exceptional service and unwavering commitment to justice. They have not only restored my faith in humanity but also inspired me to pay it forward and help others who may find themselves in similar situations.With deepest appreciation i share their reaches below
    Wassap : +1 ( 6 5 7 ) 2 6 2 4 4 8 2
    Emeil: R E F U N D P O L I C I (AT) G M A I L (DOT) C O M
    Telegram: REFUNDPOLICI

  • Posted by David Garcia on

    HOW I QUICKLY RECOVERED BACK MY STOLEN FUNDS WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF WALLDRIVE CYBER SECURITY SERVICE.

    It is very important to be vigilant and carry out enough research before investing in crypto. I was among the victims of a huge crypto investment scam that saw me lose all my money. I was depressed and thought of giving up until a family friend of mine introduced me to Walldrive Cyber Security Service. This is a professional and reliable crypto recovery company with many years of experience in the recovery business. Walldrive Cyber Security Service was able to assist with the recovery of my lost crypto after I provided them with enough information about the fake investment company. I will warn future crypto investors to be extra cautious and avoid falling for any crypto scam.  If you need the service of Walldrive Cyber Security Service for the recovery of your crypto, data, or stolen assets, you can reach them via the following information: E-mail: walldriveservice@techie.com or WhattsApp: +44 7961 202493

Leave a comment