My Lifetime of Support In Navigating Chronic Illnesses

For as long as I can remember, my life has been covered with the experiences of those battling chronic illnesses. Sadly, my mom died from type 2 diabetes when I was 19. At the age of 5, I was diagnosed with psoriasis. Today, I am 66. My son, father, husband, and myself are dealing with chronic kidney disease. Please don’t feel sorry for me. We are all living our best lives and never missed a beat.

I have been providing support to others facing health challenges, which has been a defining aspect of my journey and has made me the person I am today.

Being a support person

Being a person of support to others isn't just about offering physical assistance. I have learned to be a source of strength, empathy, and understanding. It's about showing up, day after day, to lend a listening ear, a comforting shoulder, or a helping hand. The struggle never stops.

Living alongside loved ones with chronic illnesses has taught me flexibility. It's taught me to find light in the darkest of times, to keep at it in the face of adversity, and to cherish the moments of joy, no matter how hard it may seem. My father is 90 and I remember him telling me as a child not to cry that I am stronger than I think I am. I didn’t know what that meant at the time, but I get it today.

My role has evolved

As the years have passed, the role of caregiver and supporter has evolved. I've learned the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking out support when needed. But through it all, my commitment to being there for others has remained unwavering. I drive three hours round trip to see my father twice a week. I don’t care how much pain I’m in, I will be there. Just seeing his face light up when he sees me is all I need.

Being a support system to those with chronic illnesses isn't always easy. There are moments of frustration, fear, and exhaustion. But there are also moments of immense love, connection, and growth. We go through a lot with this disease. As I write this, I wonder what I would change in my life. Over the years, I have had plenty of bad days, but my good days outweigh them. I don’t believe I’m here on the Earth to take up space. There is a purpose for my life.

Now, as a woman and a woman of color, I have had plenty of challenges and setbacks. Over the years, I look back on a lifetime spent in service to others with gratitude and humility. We have all witnessed the resilience of the human spirit, community power, and compassion's transformative impact. I am so grateful for Health Union, the parent company of PlaquePsoriasis.com. They have always seen the true me, but most of all they have let my voice be heard.

As I continue on this journey, I am reminded that being a source of support isn't just something I do – it's who I am. And for that, I will always be eternally grateful.

We are all in this together.