We asked some of our contributors on their wish for 2019. They tell us what they gained by sharing their experience and how they are motivated to continue to spread awareness and break stigma.
#YourExperienceMatters
Preeyam Budhia - On sharing the Café ICanFlyy Story
One of the main reasons we run this cafe is because we want to break the stigma that hangs like a cloud over anyone labelled special needs. Cafe ICanFlyy works as a 24x7 awareness tool to share possibilities that become realities when we take a leap of faith to enable the specially able. Every drop in the ocean counts and each new person who learns about the capabilities of special needs individuals is a step towards an inclusive society.
We look forward to more and more people coming to the cafe, having a lovely experience, and spreading the word about the capabilities of special needs individuals.
Sandeep Yadav, Ewing Sarcoma survivor and Patient Navigator
I want to create a platform for more than 1000 survivors for work for cancer patients and survivors. I also want to support them with their education, job and marriage. It’s every patient’s right to get early detection, best treatment, care and support especially for kids with Cancer.
Jyotsna living with Sensiro Neuro Deafness and a mom of a child with Cerebral Palsy
Sharing my experience helped me because I knew I was contributing positivetly and it would help others/ give them hope
I look forward to discovering the joys of stillness and learning something new.
She also talks of being a sandwiched caregiver and dealing with caregiver burnout.
Shrenik Shah - Larynx (Vocal Chords) Cancer Survivor
Sharing my experience helped me in a way that I could do something helpful and useful for the Cancer Community to motivate them.
In 2019 I wish to continue to work toward my mission to reach out to 1 million cancer patients globally using various platforms.
Aditi Verma has Down's Syndrome and runs a cafe in Mumbai
Sharing my experience with everyone helped me a lot, everyone encouraged me and also guided me for my future plan.
In 2019 I want to add at least 2 branches of my Café and add some more items on my menu list.
I want to reach more and more down syndrome people and support or motivate them to live the life full.
I always say to all – “ When I Can DO It, Then Why Can’t You?”
Pranab Basu, a caregiver to his wife who had cancer
I shared my experience because I have a deep feeling and empathy for the cancer patients whose mental power must be boosted. Multifarious stories shared by PatientsEngage motivated me to share my experience gained during my role as a caregiver to my wife and at present counseling the terminal cancer patients at EIPC, Barrackpore,W B.
I believe that in 2019 the awareness mission will extend to reach out to more patients, caregivers, doctors, social workers and the government authorities specially for the poverty-stricken patients.
MHR who has painful ulcers due to Behcet's Syndrome, an auto immune condition
Sharing the experience was cathartic in some ways.
I am in a good place in this journey. Some of my medications are continued. Pains are at a tolerable level though it's winter. And I've managed to complete my PhD.
Hope 2019 keeps the promise that 2018 brought of somewhat lower levels of pain and that I'm able to be more productive.
Leave us a comment on your wish for 2019
