Reflecting on this Last Year; Turning Challenge into Opportunity
10:00 AM
I began the year submerged in my last semester at Rutgers, taking 23 credits of science classes and an internship. I was determined to graduate on time, despite transferring schools as a junior. This was my biggest feat due to many other variables that happened along the way, but I was able to say that I accomplished a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science/Physiology and Kinesiology from one of the top research universities in the world. Although that load and rigor can get challenging, it taught me the value of true hard work. I can now apply the skills I used to manage this intense schedule to succeed in the hectic PA school when I attend, so there is sometimes a positive within the stress!
In this same semester at Rutgers, I was diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune illness, lupus. This made concentrating on finishing a challenging course load even more difficult, because I really had no idea what was in store for my quality of life or my future. Between all my studying, I was trying my hardest to educate myself on this disease because of the terrifying possibility of it attacking even my vital organs. I was in my worst flare, to where I was in so much pain and had so much inflammation that I couldn't even think clearly enough to know what my next task was in my day. I cried for no reason at all sometimes, and cried in pain, almost every day to my family and my boyfriend feeling like there was no answer to relieve me of this. Amid all of the chaotic researching, I found the blessing in it all, the Lupus Foundation of America. Not only did the LFA provide a huge amount of resources to me to realize the various aspects of the illness that overcame me, but it provided me with an outlet of hope. I almost instantly signed up for the Walk to End Lupus Now NYC (ironically, it was the day before I graduated), because I wanted to feel like I wasn't alone in this. Initially, I just wanted to attend, learn, and be surrounded by others affected. Within a month and a half, I raised $2,730 and was awarded fourth place as a "Power of One Fundraiser" in the entire NYC region. I walked with my family and boyfriend along South Street Seaport and the Battery, the walk truly opened my eyes and changed my life.
From such despair, a passion grew. I have become an advocate for patients living with lupus, wishing to find a cure for myself and my fellow lupies (btw, there's only ONE approved drug for lupus out there and many with terrible/dangerous side effects...not okay!) But I wanted to help others, with any autoimmune illness, to know that they are not alone in this. Even more importantly, I want help and advocate for those that have become so overcome by illness that they cannot help themselves. Being affected by lupus opened up doors for me! I attended the Evening of Hope Gala and listened to inspirational speeches and research proposals that brought me to tears; I connected with Sue and Monica of the foundation's Northeast Region who lead me into the Young Leadership Committee, who have also supported me through my efforts and my disease; I met an entire chronic illness family through social media who work hard to inspire others to live the best life that they can; I participate in #LupusChat on twitter, founded by Tiffany Peterson, which has also helped give me incredible advice for battling lupus and allows me to reach out to others; I plan to attend the Lupus Advocacy Summit on Capitol Hill in Summer of 2017; I became passionate and more educated on natural medicine and nutritional healing; now I began this blog to help others know that no matter what they are going through, there is a bright shining light at the end of the long, long tunnel!
I even landed my first job right out of college, working at the New Jersey Regenerative Institute with some of the most caring, passionate, and brilliant doctors in this new field of alternative medicine. I'm learning and helping conduct research, dealing with patients, and learning the procedures and lab work behind regenerative medicine technology in musculoskeletal conditions. These doctors not only are teaching me unique and priceless knowledge before I become a PA, but they are helping me battle my disease and my chronic knee osteoarthritis. I don't know how much more God could have worked in my favor with that one, but I am forever grateful for this opportunity that came out of my initial hardship.
So, many people could say, "okay...you were diagnosed with a chronic disease that you cannot get rid of, you took an incredibly stressful course load to graduate, and were told you need a total knee replacement, all in one year. That sucks!" If you read this post, you will realize that all of the good, positivity, and opportunity shined much, much brighter than the negative that was experienced this year. Sure, not every day is good for me, but on my bad days I realize the possibilities that are arising from each minute of hardship. It is completely your perspective. You have to have the attitude to come back and fight ten times stronger than you normally would, but good will certainly come to you. 2016 has been a year of bending my path a bit for the unexpected, but all while building stronger relationships and making fun memories with great friends and family. I am so excited to see what 2017 will have in store. As my graduation cap above says...there's a great big beautiful tomorrow!
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2 comments
Brittany ~ truly inspiring!! You're an amazing role model and have a great outlook on life!
ReplyDeleteRena
Another great post Brittany. You are inspiring others which is a great gift. Can't wait to read the next one :)
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