In Our Own Words
People living with severe, chronic NCDs in PEN-Plus countries share their stories
Featured
“Much of my outreach work is focused on diabetes education because it’s important to eradicate the many misunderstandings about the condition. When I get in front of people, the first thing I say is that I’m living with type 1 diabetes. My energy and enthusiasm silence the voices that said I would die. People who live with type 1 diabetes and other severe noncommunicable diseases are no different from anyone else.“
“Becoming a health advocate and sharing my experience with the world has answered the questions that have plagued me since I was diagnosed as a child: Why do I have rheumatic heart disease? Why do I have to depend on medicine? What is the purpose in my life? I have found my purpose in health advocacy.”
“We’re called sickle cell warriors because we’re fighters. Even though we experience excruciating bouts of pain, we can overcome.”
“I fought cancer and won, and now I’m fighting the stigma that people with NCDs are doomed to die, because everyone deserves access to affordable NCD treatment. I hope others who have lived with cancer and other NCDs will feel empowered to share their stories to break down stigma and demand access to treatment for all.“