Normally, I don't write a blog in our monthly newsletter. However, in recent months, I felt an obligation to share more with you all as the Executive Director and co-founder for AAIDA .
2023 has brought with it significant highs and lows for many individuals across our Nation. We've all been touched at some point with events that have impacted us in a significant way. This could be seen and felt in one suffering with an illness, battling mental health issues, natural disasters, grieving from the death of a loved one, etc. The scenarios are endless of what could impact you or loved ones around you.
I too have dealt with many challenges this year, beginning on January 19th after an accident left me with a rod and 7 screws in my leg. The emergency surgery and four day hospital stay left me with permanent hardware to hold my shattered tibia and fibula together for the +6 months of recovery ahead.
I think of this scenario often, as it still significantly impacts me both physically and mentally. A few weeks ago, I was in Rome after attending a conference and only had one day there. It was always a dream of mine to be able to walk the streets and view the wondrous sights of this ancient and majestic city. I won't bore you with details, but I ended up walking 19 miles in a ten-hour time frame. As I explored and walked, every few hours, I would think of the miracle of modern medicine and the fact that I was able to walk at all, much less so many miles. This positive outcome never would have occurred if I had not asked for and received the help and support from so many of my loved ones during the recovery process (a very challenging task for me on a personal level!!).
Many times, when I speak with patients, healthcare providers and others, they often need something from AAIDA but aren't exactly sure how to ask or share what it is they need. Today, the question I have for you is: How can AAIDA help to serve and support you in a positive, impactful way? Maybe you're a patient, healthcare provider, care giver, etc. What resources do you need or would be most helpful to have?
I encourage and challenge you all to answer these questions and share any of the issues you too may have faced (or currently facing) so we can better assist you along your own journey, just as others have helped me on mine.
