Migraine Takes. But It Also Gives Sometimes.
My eyes were full of tears so many times in June for different reasons. Sometimes because of my own pain, but more often due to the stories of others that I have had the privileged to know. I’ve seen the despair of a life with migraine disease, robbing those of the future they had envisioned. Lost with what to do next. I got messages from many who were preparing to enter the hospital, full of questions and anxiety over the unknown. Upon hearing of a suicide in the cluster community, I felt utter despair for the family and a sense my own powerlessness.
Migraine takes.
I also saw people connect in different ways in the name of migraine awareness. My Facebook feed was inundated with people (and dogs) wearing #shadesformigraine or #haturdayforheadaches. I watched the brightest minds in headache medicine present their research, making me hopeful for the future. I saw the eyes of medical students widen with new compassion after hearing the personal of accounts of those living with chronic pain conditions. I connected with new organizations dedicated to fighting for migraine. I got to share the stories of others who fight every day to live a fulfilled life. I had the chance to meet more of my online family in person, which is such a special treat! And I connected with old friends, choosing to laugh at how ridiculously similar our migraine lives are.
Migraine takes. But it also gives sometimes.
Dr. Peter Goadsby, Chair of the American Headache Society.
AHMA Patient Conference
Dr. Rick Godley of the Association of Migraine Disorders with me and my man.
My Dad and I got a chance to speak to med students at Johns Hopkins.
The INvisible Project : Migraine Edition Launches
Dr. William Young and I at the Mad Hatter Party, wearing nautical themed hats.
Shaina Smith of the US Pain Foundation
Emily Lemiska, of US Pain, and I enjoying the glowing swings in Boston.
Why I’ve Come to Capitol Hill
Yesterday, I attended the 10th Annual Headache on the Hill. Organized by the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (http://allianceforheadacheadvocacy.org/headache-on-the-hill), over 100 patients, doctors and caregivers descended upon Capitol Hill to lobby for migraine research. We met with the offices of Senators and Congressman throughout the day to show how incredibly underfunded this disease is compared…
Photo Friday: Wisdom of Crowds
I took this photo in 2015 at the offices of Health Union, the parent company of Migraine.com. I was, and still am, intrigued by the artwork of the brain made up by hands. The artwork was created with chalk on a blackboard, with incredible detail and precision. The hands represent working together, which beautifully depicts…
Advocate on the Loose!
I’m on a plane home to LA reflecting on the last three weeks I spent on the east coast. Several opportunities came my way and of course it all happened at the same time! I am grateful I was asked to be part of events focused on community building, advocacy, education and collaboration.