True spirit

One thing that I get from conversing with people in health forums on the net is the strength and tenacity of sick people who have been burdened with a disease that they didn't ask for.

Even if they do not feel like it, these people fight against the odds, feeling alone, tired and deflated, many also in pain.  And why do they fight?  They fight because they want to get better.  They fight because they have hope.  They fight because they have true spirit.

One person that is the epitome of true spirit is a lady I met on a CIDP forum called Wendy.  What I feel makes her story so compelling is that about fourteen years ago she tragically lost her first husband following complications of a bone marrow cell transplant  (Similar to a stem cell transplant, just a little more invasive).

One would have thought that this would be enough to put you off for life, but not Wendy.  Tomorrow, Wendy is off to North Western Memorial Hospital to see if she will qualify for her own stem cell transplant in order to reverse the progression of her CIDP, and dare I say it, even "cure" herself.

And why?  Well, only Wendy can answer that for sure, but I believe it is because she is one tough lady that will not give up and will fight her disease until she has either won, or taken her last breath, and she believes that God will protect her and guide her in the right direction.  And on top of it all she is always there to assist or encourage other fellow sufferers.  I can only assume that these are characteristics she carries into all facets of her life.

It is people like Wendy that inspire me, and I truly hope that you find the answers that you are looking for in Chicago.

To all people fighting an illness, remember this.  It is not fair that you have been robbed of your health.  But also remember, you are stronger than you think, and with perseverance you will overcome.

Until next time, stay well:)