“After days of tests, he had lost weight and had bruised heels. I thought it was a death sentence. He didn’t deserve this.”
‘The doctor said he tested positive.’ I stared at my baby’s sleeping form with guilt.’: New mom raises awareness for sickle cell anemia
Body Image Issues Freakin’ Suck, But You Don’t
“Exciting adventures like vacations, poolside hangouts, any night out that begs for you to squeeze into some tight pants or a dress become stress-provoking and unfun. They take what could be your joyful and carefree attitude and turn you into a self-conscious, body-obsessed, judgment-fearing butterball of anxiety.”
‘I thought I looked good, but then I saw a picture of myself.’: Woman shares important reminder ‘you look good when your heart and soul feel good’
“It’s taken 34 years to realize…see yourself through the eyes of the person who snapped the photo of you.”
‘I told myself, ‘If I’m strong enough to make it to the top of Africa’s tallest peak, I’m strong enough to take on another round.’: Woman gives IVF one ‘last shot,’ welcomes miracle baby
“It hit me: the hardest things in life are the most rewarding. After devoting 15 months of my life to a failed IVF cycle, I knew I was strong enough for another round.”
‘I woke up to a burning sensation on my feet. I ripped the blankets off to find them charred and melted.’: Woman battling unexplained seizures thanks art for saving her life
“In a second, it all changed. I ran to the bathroom screaming with my hands over my mouth. I jumped in the tub, turned the cold water on. It felt like acid. The pain was like nothing on this earth. Soon, my left foot started to rot. I was a true zombie. I had no clue who my family was, I didn’t even recognize myself in the mirror.”
‘Off to the edge of the playground, I saw him. A dad walking closely behind his son, never allowing him to get more than a few feet away.’: Mom shares kind reminder for special needs dad
“I saw the son, his mannerisms – the way he walked on his toes, flapped his hands and stimmed. I knew instantly he had autism. He had mannerisms similar to my Gabe. I made my way over to him.”
‘He struggled to breathe. I’d accidentally fed him the wrong chicken fingers. I felt like I poisoned my child.’: Mom of sons with severe food allergies urges ‘be compassionate’
“I remember being so mad. ‘Why should everyone else have to cater to HIS needs? If HE has the problem, it’s not MY problem.’ Then I became a parent.”
‘The world may not be built for disabled people, but we’re aiming to change that.’: Woman shares journey as disabled business owner
“I don’t know any other disabled business owners. I hope making the world more accessible will afford others the opportunities I never had.”
‘I found Aaron chugging a beer like his life depended on it. I left the room sick to my stomach.’: Wife of recovering addict says ‘shame has NO place here’
“I walked in and there was Aaron, sitting quietly with a 6-pack. ‘He’s only had a couple,’ I told myself. I said a silent prayer.”
‘Instead of planning our wedding, my fiancé was called to the ICU at 4 a.m.’: Young woman loses father, fights Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
“I was found cowering, fetal position, in the space between the washer and dryer. My legs, once strong from years of softball, no longer supported my own weight.”