Notes from the Field: Miles for Migraine, Los Angeles
On Saturday I attended a Miles for Migraine race and gave a speech on behalf of people living with chronic Migraine and other headache disorders. Before the race, Miles for Migraine surprised me with their Warrior Award for patient advocacy!
A huge thank you to M4M and everyone who donated and come out. There’s still time to donate a few bucks if you want to contribute.
The Migraine Thief: Loss and New Life in Advocacy
In case you missed it, below is a copy of my speech:
Despite living with Migraine disease since birth, I thought my life was over when my attacks became chronic and daily at 24 years old.
I’ve lost a lot to Migraine disease, or what we like to call the Migraine Thief. Sometimes it feels like I’ve spent all of my 20s grieving and adapting. relationships, jobs, dreams, countless hours dollars, and energy lost to Migraine.
But I’ve gained something, too.
Last week I was exploring the rain forest of Costa Rica and I was overcome with gratitude and perspective. I realized I’ve gained courage – the courage to board a plane for a new place even though I knew there’d be pain.
I’ve gained community – sharing my story allowed me to create strong bonds with other people impacted by Migraine and headache. Most of all I’ve gained purpose. Advocating with organizations like Miles for Migraine has given me something tangible to show for the hours lost to Migraine.
We are making progress but there is still work to be done.
Thank you, Miles for Migraine, for bringing us out to support and advocate. Thank you to everyone who showed up ad donated. Every dollar counts – we need more research and better treatments for the 1 in 4 households impacted by Migraine.
The next generation deserves less stigma and less disability – too many of us are sidelined. So, from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of 1B worldwide – thank you.