Our friend and colleague Heather has spent her career listening to hundreds of patients and their caregivers share their healthcare journeys. She's listened to horror stories of debilitating symptoms, misdiagnoses, and medical malpractice. She's heard heartwarming stories of patients finding support and lifelong connections within the disease community. She's listened to empowering stories of patients taking control of their healthcare and finding the strength to advocate for their medical needs when it seems no one will listen.

Heather has touched so many lives. For each of these people, Heather has been a warm presence on the other side of the phone; a confidant, a shoulder to cry on, and in some cases, the bearer of exciting invitations. Recently, Heather took the time to share a story of her own; a story of frustration, pain, sacrifice, and resilience. Heather shared how she was inspired by the stories of these incredible people she's connected with, to take control of her own.

With her mom by her side, Heather will embark on a journey of self-advocacy, which will contain the climax and, most hopefully, the resolution to what has been a very long chapter in Heather's story. She and her mom will be far from home and work, residing in a hotel for months through Heather's recovery. If you are like me, and looking for a way to support Heather through her healthcare journey, I'm offering the opportunity to donate funds towards their extended hotel stay. Through the love and support of friends, family, and coworkers, I'm hoping we can meet or even exceed this goal and relieve some of the pressure for Heather and her mom as they walk into this next chapter with incredible courage and strength.

Thank you,

Maddie