John Latella
After Years of Pain, a Sense of Purpose It started as a spot on his leg. It was 1964, and 22-year-old John Latella was in the Navy serving on a…
After Years of Pain, a Sense of Purpose It started as a spot on his leg. It was 1964, and 22-year-old John Latella was in the Navy serving on a…
From Unfamiliarity to Leadership A 17-year-old boy who doesn’t want to get out of bed in the morning doesn’t usually trigger a lot of parental alarms. But in 2008, Brian…
Finding Strength Through Adaptation Amanda Downs does not want pity because of her condition. She tries not to wallow herself, either. However, she does appreciate offers of support and cooperation…
Fresh Perspective on an Unpredictable Foe Luis Hernandez’s mother not only gave him life—she also saved it. Shortly after her son was diagnosed in 2014 with the autoimmune disease systemic…
A Tumultuous Path In 1993, Grayson Schultz was 5 years old, sitting in a doctor’s room with his mom, when the doctor gave him a terrifying diagnosis. After six months…
Addressing Treatment Inequities for BIPOC after a Difficult Road Several years ago, at 35, Melodie Narain-Blackwell was working in Rockville, Maryland, for a real estate investment trust company. She also…
Finding Peace after Years of not Being Believed Caryna Ozuna’s knees feel like someone is trying to pry them off with a crowbar, her feet like she’s walked on gravel…
Finding Gratitude through Self-Advocacy Kirsten Whitecloud has been battling chronic illness in one form or another for 45 years. Despite that, she calls herself blessed, lucky, and loved. Kirsten was…
Turning Pain and Misdiagnoses into Advocacy Syanne Centeno-Bloom is a woman with intelligence, drive, and disarmingly good looks. At 29, she’s working toward a degree in political science, has contracts…