“Aletha Meyer Pinnow, 31 … died from depression and suicide on Feb. 20, 2016.” So begins the obituary that Eleni Pinnow penned about her sister for the Duluth (Minn.) News Tribune. The candid obit went viral and struck a chord with countless readers – in the mental health community and beyond – so Eleni followed… Continue reading “I think there needs to be a national-level dialogue about it”: Eleni Pinnow on depression, suicide and her sister’s story
Member Chris finds the uplifting side of type 1 diabetes
“I am the only 7-fingered diabetic record-holding powerlifter and motivational speaker you know!” Chris (ChrisRuden) says in his profile. He was born with two fingers on his left hand and a shorter left arm. He was bullied in high school, and he struggled with depression, alcohol and drug use. Chris was diagnosed with diabetes at… Continue reading Member Chris finds the uplifting side of type 1 diabetes
Meet Christopher – “PTSD is not just soldiers whining and complaining about struggles in life”
Say hello to Christopher (ChrisBC), a father, musician and Purple Heart recipient living with PTSD and bipolar disorder. We recently caught up with him to hear about how PTSD affected his marriage and how his diagnosis pushed him get the help he needed and connect with his feelings. Keep reading to learn how he copes… Continue reading Meet Christopher – “PTSD is not just soldiers whining and complaining about struggles in life”
Patients at work: Member Nancy on being her own boss
We recently launched a blog series about patients who’ve started (or are gearing up to launch) their own businesses, sparking a discussion around how to manage your health without giving up on your career goals. Say hello to Nancy (@spicerna), who sat down with us to discuss how she finds a balance between living with… Continue reading Patients at work: Member Nancy on being her own boss
Member JoeSixPack shares his experience with diabetes
Say hello to Peter (JoeSixPack), a father of three and member of the diabetes community. He was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1998 when he was 34 years old. In a recent interview, he told us about his life-long struggle with his weight, managing treatment, and how he found the motivation to lose… Continue reading Member JoeSixPack shares his experience with diabetes
Member Susan shares about life with type 2 diabetes
Meet Susan (sugarpolicewoman) from Montgomery, Alabama. She loves birds, flowers and kittens and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes over 40 years ago. Check out her story to learn more about how she manages her condition while living in an assisted living facility. Can you tell us a little about yourself? What are your passions?… Continue reading Member Susan shares about life with type 2 diabetes
“Hope makes us strong.” Cathy opens up for National Family Caregivers Month
Are you a caregiver or do you know someone who cares for a loved one? For National Family Caregivers Month, we caught up with Cathy (Catrin), who became a caregiver for her husband after he was diagnosed with bulbar onset ALS in January of 2015. As she learns to manage the dual roles of wife… Continue reading “Hope makes us strong.” Cathy opens up for National Family Caregivers Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month: An interview with member Clare
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and to share some insight into what it’s like to live with this condition, we talked to member Clare (Riverdale). When she was diagnosed with non small-cell lung cancer, her husband was already living with prostate cancer. While supporting each other through chemotherapy and radiation, the couple has made… Continue reading Lung Cancer Awareness Month: An interview with member Clare
In her own words: Letitia shares about her new brain for Epilepsy Awareness Month
Have you met Letitia (Letitia81) from the epilepsy community? Four years ago, her research on PatientsLikeMe led her to the brain surgery that forever changed her life — she’s now seizure-free after three decades. Things are much different now for Letitia, and she’s written all about her before and after in a recent article for… Continue reading In her own words: Letitia shares about her new brain for Epilepsy Awareness Month
Barry shares his story for National Diabetes Month
November is National Diabetes Month, and this year, we caught up with Barry (bjf2000): history lover, grandfather and member of the diabetes community. Below, see what Barry says about his journey to diagnosis (“a flipping mess”), what it’s like to manage multiple conditions and becoming his own advocate. Tell us a little about yourself. What… Continue reading Barry shares his story for National Diabetes Month