Held Together by What We’ve Survived

Every scar tells a story worth sharing. Life and advocacy really is like a rubber band ball.

Each band is something you’ve lived through.Some are light good days, small wins, laughter that helps you breathe again.Others are heavy, the kind that stretch you so far you’re not sure you’ll bounce back.But together they form something solid. Something that holds.

That’s how advocacy works too.One story might not seem like much on its own.But when enough of us show up real, raw, and honest. we build something that can’t be ignored.

I’ve lived it.From hospice to healing, every rubber band mattered.Even the ones I wanted to forget!

Every one of those moments big and small—taught me something.Not just about survival, but about speaking up, about being seen, about using my voice even when it shook.

I’ve lived it.From hospice to healing, every rubber band mattered.Even the ones I wanted to forget.

And the wild thing is what stretched me nearly to the breaking point…is also what taught me how to bounce back.

What I’ve learned is this:You’re already more of an advocate than you think.

Here’s what advocacy can look like:

🔹 Speaking up at your doctor’s visit—asking questions or saying, “That doesn’t feel right.”

🔹 Sharing your story—with a friend, on social media, or in a support group.

🔹 Helping someone else through what you’ve lived—being a shoulder, a resource, a witness.

🔹 Giving honest feedback—to the hospital, researchers, or anyone who’s willing to listen.

🔹 Raising awareness—talking openly about symptoms, care gaps, and the things we wish we knew sooner.

You don’t need to be “finished healing” or have it all figured out.

If this stirred something in you—if your heart said, “That’s me”, please reach out. I’ll walk with you. I’ll help you find your voice.Because your story could be the one that helps someone else keep going.

❤️‍🩹 I'm here. Reach out when you're ready.

#PatientVoice #RealAdvocacy #HospiceSurvivor #SelfAdvocacy #StoryPower #YouMatter #Heart2HeartTalk