Every year I create a word to help me define how I will order my steps and projects. This year my word was thrive. To me the word means that I will go beyond what is average “good enough” and mundane to flourish as woman, mom, and business owner. I blossomed in my career this year by taking home the 2020 WEGO Health Award for Advocating for Another.
A lifelong dream
This was a tremendous honor for me. In fact, I have always wanted to be nominated for the award, but I just wanted it to happen spontaneously. For the first time, it did. I have raised awareness about Sickle Cell Disease for 10 years. When I first started blogging I wanted to let other parents raising children with sickle cell disease know that they are not alone. Additionally, by helping to make the conversation open to anyone, I wanted to help increase research and funding for causes that affect people living with Sickle Cell Disease.
My life’s mission
My life’s mission is to see people with Sickle Cell Disease and Type One Diabetes have a better quality of life. I want their families to no longer live in fear about tomorrow, but know that their loved ones can have normal lives.
I won because of you
To everyone who voted for me, I appreciate you and I thank you for making one of my dreams come true.
The WEGO Health Award Prize
Winners of the WEGO Health Award receive:
- $500 cash prize to be used towards advocacy efforts or travel
- Compensated WEGO Health 2021 Patient Leader Advisory Board Seat (estimated cash value $1500)
- Opportunity to be featured as a worlds’ top patient expert in HLTH’s patient-centered webinar series.
- Also, winners receive industry exposure opportunities throughout the year
Lastly, winners receive first priority for speaking engagement and industry exposure events throughout 2021.
*Cover image from WegoHealth.com