Independence… The Ultimate Gift
By: Sarah Phillips
Tags: Independence, Advocacy, Gifts, Freedom, America

It is this time of year that we celebrate our nation’s independence, and her rich history since the beginning of America’s quest for liberty for all. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is at the core of what this nation stands for; the very mission of countless souls whose lives were lost far too soon. They understood the precious gift of freedom and self determination.

Every year, I can’t help but feel eternally grateful. I live in a nation that has given me every opportunity to invent my own future and pursue my dreams. I am the master of my own destiny. I have the opportunity to be successful, even if all odds are stacked against me. That’s the American dream, isn’t it? Added to this is the fact that I am surrounded by unbelievably supportive and brilliant friends and family who have given me the world, allowing me to live with hope. I know that I am living a life I never thought I would live. Statistically, I was never supposed to have eaten on my own, crawled, walked, gone through mainstream education, graduated from college or most certainly, have a chance to chase after a career at the prestigious Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. I like to believe I am living proof that the American Dream is alive and well.

As these are often the thoughts swirling around in my mind, something else has occurred to me. Those who know me understand how passionate I am about patient advocacy, and my family has witnessed its power too many times to count. More recently, I’ve begun to understand that the same foundational principles we hold so dear as a nation, underscores the mission and focus of individualized patient advocacy.

From the time I was young, I’ve understood the incredible power physicians and other medical providers possess as they interact with their patients. They have the ability to create miracles, and open up doors for their clientele. I’ve witnessed it with my own eyes. Throughout my 23 years, I’ve been surrounded by advocates who have stood in my corner, willing to see me as a person with my own hopes and dreams. They have slowed down enough to genuinely listen, and have helped me to navigate this world. There is little doubt that my medical issues have shaped, in one way or another, every single aspect of my life. I was lucky enough to have many role models who have demonstrated self-advocacy both in and out of the hospital. There have been many times throughout the years where my parents have been forced to advocate for me as a patient and those skills will undoubtedly, stay with me as I grow older. I think it is important that my parents included me in decisions about my treatment from a very early age. Those decisions allow me to better understand how to advocate for myself now as an adult. And, no matter what level of communication is possible, I always find that it is so very important to include the patient in the process. I know that Doctors and nurses who spoke to me instead of my parents gave me far more confidence going forward than those who spoke around me.

With all that being said, the underlying theme remains the same. Getting to know the advocates in my life and witnessing their success inspires me to hope for the best. If you see that people you have come to respect have faith in your own potential, you can carry their faith in you as a shield against negative thoughts. Teachers, Doctors, Nurses, Coordinators, and countless others who have been in my corner help me stay focused on the next miracle. (Also, coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.) More importantly though, the true advocates in my life have worked tirelessly to give me a fighting chance. It is because of their efforts that I get to experience life more fully, and able to embark on my own quest for independence. I get to embark on my own personal adventure, in pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. Because of the level of advocacy with which I have been blessed, I am free to make choices and face the unknown with confidence. After all, that is one of the most precious gifts one can receive; It is the Ultimate Gift.