From Fear to Fighter - Brandi Lewis

When I was diagnosed with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and aplastic anemia, my life became a disorganized mess. I received no warnings before the chaos ensued. It felt like I was trying to reach out and grab an issue so I could bring it close to me and resolve it.

Truth moment: I’m stubborn. I’d rather figure out problems by myself than ask for help. But when I was faced with two chronic illnesses, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and aplastic anemia, I had to learn the importance of letting others help me. Once I was diagnosed, caregivers…

I’ll never forget the confusion and fear that began to take over my body when I heard the words “You’ve been diagnosed with PNH,” or paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. It was 2016, and not only was I told I’d have to battle this illness, but I’d also been diagnosed…

When I first heard the term “brain fog,” I was confused about what it meant. After my diagnosis of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and aplastic anemia, brain fog became one of my prevalent symptoms. I didn’t understand the impact it’d eventually have on my health over the…

Planning a trip and traveling somewhere new can be exciting, but also overwhelming. I have to ensure I’ve packed everything, planned a fabulous wardrobe, and tied up any loose ends before my departure. My two chronic illnesses only add to the stress of travel. Being diagnosed with paroxysmal…

In 2016, I received the news that changed the course of my life, words I never thought I’d hear: “You’ve been diagnosed with two chronic illnesses.” Turns out I was battling both aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). My thoughts were filled with confusion and questions about…

In 2019, I gave a TEDx talk on relationships with chronically ill patients, titled “What your sick friends and family really need most from you.” Using the correlation of food, I provided what I hope was a thought-provoking speech on what it means to befriend a sick person. My…

There was a brief period when my parents and I counted how many times I was poked with a needle and how many medications I took each day. On my way to appointments at the hospital, I’d begin looking for a vein for the phlebotomist to draw blood. As…

When you are diagnosed with a chronic illness, no one hands you a manual telling you how you’ll feel. There is no explanation about the emotional journey you will embark upon. In addition to your health challenges, an important part of the battle will be learning how to…

When I heard the words “you’ve been diagnosed with aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria” (PNH), my body quickly began working. My mind, however, stayed in a state of confusion. The sudden, unwanted change in my life affected my mental health. My mind couldn’t keep up with…