My brother took time to answer a few questions for me on how my illness impacts him. I’m really close to both of my brothers and it was very interesting to hear Nabeel’s perspective. I always feel bad because a lot of the focus in the family is on me, but I’m glad to know that my brothers don’t resent or complain about anything. I’m very lucky. I love you Nabeel!!! Thanks so much!
Siblings are the people we practice on, the people who teach us about fairness and cooperation and kindness and caring—quite often the hard way. ~Pamela Dugdale
~Nadia
QUESTION: HOW DOES YOUR ILLNESS IMPACT YOUR FAMILY? SHARE WHAT WAYS THAT YOUR ILLNESS HAS CHANGED THOSE AROUND YOU.
My third video in my series of family perspectives is the viewpoint of my boyfriend, Raza. When I met Raza, I was 2 weeks post take-down surgery of my ileostomy to open my J-pouch. He asked me what was an ileostomy and about my surgery, and my first response with mild annoyance was to tell him to Google it. I wasn’t in a place to even think about having a relationship, besides the fact that I assumed he would disappear once he realized what I had gone through, but he didn’t. Instead, he came back full of questions but with kindness and understanding that was unexpected. Raza shares everything with me now. Nearly 15 months later he has been on this journey with me through all the ups and downs of this last year. At present, we are separated by distance which poses a different challenge to our relationship, but through all, we stay strong and our love continues to grow. I find a lot of my strength in Raza. When I am weak, he is strong for me. He takes good care even though he is at such a distance. I’m very fortunate to have someone in my life like him. Someone who is as compassionate, loving, and accepting as he is. I love him and always will. Having someone in your life when you are going through serious illness makes the journey a little less difficult. You, Raza, make this journey easier.
“Love is always bestowed as a gift-freely, willingly, and without expectation. We don’t love to be loved; we love to love.” ~Leo Buscaglia
~Nadia
Part One
Part Two
QUESTION: DO YOU HAVE SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE WHO MAKES THIS DIFFICULT JOURNEY A LITTLE EASIER TO HANDLE? SHARE YOUR COMMENTS HERE!
My second video about family perspective with my mom touches more on the emotional impact that this has on my family. We also talk about how our relationship has changed while dealing with illness. I participated in this video with my mom to make it more interactive. My mom has been by my side through every single step during this struggle. In 2009 I had to be at doctor appointments, infusions, hospitalizations, and other medical related appointments equalling a total of 81 times. During the year each of those appointments it was my mom and I tackling them together. Doctors have the knowledge to be able to help me as their patient, but my mom helps me in so many ways. She is the driving force behind every step we take. This video shows how close we are. I love you very much mom! Thanks so much!
“Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.” -Marion C. Garretty
This starts a series of videos that I am posting to share the perspectives of other family members and those close to a loved one who suffers from a chronic illness. This interview was conducted at my Daddy’s portrait studio. This is my dad, Fuad. He talks about the struggles that he has during my struggle with Crohn’s Colitis. My daddy is a small business owner and is often left alone to run the show while my mom does all the running and care of me for my illness. This is a candid interview as my daddy talks about insurance companies, trying to make money in a dipped economy, frustration with my illness, and how it impacted our whole family dynamic. This is a two part video. Thanks Daddy for doing this for me! I love you very much!
The questions I asked daddy are:
1. When you found out Nadia was sick, what went through your mind? What were your feelings as you began to see Nadia’s disease progress?
2. How has this illness affected your family, your lifestyle and you financially?
3. How is Healthcare compared between USA and abroad?
4. What is your relationship with your daughter as she endures all this?
5. What is your support system? Family and Friends?
“I love my father as the stars – he’s a bright shining example and a happy twinkling in my heart.” ~Adabella Radici
Many of us have ostomies only temporarily. And many people around the world are in need of supplies. So if you have any extra unused, new, and clean supplies, send them our way!
We are collecting supplies to send to Haiti with a medical team!
Current progress:
1114 bags and flanges
2108 medical supplies
