My name is Tess, I live in England and was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension in 2008. Ever since social media became a engaging platform for being able to raise awareness for my condition, I have made sure that is exactly what I do. I am also the Ambassador for the PH charity, PHA UK and will be speaking and representing them at conferences in other countries.
I decided to take on this project as another form of raising awareness for PH and tackle the issue of it being an invisible illness. I raise awareness in many ways through my Youtube Vlog, PHighter Tess, where I release a weekly video on PH every Wednesday, my Facebook Page, Tess & PH, my Twitter, @maritess_mt and my Instagram @phightertess. I also have my own blog, No Cure Always Hope and I am very please and surprised at how many people engage in my online campaigns and how far they reach people across the world. I am hoping that this awareness project will be the same.
I was 17 years old when my life came crashing down and I got my diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension, but I was determined that PH was not going to hold me back. After many months in The Royal Brompton Hospital, I continued my studies whilst in there and came out in time for my A levels. I was determined that even though I had this incurable and life threatening condition, I was still going to follow my dreams and go to University.
That is exactly what I did and I went and studied for a BA Music degree at the University of Southampton. I had an amazing time and there were times were I became very ill and it was touch and go, due to the stress and if I was going to graduate, but in 2012, I graduated with a degree in Music! I returned home and opened up my own music teaching business, which worked all with hospital visits and I could choose my working hours and not "over do it."
2 years later, PH was still not stopping me and I had a career change. Music has always been a very important part of my life and helped me through the good and bad times of my health. I sit and play the piano for hours on end until I start feeling better. I realised how much music helps me in day to day life and I applied to Anglia Ruskin University to become a Music Therapist. This was a 2 year course and it was amazing that I had found a career where I could use my passion of music to help those who were sick. I graduated with a Masters Degree in Music Therapy in 2016.
I was extremely lucky and also met my now husband in the latter part of 2014 and he has been extremely supportive with my health condition. Yes it is very worrying for him at times, but he takes it in his stride and I am very fortunate to have met and married someone who loves and takes me for who I am. We settled down and married in April 2017 and live with our gorgeous dog, Izzy.
Lastly, my family and friends are the rocks behind my life. I sadly lost my Dad in 2014, but everyone continued to rally around me and I know my Dad would be extremely proud of what I continue to achieve in my life despite PH. I am very close to my Mum and she has supported in every part of my life and even walked me down the aisle on my Wedding Day.
There may be no cure for Pulmonary Hypertension, but I sure am determined to live life to the full and make sure that I raise as much awareness for PH as I can. Please email phighters@hotmail.com to be a part of this project, I would love to hear from you!
No comments:
Post a Comment