It has taken me 331 days and 150 physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions to muster up the courage to share my story. But I have decided to do this for three reasons: I want to raise awareness for others facing similar challenges; to mark my readiness to move forward and leave this chapter behind; and to always remind myself and others, that no matter how driven we are professionally, without good health, all else loses its significance.

They say that the human spirit is resilient, but I never truly understood the depth of that statement until I embarked on a journey that would test every fiber of my being.

Although this past year has been a whirlwind of challenges, it has transformed me into someone I admire – a person who prioritises health, practises empathy, and advocates for a world that accommodates every individual's unique needs.

 Today, I stand before you, a survivor, an advocate, and a beacon of hope for anyone navigating the uncharted waters of autoimmune conditions. By sharing my story, I hope to ignite a spark of understanding and empathy, encouraging us all to be kinder and more considerate towards others, because you never truly know what their stories are.