Albany, GA

A volunteer mission spreading awareness and comfort

1. What’s your name?
   Brenda

2. Where are you from? 
   Albany, GA

3. How are you connected to ITP?
   I was diagnosed with ITP almost 27 years ago

4. How/Why did you get involved with PDSA?
   Why do you choose to stay involved? I found the PDSA after researching support groups for ITP. I knew no one else with the disorder and I wanted to find people who understood what I was going through. I choose to stay involved to build relationships with other patients and to continue learning everything I can about the disorder, as well as information regarding treatments and new medicines on the horizon. Just to be a part of such a caring and supportive organization brings me great comfort as I navigate living a productive life with ITP.

5. What is your favorite part about volunteering for PDSA and spreading ITP Awareness?
   I enjoy meeting new people and sharing my journey.  Ultimately, it’s about learning and growing with others who understand the struggles, the setbacks and the disappointments, along with the wonderful feeling of getting a great report.  I like to spread awareness because so many people have never even heard of ITP. When I share my story, they are amazed and most times will say, I don’t look like I have a rare disorder. I enjoy the opportunity to always explain and spread awareness. During ITP Awareness month in September, I share my story on my social media pages for continued awareness with my family and friends.

6. How has PDSA impacted your healthy journey?
   The PDSA has impacted my journey by advocating for the health of all ITP warriors. The valuable resources they provide are always informative and timely. The information and updates they bring to the forefront on the PDSA website, The Platelet News magazine and the monthly PDSA e-news are provided in a concise manner and are easy to grasp and understand. In addition, the staff at the PDSA are very knowledgeable and always willing to help patients navigate this journey with ITP. Their genuine concern for us shines brightly!

7. What do you do for school/work?
   After working for the federal government for over 34 years, I am now in the retirement phase of my life, but I’ve chosen to Tutor Math part-time because there is a great need in my community.

8. Share something unique about you and/or one of your favorite hobbies.
   One of my goals this year was to learn how to crochet. I have started taking online “do it yourself” training, as well as an online and in person classes. I hope to continue with my efforts and have a project completed this summer. For me, crocheting is relaxing and calming, which is recommended when living with a chronic illness.

9. What can you be found doing on the weekends? 
   I’m usually involved with my family, church and sorority activities on the weekend, which may include shopping trips, singing in the choir and participating in community service. When I don’t have anything scheduled, I enjoy catching up on my rest!

10. What is one thing you’d share with a newly diagnosed patient? 
    After the dust settles of this startling diagnosis, I would recommend patients learn all they can about ITP, seek out a doctor who is an ITP expert, and connect with the PDSA for the many resources they provide. It would also be advantageous to find a fellow ITP warrior or someone you can communicate with who understands what you are going through.

    I would tell them: “You are a warrior and this ITP battle is one more challenge you will overcome!”