Encouraging Reflection, Education and Empowerment through
Blogging and Motivational Speaking...
Tamiko Francis Garrison
During Illness
Tamiko Francis Garrison
Before Illness
Since it's inception, Self-Advocacy: The Empowered Patient totally focuses on educating, motivating, teaching self-advocacy and empowering individuals dealing with health challenges.
My Story
This picture was taken in November 2013 after three (3) surgeries, a series of tests for transplant listing and three months of dialysis. Based upon the condition of her health and hair, she was advised by my stylist to cut her hair aka "The Big Chop" and start a natural process.
This picture was taken in January 2013 before surgeries and dialysis.
In 2013, Tamiko was diagnsoed with End Stage Renal Failure as the result of a herediatry disease known as Polycystic Kidney Disease. During this time I was encouraged by my doctor and nurses to start the process for peritoneal dialysis. Throughout the year, she endured several surguries, set-backs, losses and triumphants.
As a result of my illness and dealings, she felt the need to share with others what she learned during her ordeal:
-
Research, Research, Research
-
Get 2nd opinions
-
Know your benefits and what's available to you
-
and much more...
My people perish for lack of knowledge Hosea 4:6 (KJV)
Take this opportunity to gain knowledge through her blogs, facebook posting, tweets and motiviational speaking.