Recently I participated in Miles for Migraine walk/run event for the purpose of raising awareness for migraine disease and the importance of funding research in this critical field. This was my first time walking with this awesome group of migraine warriors. Last year the events around the US were only held virtually due to the pandemic, of course.
The morning was windy and chilly, so my husband and I bundled up in layers and soaked in the beauty of the Bushnell Park in Hartford, CT, where we joined our fellow comrades. It was uplifting meeting others and hearing their stories of why they wanted to participate and where they are in their journey living with this disease. Some of the MD headache fellows from my headache clinic gave their time to support our group by walking or running to raise money for research.
I was not feeling particularly well that morning because I have been in a rough patch lately that has been lingering; the migraine monster has been VERY annoying. However, showing up, walking with others, and feeling everyone's enthusiasm was encouraging and empowering. It reminds me we are all on this path together, and when one person is down, hopefully, another one is up to balance the proverbial see-saw of this crazy existence.
I thank all of you who donated to Miles for Migraine this year. I am hoping by raising awareness of this disabling disease more people will learn to participate in open and honest conversations with whom they know and love in order to better understand the real facts about living with this invisible, chronic illness.
I will get you started. These are facts from the American Migraine Foundation:
1) Migraine is not just a headache---a migraine attack includes a headache, but symptoms also include sensitivity to light and/or sound, nausea, depression, temporary loss of sight, visual disturbances, and more.
2) Migraine is a disabling neurological disease. It is an inherited disease. The genes that cause migraine makes the brain react more strongly to certain changes such as reduced sleep, changes in diet, or being dehydrated. According to the WHO, it is in the top 7 most disabling diseases.
3) Together, we can reduce the stigma of migraine. Migraine might be invisible, but the men, women, and children living with this disease every day are not. It is time we all stand up and stand together to bring migraine out of the DARKNESS and into the LIGHT.
Since June is the official migraine and headache awareness month, I will post more about how myself and others navigate this wild and crazy roller coaster ride day in and day out. It is truly by God's grace alone that I can move forward with hope and joy.
