How Allergies Advocacy Has Aligned My Efforts as a Patient Leader

I had no idea how important healthcare would become for me when I first started writing content for a hospital in 2004. Healthcare is not just an industry in which I work. Healthcare is an essential part of my daily life with allergies, anxiety, and an autoimmune condition.

Allergies advocacy has helped align my efforts as I have grown into a patient leader. My path forward has become clearer since I started writing for Allergies.net. Connecting with my target audience and sharing my personal experience are now key endeavors.

Experiences writing for healthcare institutions

I had written for healthcare institutions for over a decade before contributing articles and moderating for Allergies.net. Development communications comprised the majority of what I previously produced. Helping hospitals raise money to advance the care they provide was very rewarding.

Prior to the launch of Allergies.net, I spent 2 years writing clinical articles for the Health Union's various online communities. I found great meaning in providing information for other people like me who also have chronic illnesses. I had the opportunity to write many articles about autoimmune diseases and even some of the initial clinical articles for Allergies.net.

Writing for people with allergies

I was thrilled to receive an invitation to write personal experience articles for Allergies.net in January 2022. I have gained a lot of knowledge about different allergies since my various diagnoses. What I have gone through has also given me great compassion for others with these conditions.

I have shared parts of my health journey with individuals in various places over the years. But I have long felt that I have much more to say. My allergies advocacy has helped me identify and shift to writing specifically for my target audience.

Connecting with others who have allergies

Ghostwriting

A lot of my past writing has been ghostwriting. I have written materials for other individuals. I have also conveyed information on behalf of organizations.

As a ghostwriter, I was rarely able to connect personally with the people to whom I wrote. They didn't know my name. They didn't get to hear my story.

Writing as myself

Allergies.net provides a platform for me to personally connect with my audience. They get to know me, and I get to know them. The people I am writing to can make comments and ask questions that I respond to right there on the page.

Connecting with my target audience is very important to me. I want to do more than just provide information. I want to build relationships and make a lasting difference in people's lives.

My allergies advocacy keeps connection with my target audience at the forefront of what I do. I have a greater understanding of social health and how my messages can help other patients and caregivers. I am getting in touch with people through new and meaningful ways such as online communities and support groups.

Sharing my personal experiences with allergies

My allergies advocacy has helped me realize the value of my personal experience. What I have been through is significant. I gained something unique that other people may find valuable as well.

Sharing what I have come through and what I have learned can help individuals in similar situations along with their families. My words can comfort, educate, and encourage people. Even small details from my healthcare journey can assist others on their journey.

Seeing my path more clearly

I have regarded and advocated for health care for a long time. I am grateful for the treatment I have received as a patient. As a writer, I have been fortunate to also work with many remarkable doctors, nurses, counselors, and other healthcare professionals.

I endeavor to promote health and healing for many more years to come. A primary way I will do this is through my allergies advocacy, which I thoroughly enjoy. This work has helped set me on course to make what may be my greatest contribution to health care yet.