That's when the aha-moment came.
Yes, I am shaving my head bald for my own surgery, but I was inspired to do something good as I remove my hair in its entirety. After much reflection and discussion with several close friends, I realized that I wanted to do something more than just a one-off donation. I wanted to establish a FUND. (i'm ambitious, i know).
What fund?
I would like to set up a fund for marginalized people who are diagnosed with longterm illness so that they can seek psychological assistance, to learn to cope with their illness. I've also identified several mental health professionals who are keen to give discounted rates to these individuals as well.
Why?
This has been my personal journey. I've been diagnosed with TWO neurological conditions at two different times - one which is permanent in 2011 (Multifocal Lacunar Infarcts) and the other, rare and progressive, in 2014 (Moyamoya Disease). I remembered struggling at those times, trying to understand what the diagnoses meant and learning to accept how my diagnoses had been affecting me and how it will affect my future. Honestly, I'm still in the process of understanding and learning.
Apart from having a strong support system, what helped me was my faith as a Christian, and my vocation as a Clinical Psychologist (that includes having close friends who are in the mental health field). These were the times I was privileged to play both roles - as a mental health professional AND a patient.
I realize how important it is to have people to support me psychologically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, physiologically. And with my background as a Clinical Psychologist, there were times when I was able to identify my emotions and my struggles due to my training. I understood and allowed myself to grieve for what I could possibly lose due to my disease. Believe me, it wasn't easy. Being a Clinical Psychologist did not mean that I suffered no pain or grief, but I was able to tap into my training to help me cope better.
Hence, with this personal experience, I would like to share this privilege that I've had.
Wait, please take note!
As I only had my aha-moment a week before surgery (i'm going into the operating theatre on Saturday, 11th), I was unable to formally set up any funds but I am in the midst of straightening it out. I have not even settled on the name of the fund yet, but I have several ideas. I hope to continue this preparation after my first surgery. I want to do this legitimately as my vision is for this fund to continue longterm as well.
I will continue to post updates in my blog in regards to the development of the fund. I will also be collaborating with another person who has helped me cope psychologically and emotionally - we plan to write more articles on how to cope and flourish in the midst of pain.
This is a post she had written based on her own journey with Moyamoya syndrome.
http://www.winifredling.com/2011/10/03/how-to-deal-with-your-diagnosis/
I will continue to post updates in my blog in regards to the development of the fund. I will also be collaborating with another person who has helped me cope psychologically and emotionally - we plan to write more articles on how to cope and flourish in the midst of pain.
This is a post she had written based on her own journey with Moyamoya syndrome.
http://www.winifredling.com/2011/10/03/how-to-deal-with-your-diagnosis/
Today is 10/10/14, it is also World Mental Health Day. I have just shaved my hair today in preparation for my surgery. My shaven head symbolizes my commitment to set up this fund, and I hope my "baldness", my personal journey and vision will also resonate with you and move you, my dear reader, to spread the word around and also to donate generously after the fund is set up, to provide psychological support to others who are also going through the difficult times of having a longterm illness.
Before
After :)
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