Extra, Extra...Read all about it!

For those of you who caught last Tuesday's Jot it Down post, you might be wondering what in the world this crazy chick was talking about. In a silly way, I was blowing off some nervous steam, because I am very much afraid of being on camera or speaking in public. The Daily Oklahoman had chosen to feature my health journey in this week's Sunday edition, so last week I'd jotted down some goofy thoughts about their photo shoot. I was a nervous wreck the whole time. That said, I was blown away by the effort and care that the reporter, Sonya Colberg, was putting into this article. She was not only thorough, but truly concerned about my welfare. In the end, she did a beautiful job getting the word out on eosinophilic esophagitis, and I will remain forever thankful. For those of us who suffer from rare and/or undiagnosed diseases, it can be difficult to get family and friends to listen, or understand. To have a total stranger show so much compassion is a rare and precious thing.

Here is the link to my story.

If I could have only one wish for this article's turn-out, it would be that someone suffering with this "mystery" illness would have a BIG "ah-ha" moment. That it would be the beginning of answers for them. That they would find the help they have so desperately been seeking. This disease is incurable, but there is power and healing in knowledge. The more awareness we have, the more studies will be conducted, and (hopefully) some relief will be in sight.

If you have EoE (or similar health issues), please feel free to friend me on Facebook, or email me at: layla@paytonlink.com.

I may not have answers, but I'm great moral support. ;)

 (See, I'm super friendly, and the sun shines on me. Okay, I have my moments, but let's focus on the positive.)

Cheering you on & checking the fuel gauge,
Layla