Advocate($20.00Value)

Description

My hope in writing this book is that by sharing our story, I have given inspiration to both those who are currently in the advocate role and to others who will be in the future. And I can assure you, without a doubt, that there will come a moment in your life when you assume the role of an advocate. It may be unexpected, catching you off guard, but such is the unpredictability of life. This book is meant for you, even if you currently don’t know anyone facing illness or adversity. It is precisely because we tend to overlook the unimaginable, pushing it to the recesses of our minds, that we must acknowledge its existence. It is in these unthinkable moments that we are confronted with sink-or-swim situations, where life and death converge into a disturbing nightmare. My hope is that this book can serve as your guide, your trusted roadmap, enabling you to be prepared for such a time. Its purpose is to empower you with knowledge, insights, and strategies to navigate the treacherous waters when you find yourself in the throes of crisis, advocating for those you hold dear and advocating even for yourself. My intent is to arm you with the roadmap I didn’t have—the tools to face adversity head-on, the ability to stand tall amidst chaos, and the knowledge to make informed decisions in the most challenging of circumstances. Regardless of the current state of your life, I hope this book beckons you to become a prepared and empowered advocate, ready to confront whatever trials may lie ahead. It’s also extremely important for me to note that I am very well aware that not every hospital is ill- equipped; not every doctor is cocky or incompetent; and not every nurse is condescending and rude. I experienced both sides equally—the very best and the very worst—sometimes in the same day! I am now lifelong friends with some of the doctors and nurses who cared for Anthony. Others, I fired and hope to never see again. I am not here to point fingers or play the blame game. Of course, hospitals need to have protocols. And when they follow those protocols, they’re not going to get in any trouble. They are doing what they are “supposed to do.” Sadly, more often than not, they are checking boxes to make sure they are not liable. But everyone is different. One protocol is never going to work for every patient in the same way. That’s where an advocate comes in. I am here to say that doctors and nurses work relentlessly, but no one will be with your loved one 24/7. It doesn’t work that way. No one will know the impacts of the care being given and the options available like someone whose only interest is in their survival. The doctors and nurses simply cannot give 110% to every patient all at once. It is impossible. I am here to say that when you find yourself in the advocate role, you need to be prepared for the fight of your life. One nurse I became close with called what I went through, “Hell.” Another said, “I would say it’s nothing short of a miracle that you did not drop dead. The stress was enough to kill the healthiest person. You are also the most amazing wife and strongest woman I have ever met.”