FUMS 095 - The Patient Movement Rises UP with Terry Wilcox

FUMS: Giving Multiple Sclerosis The Finger

It used to be the case that, if you were a person who had a chronic condition or a disability, you didn't have much of a voice. In fact, the idea that the patient was any kind of expert in their own health was just unthinkable! But with the rise of social media and patient advocacy, we are no longer satisfied with being the person to whom healthcare just happens.

We all know that the struggle is real, and seemingly endless. But my guest today is someone who has dedicated her life to helping patients find their voice and become outspoken advocates for their health care

As the Co-founder and Executive Director of Patients Rising, Terry Wilcox has a track record of building coalitions with patients, caregivers, and medical professionals. She manages all of the day-to-day operations for the organization and is the visionary behind all of Patients Rising's programs, which include education, support, research, and the policy and advocacy work of Patients Rising Now.

There's plenty in my wide-ranging chat with Terry to get you fired-up but there's also a TON of inspiration that you can carry forward into your life that can help you to advocate for yourself and your condition. As Terry says, it's all about building relationships!

Topics covered in this episode include:

• How Terry was first inspired to work in patient advocacy
• The current state of various healthcare bills, including the various bills under discussion in congress
• Why most advocacy groups stay away from talking about pharma or medication prices
• The good news that Terry has seen, and what YOU can do to effect change!
• Why healthcare should be a non-partisan issue
• Information about the various programs available through Patient Rising

Full show notes and resources at https://fumsnow.com/fums095/