I tell everyone.

And if they want to know more I am very happy to tell them what I have recently learned about Myasthenia Gravis and other autoimmune diseases.

My goal in telling people is to help destygmatize the idea that 'my life is over" or that I am "less than" before my diagnosis.

I just want to promote HOPE for anyone who is living through the impact of being diagnosed with a disease.

For me, my diagnosis doesn't mean my life is limited. It means that my life is about to change! I have decided I need to make a commitment to this change; by taking action and by taking personal responsibility for living the best life possible :-)

After my diagnosis in January 2014, I literally went into shock, then denial. Both, my self-identity and self-esteem were really shaken-up.

But, I have finally realized that I am not my diagnosis; it is only a small part of who I am as a whole. :-)