Read below the story of Laura, a young Belgian patient with asthma. She tells about her daily challenges and aspiration for life and as a new member of the EPF Youth Group.
Hello! I am Laura, I am 18 years old and I live in Belgium.
I was only two years old when doctors diagnosed me with ‘asthma’. From then on it has been a rough few years: I had to grow up so fast I could not really enjoy my childhood.
Living with asthma taught several lessons. I learned that relationships with doctors can be difficult; that sometimes you have to prove how ill you really are. But the most important thing I learned is that you should never ever doubt yourself and always listen to your body.
For almost my whole life, I have been Laura the one with severe asthma, Laura the patient… but never just ‘Laura’ until now.
Sometimes I try to forget that I have asthma because I want to be “Laura” and live like a ‘normal’ 18 years old. As I am stronger than my condition, I spend my days hanging out with friends, going to concerts on my own, going to school and being active in politics. Before, “Laura the patient” could not do all those things, so now I am enjoying life as hard as I can.
I joined the EPF Youth Group because there are many things that need to change in the health system, and – with EPF Youth Group – I can help to make a change.
Right now that is my goal in life, I want to prevent people from having the same bad experience as I had. I already had my first meeting with the Youth Group in Utrecht. I was kind of scared because I’m a shy person. But my first impression of the group was good, everyone was really kind and welcoming. I hope, together we will make the Youth Group more and more visible and hopefully we can make a few changes in the health system!
Contact person:
Valentina Strammiello, Youth Group Coordinator.
