You may be aware that we recruit many of the patients and caregivers in our panel by attending patient events in person. Conferences, educational symposia, walks, events like that. It is incredible to meet the patients. It never ceases to amaze me, seeing people who have truly life-changing health conditions, or those who are the parent or spouse of one with a terrible disease, what great fighting spirit they have. I always think, if I were in their same situation, how would I react?
Of course, when we meet them, they have had some time to react to the diagnosis, I’m not seeing them just after they’ve been told. But still, they come to the events to learn more, to meet others, to do everything they can for themselves, their loved one, or those who come after. We even see those who come to the events who have lost their loved ones, but they believe so strongly in helping others, that they still come to promote the cause.
When I think of this “never say die” attitude, I can’t help but think of the famous words of Winston Churchill, when he inspired the British people, and those of the free world, with his speech that “we shall never surrender.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkTw3_PmKtc