Every story, every voice:
Whether you’re living with Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD), caring for someone with PRD, or you’re a health professional supporting people with PRD, your story matters.
We understand that sharing your experiences can sometimes trigger strong emotions. It’s important to take care of yourself during this process and you don’t have to share anything you aren’t comfortable sharing. If you find yourself needing support, our services are here for you, as well as organisations who specialise in mental health support. Remember, you are not alone.
Why sharing your story is so important
Sharing your experience plays a crucial role in raising awareness of PRD. By sharing your story, you can help guide others to our support services and resources, inform individuals about their condition, and educate both healthcare professionals and the general public. Your voice can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by PRD.
Examples of how sharing your story can help:
People living with PRD
Sharing your story can provide immense relief to others by letting them know they are not alone with their PRD. Many people who read real-life stories find it a positive and reassuring experience, as it offers them hope and a sense of community.
Healthcare professionals
Real-life examples can better illustrate the challenges of accessing care and treatment of PRD symptoms, and may help develop solutions in healthcare practices. It helps to have a variety of experiences to highlight where care has had a big impact, where there are gaps in services or where changes need to be made.
The general public
Sharing your experience can get people talking, raise awareness, understanding, and reduce the stigma that can be associated with PRD symptoms. Real-life stories can inspire people to fundraise, volunteer, donate and campaign for us. This increases awareness of the condition and helps people living with PRD find out about available support.
You
Sharing your experience can be incredibly validating. By sharing the reality of PRD and its challenges, you can make a real difference to others affected by PRD, those who provide care, and those who can drive change. Telling your story helps you take control of your narrative, turning your experiences into a source of strength and resilience.
Ways we use your story to make a difference
We may use your story, either in whole or in part, for our social media content, campaigns or publications, for example:
- We may feature your real-life story on our website to help others in similar situations feel less isolated and better informed.
- We may share your experience at events to help educate health professionals about PRD.
- We may share your voice in our campaigns and events on social media to increase awareness of of PRD.
- Your experience may feature in our publications such as our leaflets, posters and guides.
Sharing your lived-experience of PRD can also help us to make a case for fundraising.
Examples
“I can’t walk or even stand for any length of time without my bowel becoming very uncomfortable but kayaking is all done sitting down! It provides me with good exercise, fresh air, and a whole new set of friends.”
Willie, living with Pelvic Radiation Disease
“I had no idea that radiotherapy could cause life-changing late-effects like this. Healthcare professionals didn’t seem to understand and I had to do all my own research. I’m so glad I found the PRDA, they actually gave me answers and made me feel like I wasn’t alone.”
Sarah, living with Pelvic Radiation Disease