Kim M Advocacy Story Finding Miles for Migraine

Kim M advocacy story is written and told by Kim M. and edited by Miles for Migraine team.  Miles for Migraine’s Advocacy Stories highlights the many different ways that health advocacy shows up as individuals advocate for themselves and others. This project is not limited to migraine and other headache disorders, nor is it limited to individuals that personally experience a health condition.

Kim M Migraine Story

I am one of the 60,000 people who have migraine disease. It started with me when I was a young child. Of course, in those days, headache advocacy was an unknown concept. My “advocacy” consisted of coming home from kindergarten and announcing, “Mommy, my head hurts.” It was as if no one heard me. I ate dinner and usually vomited from the headache and then went to bed. I woke up the next day, went to school, and the cycle would repeat itself.

Over the years, my symptoms changed and were not interfering significantly with my work. In 2015, all of that changed. The debilitating symptoms returned and I needed help. I learned that I needed to advocate for my care. Finally, I told myself I needed to see a neurologist.

Kim M Advocacy Story

I began to participate in Miles for Migraine events and quickly realized that I was not alone with migraine disease. I learned that there is a shortage of headache doctors and headache centers. I raised money for Headache Centers in Miles for Migraine Bergen County Run. I am active on social media and use its platforms to help raise awareness of migraine disease and Miles for Migraine events. I feel more confident advocating for my own care and believe my doctor and I have found a plan that is working.

Tell your Advocacy Story

Do you have an advocacy story to tell like Kim M advocacy story? What is one of the most memorable advocacy experiences in your headache disease journey/daily life? Try to recall a time when you practiced advocacy. Perhaps you shared your story, posted on social media, or attended an advocacy event such as Headache on the Hill or a Miles for Migraine event.

Looking back on that experience, what did you notice? Did you experience a negative moment such as shame, stigma, or a positive moment such as joy, hope, or relief? If there was conflict, did you resolve it or was it a conflict that still affects you today? If the outcome was positive, how did that make you feel? Did the outcome cause you to advocate again for yourself? How has your most memorable story shaped you today? There is no right or wrong way to share your story.

Donate

Are you inspired by these advocacy stories and want to donate to  Miles for Migraine? All or part of your donation may be tax-deductible as a charitable contribution. Please consult with your tax advisor. Funds raised help with our operational costs so that we can continue to produce races and youth camp events. Money raised through donations and race registrations goes directly to medical organizations researching migraine.