Cystic fibrosis patient Jaymee tells us how she likes to empower women in her everyday life and the advice she would give to other young women who are struggling with medical conditions like CF.
Tell us about your RCH journey.
I started coming to the RCH when I was little, I was born with cystic fibrosis and spent my first few weeks up here. Since then I have grown up routinely coming here for hospital visits which can be 2 week stays and checkups with various doctors.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a day were we can be proud of how far we have come as a society, acknowledging those who have fought hard to make change and path our future. As well as recognising the future generations and how much more we can achieve.
Which women are you inspired by?
My mum inspires me the most. Even when things are tough and going wrong she never complains, rather she tries to make the best of a situation. She always supports and encourages me to do my best and to keep going. Without her support and care there is no way I would be where I am.
What is one of your greatest achievements?
Finishing VCE last year despite missing a large amount of school and still getting into my uni course is one of my proudest achievements. It may not be much for everyone else but for those with a chronic condition it can be hard to manage your health and school at the same time.
What are you hoping one of your next achievements will be?
Personally I just want to get as healthy as possible, live a happy life and allow myself to travel as much as I can.
Academically, I’m hoping to complete my university degree of health science with high enough scores to allow me to get into a Masters of Dietetics.
What are different ways you like to empower women in your everyday life?
Being thankful towards those who have helped me whilst being in hospital. Saying thank you can go a long way some times. As well as being able to help other people who are in need rather than tearing them down.
What would you say to younger women who are struggling with a medical condition like CF?
Learn that you cant do everything on your own and that it’s okay to accept help from others around you. It doesn’t show weakness, it shows strength within yourself, and that you can understand your own body and what it needs.
Accept the disease as hard as it can be, unfortunately its not going to go away and by pretending its not there you only hurt yourself. Don’t worry about what others think because you are your most important person. The only opinion that should matter is your own.