Surviving and Thriving – a Column by Paris Dancy

Last February, my wife and I were out walking our dogs. On the way back I stepped on some uneven concrete and severely injured my ankle and foot. For the next two weeks, I had a noticeable limp and decided I should probably get some X-rays, just in case. As…

Michael Corleone is a central figure in “The Godfather” film trilogy, played by Al Pacino. In the third film of the series, he refers to a life of crime when he declares, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” So what does this have to…

March Madness is the time of year for sports fans and nonsports fans to get together and watch the magic take place. Pools are created at work, some with small, friendly wagers and others with a more hefty prize for the winner. As for the basketball tournament itself, this is…

There came a time on this journey with Cushing’s disease when I became exhausted both mentally and physically. Yes, I was tired of having to deal with the symptoms, but I’m talking about constantly going to doctors’ appointments, getting MRIs (with the dye contrast), and having bloodwork…

Surviving a life-threatening event or other trauma can create guilt, even when others who’ve been through similar trauma may not have the same result. This condition is known as survivor’s guilt, and it’s an important mental health concern. A question related to this from an audience member during a…

Last week during a panel discussion, fellow columnist Claire Richmond, who writes for Porphyria News, talked about the effects of medical post-traumatic stress disorder. It took me some time, but I eventually realized that it was something I had suffered from, too. After reflecting on my own journey,…

An advocate’s most important characteristics are authenticity and transparency. When we share our stories with others, it’s important to tell the entire story, not just the best parts. Journeys are not always beautiful. They can be dark, nasty, and ugly, but if you can persevere, rewards await you. Never lose…

I met my wife 15 years ago. At the time, I was just starting a career, I was active and regularly worked out, and I had a nice physique. My confidence was high. Then, in my early 30s, my wife started to question whether I was still attracted to her.

Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate Carl Brashear‘s name is synonymous with resilience and determination. Brashear, who became the first Black master diver in the U.S. Navy, had to deal with pervasive racism from Navy colleagues. Additionally, in 1966, he suffered an injury that resulted in the amputation of his leg.

Last weekend, I watched three really good movies: “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “A Journal For Jordan,” and “Avengers: Endgame.” They had great directing, acting, and life lessons, and each conveyed major themes about choice and time. On Nov. 9, 2015, I underwent transsphenoidal surgery that lasted about five hours.