Surviving and Thriving
— Paris Dancy

One thing from my childhood that sticks out to me were Saturday mornings. If I wasn’t playing ball, then I was helping my parents do yardwork. My mother had an area on the side of our home where she had different plants. After my brother and I finished cutting the…

In one of the Cushing’s disease support groups I belong to, I recently saw a question about what to expect during transsphenoidal surgery and the Gamma Knife procedure, two procedures used to remove or treat tumors. It just so happens that I have experienced both. If you are…

For the past 13 years, the superhero genre has taken over cinema and given us some of the best experiences at the movies. I am a huge fan of superhero movies. This got me thinking about the criteria for being a superhero and whether it is the same for being…

First, let me start by saying depression sucks. There is nothing fun, likable, or enjoyable about it. Depression is an illness no one is immune to. It can be very easy to fall into, and even more difficult to get out of without the right help. Depression can be…

Fear is one of the most paralyzing feelings we can encounter. It forces us to make certain decisions, whether we want to or not. It feeds on our emotions, hoping we will crumble. There are many reasons why someone might be experiencing fear, but for me, it was prompted…

The work I do in the field of mental health is unique and rewarding. Every day, I get to speak with people. Sometimes the conversations are good, and sometimes they are a learning experience. I have noticed that everyone has one thing in common, regardless of their education, socioeconomic status,…

Living with and understanding an illness can be difficult. The last thing people with health issues need is for their daily interactions to also be difficult. It’s impossible to know what everyone is going through, so I don’t expect others to know everything about my journey with Cushing’s disease.

Dear Paris, Nineteen years from now, life for you will be very different. I know that at this point in your life, you can’t possibly imagine how different it will be. The challenges ahead will completely change your views, your perspective about life, and your decision-making process. As you read…

There is an ongoing debate regarding alternative versus modern medicine. Both of these branches of medicine have evolved due to technological advancements. People are also choosing to educate themselves with more readily available information. Due to my past struggles with Cushing’s disease and the other issues that resulted…

Former NFL player Eric Berry is one of the most decorated athletes of all time, both in amateur and professional competition. The All-Pro safety was named Associated Press NFL Comeback Player of the Year and was a member of the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team. All of these accomplishments are…

My wife has worked in the healthcare industry for 16 years. She started as a caregiver and is now in an administrative position at a major hospital. Although the description of her job duties has changed along the way, she has always remained a caregiver, not only for her clients…

The medical drama “The Resident” is one of my favorite TV shows. It centers around a group of doctors navigating the business side of healthcare, advocating for their patients, and managing their own personal issues. Without giving away too much, one part of the show that really stands out to…