What It Means to be an Advocate
What does it mean to be an advocate? If you asked me that question 6 years ago I would not know what to say. Six years ago I was a cancer-free 5th grade Science/Math teacher whose biggest worry was would my students understand long division and pass the NJ- ASK test . Fast- forward 6 years and I am now a retired educator, a multiple myeloma survivor and a patient advocate. I learned about advocacy a little at a time. First I learned how important it was for me to advocate for myself at doctors visits. This required a lot of practice. I was brought up in an era where the doctor knew best. Patients just followed the doctor's orders. Asking questions and seeking second opinions did not come naturally to me. I thought I would offending my doctor if I did so. Little by little I began to educated myself. That part came easy since I was a teacher. Then I began to speak up at my appointments. I would challenge myself to ask at least one question at each consultation. Gradually I be