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To My Friend Struggling With an Illness: You Are Still Loved

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I’ve never really been the type to idly stand by when someone was in need of help. I value being a good friend to others.

I have a close friend who has a chronic illness. She is genuinely one of the sweetest, most amazing people I know. Recently, she revealed to me how tough it was for her to tell people, even her closest friends, that she was diagnosed with an illness that could kill her in a matter of years.

She said to me, “What if they see me differently? I’m not the same fun, outgoing, flirty girl they know. Now I’m the ‘freak’ with a disease.”

So, I told her, “You are not your illness. It does not define you. You’re one of the best people I’ve ever met. I’m so blessed to have you as a friend, you’re the same to me as any of my other friends that aren’t fighting the same battle as you. You have the power to lead a beautiful life. You’re wonderful in so many ways, please don’t forget it.”

And I still make sure that she never forgets it.

If you know someone with a chronic illness, let them know that they are loved. They, too, are people.

Check up on them, make sure they’re feeling OK. Love them unconditionally, let them know they’re special.

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Thinkstock Image By: oneinchpunch

Originally published: March 31, 2017
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