Initiatives for women's health “A rolling stone that gathers pace”

100 women came together to share their stories and experiences of resilience amid health challenges. Some of them have cancer or autoimmune diseases, some have experienced infertility or the death of a baby. everyone gathered As part of the Mortal and Strong project. 3 out of 100 women explain what being part of the project means to them.

Mortal and Strong was founded by Dr. Liz Murray, a former emergency physician for over 10 years who lives with lupus and stage 4 endometriosis.

The stories of 100 women will be featured in the exhibition and recorded through various art forms including film, photography and painting.

Dr Murray said working on the Norfolk-based project was both empowering and therapeutic.

“A big part of my life has been helping people and talking to people, and I actually feel like I'm helping now in a different way and on a bigger scale than I used to.” .It's great that something positive is coming out of it.''The struggles I've been through. ”

Since the release of Helen Wilson's podcast episode 'Mortal and Strong', she said she has been able to have more open conversations with her children and family about what it was like to be diagnosed with breast cancer.

“When I heard about it, I really knew I had to get on board with it… At a time when things are looking really dark, by giving someone even a little bit of strength with information and positivity, I hope I can help someone in the slightest.” If you can help, there is always light somewhere. ”

The 51-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in 2015, and was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

“There's so much to be gained from something like this. I think it's give and take. It's a rolling stone that picks up the pace because it's so valuable…to be a part of… I'm excited about it.

“I imagine this will be like an encyclopedia that anyone can read.” [use]. It would have been really nice to go somewhere and get some support. ”

Merrill Tyers Chhabra didn't realize how common breast cancer was until she was diagnosed and underwent treatment.

“I hope this work raises awareness. I hope this work shows confidence and positivity in themselves at this time…I hope that women value themselves and put themselves first. “I hope I can help people think about it,” she said.

The 54-year-old stressed the importance of having a supportive peer network and said being sick is often a “shame”.

“It's not a pity party by any means, but there's communion in the midst of suffering…You're no longer alone or isolated. When you have a friend to talk to about it, a lot of that power and fear is taken away. ”

“The more we do it, the more people understand,” says Joe Weston, who lives with anxiety and postpartum depression.

She said her anxiety was something she “always had,” but the condition manifested itself in different ways.

she said: “I'm sociable. I'm a very positive person. I'm very confident, but I actually still have anxiety, which maybe people who are more sociable or extroverted notice and see all the time.” I don't think so.” ”

The 34-year-old hopes the project will address issues that were once considered taboo.

“It's been really important to me over the last few years to talk about maternal mental health in particular and all the issues that affect mothers and women,” she said.

“Anything that gets people talking more [about things] It used to be taboo, but now it's less taboo, so it's important. ”