Anna Winiarek

Intro

19 years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disease. During the next 4 years my condition was gradually declining. I felt helpless and I became depressed. Finally, there came time when I was not able to speak, swallow, perform personal care and occasionally I had breathing difficulties. On Easter night in 2005 it became so severe, that I woke up my dad and he called an ambulance. I knew I was dying. I remember the life force gradually leaving my body. I had to use all my strenght and will to remain conscious waiting for the doctors on the ER. It felt like eternity. It was a holiday, limited staff. It was severe and there is no drug or pill that can alieviate the state. Before they were able to do anything I passed out. I traveled far and I didn't want to come back. But I was told that my mission was not done and it'd be a good idea to come back. I woke up on the ICU attached to the ventilator and uncountable amount of IV's, my body was still disabled but I never felt more alive than in that moment. My entire perspective has shifted. I KNEW everything is gonna be alrgiht. Now, 15 years later, I live a normal life, my body recovered - I swim, ride a bike and do yoga; I haven't been to a doctor for the past ten years or gotten any medicine; I moved to another continent looking for the place of my dreams and inspiring others that everything is possible became my life mission.