This project focuses on my desire to help individuals. As a result, I quickly identified what I wanted to do. I decided to work on a guide whose topic is personal and relatable to me: creating a self-advocacy guide for youth and young adults who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness. As I was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure 3 years ago, I was not provided with any information or resources that would help me navigate through this new lifestyle that will stick with me for the rest of my life, which included not understanding how important it is to self-advocate for myself. I created this guide with the hope that others may not have to experience what I did.
I began researching statistics to elevate the scope of the problem. I found shocking, yet unfortunate data that truly illustrated how significant the issue of young adults with chronic illnesses is.
As I gathered statistics and other forms of data, I developed my plan and began interviewing individuals with chronic illnesses to gain additional perspective.
After gathering all the necessary information, I created key messages that I wanted to convey.
Once this was established, I began designing my booklet, ensuring that it provided critical information, resources, example scripts on how to advocate for yourself in certain situations, quotes, and testimonials. These inclusions ensure that young readers have sparks of hope that they are not alone and can advocate for themselves during this critical period of their lives.
To conclude, the final step of printing and distribution will be an ongoing action. I want to have this resource available for any youth or young adult who has or will be going through the unexpected and unforgiving condition that a chronic illness brings. I will actively share this resource with others while making edits to the guide as I learn more and gain feedback from others. I have been able to share this resource with two individuals just at the senior showcase within 30 minutes, so I am excited and inspired to keep this guide alive. If you or anyone you know could benefit from this, feel free to download my guide from this blog or email me at baumertcaleb@gmail.com.