Shilekka's Story

"Now palliative care is here, I feel like I can breathe a little bit."

Shilekka's Diagnosis: Shilekka, a 37-year-old mother of three with Lupus and Scleroderma, also known as Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder

Shilekka's Palliative Care Story: For years, Shilekka lived with constant, severe pain. Despite visiting many doctors, her pain was often dismissed, leaving her physically and emotionally exhausted.

Everything changed when her rheumatologist referred her to palliative care. The team took her pain seriously, offered meaningful support, and helped manage her symptoms. For the first time, she felt heard and cared for.

While her health challenges remained complex, palliative care improved her quality of life, made it possible for her to function and care for her children, and helped her regain a sense of hope.