A Rickmansworth resident is speaking out about her experience after being diagnosed with blood cancer.
Following the launch of Blood Cancer UK’s We Know What It Takes campaign, 33-year-old Kate Smith is helping to raise awareness of the condition.
Kate has chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and struggles daily with the unseen effects of her illness.
Speaking about her experience, Kate said: “I don’t look poorly – it makes me feel like a fraud. Like yes, I have this horrible disease, but to the naked eye, you wouldn’t have a clue.”
Kate’s experience began with symptoms she initially dismissed, including weight loss, fatigue and bruising, until a routine check led to a life-altering diagnosis at the age of 30.
She explained: “Having a serious illness that can’t be seen with your eyes is a battle in itself, especially mentally. I generally look quite well and act like my usual self. Yet there is a huge discrepancy in what I look like and what I feel.
“What people don’t see is things like the bone pain, the fatigue, the aches and the nausea. I do my utmost to keep going, to continuously show up as I’m adamant having CML won’t stop me.
“People’s perceptions about blood cancer are small compared to other cancers; until then, I’ll keep talking about it, even when it feels hard.”
Now Kate is backing Blood Cancer UK’s call for greater awareness, aiming to elevate the conversation around blood cancer.
Matthew White, director of engagement at Blood Cancer UK, said: “Kate’s story resonates deeply with many living with blood cancer. People with CML and other blood cancer conditions often feel invisible. That’s why our campaign, We Know What It Takes, is so vital for raising awareness.”
Find out more at www.bloodcancer.org.uk/takes
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