I’m used to being behind the camera not in front of it. I write the news but I infrequently make it. But, my memoir Misdiagnosed: The Search For Dr. House inspired organizers of Autoimmune Walk NYC to invite me to be the main speaker and lead walkers on a one mile trek.

Despite a terrible cold, I delivered an address which was captured on camera. This material was later turned into an anchor VO Sot Vo which was slated to air on WABC-TV, the station where I’ve worked for years. My co-worker Jay sent a text to let me know exactly what time I’d be able to view it. So, my friend Kiada and I fought sleep to see it. She set an alarm to make sure we’d be awake at 11:49.

Kiada’s alarm sounded a two minute warning. I sat up, turned to channel 7 then I braced myself to hear and see myself on my 42″ screen. Right on time, Sandra Bookman read the copy about the walk then paused for sound from my speech.

I was stunned by my appearance. My face appeared puffy, my waist seemed thick and my hair was wild. The tone of my voice was deeper than usual too. But, I was standing tall. I was smiling and I was confident. I spoke with authority and the message I wanted to share was delivered. I was able to step into the limelight to raise awareness for people struggling with the more than 100 autoimmune diseases; to explain the pain, challenges, frustration and triumphs of living with a chronic illness in a way anyone could understand. I was triumphant.

So I proudly shared this clip on my Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts. Here is a link:

#invisibleillness #chronicpain #chronicillness #autoimmunedisease #igg4 #disability #abc7ny #autoimmunewalk #eyewitnessnews #tvnews #nyc #RitaWilson