Lives Worth Living

Veronica Marris, who was diagnosed as diabetic in her twenties, presents a series of interviews with women with a range of illnesses and medical conditions - including diabetes, ME, sickle cell anaemia, HIV, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, asthma, arthritis and epilepsy. The book uncovers concerns and problems common to these women, who struggle with disabling illnesses as well as a society and medical profession often unwilling or unable to recognize their needs or their worth. Many speak of the naivety or ignorance of their family and friends, of the pressure to be seen to be coping, of being blamed for their illness and of being thought pushy or bitter when they fight for what they deserve.