People close to me know I have PC. Sure, it’s part of my life—but I won’t let it define me. That’s the mindset I’ve always clung to: “Fake it ‘til you make it.” “Mind over matter.” “No pain, no gain.” I used them like armor.
But the truth is, behind all those sayings… I’ve suffered from deep imposter syndrome. I’ve felt like a fraud—pretending to be okay when I’m in excruciating, nonstop pain. I’ve felt like a freak. Like I was living in a body that isn’t mine.
To the world, I’m the “Queen of Fine.” But everything is not fine.
The pain of PC is relentless—physically, emotionally, mentally. I plan every step I take. I walk carefully on the beach. I sleep in positions that avoid the sheets touching my skin. I’ve crawled when I couldn’t stand. And I hide how much it takes just to get through the day.
I want to live freely—not calculating every movement, not exhausted from pretending, not burdened by a body that feels like a cage.
That’s why I’m sharing my story this PC Awareness Month. I want people to know what it’s really like. And I want to ask for your help—not just for me, but for all of us living with PC.
Please give today to support the research, treatments, and hope that will help us finally live pain-free—and authentically.
With gratitude,
Roseann McGrath
PC Patient #1
#EndThePain #PCAwareness
