My aunt Gloria was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis about 3 years ago. This was a very hard thing for all the family to deal with, but it was especially hard for me. I am very close with my aunt Gloria and after she was diagnosed with this chronic illness I've looked at life in a different way.

When the family first found out we were all completely shocked.We were all in denial. It was hard to believe that just a couple of days before she had seemed fine and now we were all doubting if she would even make it through the night. It had been something so sudden and unexpected. I had never experienced anything like it. It was all new to me and I had no idea how to react. I didn't know if I should still talk to her like I used to.

We couldn't believe that somebody as sweet and caring could go through such a punishment. One of the hardest things for me to deal with was to see her suffer. When the disease first started she would have difficulty breathing and slurred speech it got to the point to where it was very difficult understanding her. It made me feel horrible just to see her try to speak and move but knowing that she couldn't.

It was weird knowing that not so long ago my aunt had had a normal life. I think it was especially hard to see her like that because she was so young. She had a bright future ahead of her and it all was taken away from her so quickly.

Seeing my aunt like that everyday is probably one of the hardest things I've ever done. Just knowing that she can never be herself again made me value my life. It made me thankful to wake up each morning and still be myself. My aunt made me realize that I should cherish life and not let a second of it go by because any minute it could all change.