MRKH is becoming more and more prevalent in my everyday life. Things are moving at such a fast pace and there is nothing more exhilarating. Whilst this being true, there is also nothing more daunting.
Recently, there has been a fair bit of media attention around MRKH, and I know there have been mixed views. I admire all the girls that have taken the time and showed outstanding courage to tell their stories. However, I feel that the media has caused such a riot around this. From less than tactful headlines to terminology that is enough to make anyone think twice. Seeing some of the hate comments makes me so outraged and sad for them. To go out and tell your story to the whole world is amazing, and for someone to sit so cowardly behind a computer screen and compose a paragraph that could ultimately destroy a person’s outlook is disgusting. I have never risen to their shout out for controversy, and I never will; they simply don’t deserve any one’s time of day. And it is in spite of all this, that I am willing to take the comments in my stride and try to make a positive difference.
I have recently been given the opportunity to appear on a television episode. This would give me the chance to talk about MRKH, to diminish the stigma and ultimately raise more attention than we are already doing. Hand in hand with this opportunity, is the chance to make a wrong move. The media have an astounding way of turning something amazing, into something so controversial that it sparks reactions from all over the world. I am so touched to have been given this chance, but there is so much responsibility resting on my shoulders. I would go into detail about my MRKH journey, about the work I am doing now and where I want to be in the future. This is an easy enough conversation for me to have with one of you girls, and even some close friends, but to disclose this much personal information staring into a camera lens knowing that this will go out to the general public is a bit intimidating to say the least. If I were to go ahead with this opportunity, I would be doing it for all the young girls about to be diagnosed, for the girls that haven’t spoken a word since being diagnosed and for anyone that is willing to hear my story. This isn’t a personal boost for me; to make myself feel better and clear my head. Just knowing that if only one girl saw this show, and realised there is nothing to be ashamed about, then that is good enough for me!
Connecting with girls in similar situations all around the world has been life changing for me. From Australia to America and my home, the UK. If it weren’t for the media, this is no way would have been possible. If you try to Google MRKH now, you are hit with an array of options. Blogs, websites, support groups, Facebook pages and so much more. There will always be someone who is at the same stage as you, and I have been lucky enough to connect with this person. To be able to help and support each other from half way around the world is incredible. The thing that has kept us as “outsiders” from so many situations, is now an opening into someone else’s life.
I was asked a question on the interview for the TV show that really stuck with me. “If you could wave a magic wand, and not have MRKH, would you take it?” Depending on the day I think we all have different answers. But the one most prevalent to me now, is NO. I have MRKH and there is nothing I can do to change it. But the doors I have opened since having this, and the relationships I have made through it are more than a compensation. The friendships are so true, and give you the chance to connect on such a deep level compared to other friendships. They force you into something so real, and so meaningful, and I don’t think any of us should be without that. So if I get this interview and it moves forwards, I am going to take it and shout from the rooftops until girls like me, find people like you. It really is my saving grace.
MRKellyH 