Some people think it is dangerous to be near or to touch me. Some people avoid me just to avoid being confronted with the disease. It think nothing bad about them, but it is part of the reason why I kept it a secret for many years. When people are afraid to get close to me, it hurts more than the disease ever did.
I want to help undo the fear of talking about this issue in the open. If by sharing my experiences like an open book I can somehow help others to better understand the taboo. Then something positive can come from this negative in my life.
Just because you are a young mother it does not mean you cannot build a career and have a normal life. With all the reality-tv typecasting out there, I think it is important to show other examples.
The first book of the month, is 37 year old Malii, a Chicago born native. Malii has been with the Chicago Human Library since 2016, and have participated in events 4-5 times.
Photos by Elin Tabitha Hansen
