Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan member Safiyah Basir begins every day with an affirmation: “I am perfect health.”

Blue Cross Member Seeks to Change Narrative on Diabetes from Fighting to Loving

Athletes with diabetes, especially those in highly aerobic sports like distance running, have to carefully monitor and manage their blood sugar levels before, during and after exercising.

Jason Warzecha poses for a photo at the end of the Detroit Free Press Marathon

Distance Runners with Diabetes Share How They Stay Fueled

Trina Perryman has created a ReeceWorld Bear decal to help first responders look for individuals with special needs in case of an emergency.

Being Her Voice: Mom of Special Needs Child Starts Safety Initiative

Physical activity was a huge part of Doug Wright's life before rheumatoid arthritis scarred his lungs. Since undergoing a double lung transplant, he's back to his active ways. 

Doug Wright participates in the Fight For Air Climb at Comerica Park.

Battle Creek Double Lung Transplant Recipient Credits Exercise for Return to Normalcy

“Fight against cancer” is a phrase that signifies strength and bravery. Rochester Hills’ Amanda Crowell Itliong – who was diagnosed with a terminal case of ovarian cancer in 2015 – likes to say that she doesn’t fight against cancer, she “lives with cancer,” as in coexists with it....

Amanda Crowell Itliong has lived with ovarian cancer for close to 14 years, but you wouldn't know it judging by her remarkable attitude.

‘I Feel So Lucky:’ Rochester Hills Woman With Terminal Ovarian Cancer Dedicates Life to Advocacy

When Southfield, Michigan resident Michael Love woke up from his first double lung transplant in 2015, the first thing he did was reach for his nasal cannula, a tube used to deliver supplemental oxygen. As Love slowly realized he was breathing on his own for the first time in a long time, he broke down in tears....

Michael Love is healthier than he's been in years after two double lung transplants. Now he educates others and spreads organ donation awareness.

“I Had Another Chance:” Michigan Transplant Recipient Spreads Minority Donor Awareness 

Blue Care Network member Willette Moore shares her story of overcoming her post-COVID PTSD to help break the cultural stigma in the Black community of seeking help for mental health.

Shot of a young woman suffering from a headache.

Healing from Post-COVID PTSD: ‘I Needed Someone to Talk To’

Terri Craft had severe anxiety over a medical problem her doctors couldn't explain. After seeking help for her mental health, she helps others be their own advocates.

A woman and a man pose for a picture in the desert

'A Strong Thing to Do': Asking for Help in a Crisis

After months of unknowingly tussling with celiac disease, Flint resident Margaret Clegg was diagnosed with a serious autoimmune disease in 2001. It was around that time that Clegg caught wind of the disease’s lengthy list of roughly 200 associated symptoms....

Years of learning, adjusting, and coping with celiac disease – as well as witnessing it hit home, firsthand with her father – guided Margaret Clegg toward a daily mission of helping others with the relatively unknown but debilitating disease.  

Michigan Woman with Celiac Disease Helps Others Adjust with Dietary Tips and Advice 

No child should have to endure five open-heart surgeries before the age of 14. Not only has Andrew Reichert, a resilient Linden, Michigan resident, endured them -- he’s overcome them in ways that didn’t originally seem plausible....

Linden, Michigan teen Andrew Reichert is back playing sports this year despite the unrelenting effects of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

‘Strong-Willed’ Michigan Teen Battles Back from Multiple Open-Heart Surgeries 

Up-and-coming Detroit rhythm and blues artist Danielle Davis felt like she was on top of the world last summer before a sudden medical diagnosis derailed her momentum and changed her life....

Speech and concentration issues crept up on Danielle Davis out of nowhere in 2021. But the Detroit singer won't let MS keep her down.

Detroit R&B Artist Shines Despite Rare Case of Multiple Sclerosis  

Cardiovascular conditions are the leading cause of death for women during and shortly after pregnancy, according to the American Heart Association.

Routine Pregnancy Checkup Saves Mom and Baby 

At the age of 26, Georgia Leventis-Molina could not believe she had a stroke and would need open heart surgery. Now, she's an advocate for heart health.

Woman sits for a TV interview about the importance of heart health at every age after surviving a stroke at age 26

After Surviving a Stroke at Age 26, Woman Emphasizes Heart Health at Every Age 

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