My name is Shirlee and I am a Health Interviewer for the Women's Health Initiative Study at the Chicago Northwestern Clinic. The largest parts of my duties consist of taking blood pressures, measurements and EKG's. I also track data for various other parts of the study.
One of the greatest perks of my job is learning of the lives of these wonderful women. I started with WHI in April of 2001. My mother had passed away in March of 2000 and I often feel that WHI and I met at exactly the right time in my own journey. A little more than a year after my loss, these women, many of whom are of my mother's era, have added such delight and encouragement to my life! Precious moments during an EKG or during the taking of measurements, life events are shared. Sometimes these moments are sorrowful, but often times they are joyous.
In 1994 I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I have been blessed with good health since then, in great part because of the gold standard of treatment that I was given. I was able to receive that treatment because other women, just like our WHI participants, took part in research.
The material that was used to cut the 4 hearts in my square are from old shirts, one from my mother Shirlee Mae and one from mine, Shirlee Ann. Teal is the color of ovarian cancer awareness.
I thank you for sharing your lives, for your commitment to research and for allowing me to celebrate the lives of all the other women that gave me life. You inspire and empower me.
SM
WHI Chicago Northwestern
Health Interviewer
Chicago, IL