What Makes You, You?

Collage showing diverse activities: a woman writing, a man at a computer, another cycling, a mechanic working, and a couple smiling outdoors.

published

It is time to celebrate people beyond their neurological condition, to ensure what makes them who they are, is never forgotten.

What Makes You, You? We all have unique qualities that make us who we are, and it is these qualities that are so important to us, our families and our friends. Neurological conditions can slowly alter parts of our identity, but they do not determine who we are.

By sharing inspirational stories, we can help tackle stigma and change the conversation around people living with neurological conditions.

Elderly couple stands near a door, both focused on a phone. The woman wears glasses and a floral top, the man sports a green polo, conveying curiosity. — Bernd Heisse
Living with Alzheimer’s disease for 7 years

We asked people living with neurological conditions, their families and their carers ‘What Makes You, You?’. Here is what they had to say.

Multiple sclerosis

What makes you, you:
Brian is living with multiple sclerosis. He tells us how despite his diagnosis he has started to live a simpler lifestyle so he can continue working as a mechanic and be there for his loved ones.

What makes you, you:
Patrick is living with multiple sclerosis. He shares that despite being diagnosed at a young age, it doesn’t stop him from chasing his cinematography dreams and aspirations.

What makes you, you:
Karolina is living with multiple sclerosis. She shares how being a mother and supporting other women helps her stay strong and determined.

What makes you, you:
Graham is living with multiple sclerosis. He shares his story on how keeping healthy, cycling, and meditation helps him keep a positive mindset in his sixties.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD)

Series

What makes you, you: Julia's story

Julia has a condition called MOG-AD, but adjusting her outlook on life has helped her to be hopeful about the future.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

A woman in a purple sweater sits in an electric wheelchair, positioned near a glass enclosure. There are wooden bench seats, cushions, and hanging plants. She appears thoughtful.

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What makes you, you: Seda's story

Seda lives with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). She takes us through a day in her life, sharing how her advocacy work, hobbies and passions make her unique.

Series

What Makes You, You: Nadya’s story

Nadya doesn’t allow her SMA to define her, as she makes time to pursue her passions such as painting.

Alzheimer’s disease

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What makes you, you: Helen’s story

Helen is living with Alzheimer’s Disease, and she tells us about her passion for community advocacy and how she has continued this work since her diagnosis.

Elderly couple stands near a door, both focused on a phone.

Series

What makes you, you: Bernd’s story

Bernd lives with Alzheimer’s Disease. He tells us how despite his diagnosis he has continued to keep up his love of engineering that he has always had.

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What makes you, you: Stefan’s story

Stefan, who has Alzheimer’s Disease, is a keen hiker and cyclist. His daughter Janni tells their story and how Stefan keeps doing the activities he loves.

At Roche, we hope to create a tomorrow where neurological disorders no longer limit human potential – to preserve what makes us who we are.

We would like to thank all the patient groups and people living with neurological conditions who partnered with Roche to create and share their stories.

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