As a young child, Haley Schwarz was diagnosed with a fast, abnormal heart rate. When she was older, she developed vasovagal syncope, a heart condition that causes dizziness and fainting. It got worse in middle school, and by high school, she felt so ill that she had to drop out.
“I went to see Dr. David Thoele, a cardiologist at Advocate Children’s Hospital – Park Ridge because I wanted a particular medication,” explained Haley. “But there are a lot of possible side effects, and he wanted me to make some changes in my diet first.”
Dr. Thoele knew Haley was feeling stressed about not being able to attend high school and worrying about her future. She aspired to be a fashion designer but felt discouraged by her condition.
“How could she study fashion if she couldn’t even leave the house? But I told her I thought she would be able to attend college, and I think it gave her hope,” shared Dr. Thoele.
He made sure Haley received the right medication, which greatly improved her symptoms. He also believed she would benefit from participating in narrative medicine, a program he co-directs at the hospital.
“Narrative medicine is telling and listening to stories,” he said. “Our goal is to facilitate healing, rehumanize health care and increase capacity for empathy and self-reflection. We want to create a more nurturing environment in the medical field.”
Part of the program includes a writing exercise Dr. Thoele developed called the Three Minute Mental Makeover, or 3MMM. Health practitioners write together with their patients in clinical situations, then share what they wrote.
“It’s writing three things you’re grateful for, the story of your life in six words and three wishes. It sounds challenging, but it can be quite powerful in reducing stress – especially when people continue to practice it at home.”
Haley admits she was skeptical at first, but to her surprise, she found it very helpful.
“It started my day with a really good mindset. No matter how badly I felt, it reminded me I had a lot to be thankful for,” she shared. “It also helped with my goals. I wanted to get my GED, I wanted to get into my top two choices for college, and I wanted to feel completely better.”
A bright future
Haley got her GED, and in May 2022, she earned her associate degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. In September, she won an entrepreneurial award at her school that will provide her seed money, an office for a year, and mentoring to help her launch her own brand, Vertige, which is inspired by her personal health journey.
“I’m creating a fashion-forward adaptive clothing brand to accommodate people with different health conditions, like people who have heart monitors, colostomy bags, insulin pumps or chemotherapy ports. I’ve had to wear heart monitors and have had trouble finding clothes I like that fit well, and there are a lot of people struggling with the same thing.”
It’s important to Haley that her clothes are both functional and fashionable. “When you dress the way you like, it can make you feel better and give you confidence,” she said. “What you wear can also affect how people treat you.”
Haley plans to launch her adaptive clothing brand online next May.
How you can help
Narrative medicine is supported by philanthropy, and the group at Advocate Children’s Hospital – Park Ridge is growing.
“There’s a lot of interest in our narrative medicine program, and our research showed that doing the 3MMM writing exercise reduced stress for patients, doctors, nurses – everyone who did it,” shared Dr. Thoele. “When health practitioners write with their patients, it creates a connection and transforms their relationship. Instead of ‘you and I,’ it becomes ‘we.’”
“Narrative medicine completely changed my life for the better. It gave me something positive to do each day, and it especially helps when I’m stressed,” Haley added. “I’d encourage everyone to try it.”
To make a gift to support the narrative medicine program, please contact Amy Valenzio. To learn more about narrative medicine, join Dr. Thoele’s Facebook group.