August 7, 1984 - June 15, 2005
Poznan, Poland
A friend recalls what it was like to know Emilia Draheim, who lived with PKAN
When I think of Emilia, my mind paints a picture of a happy young woman. Even though her world was physically small, she seemed to take such joy in every part of it, as though she were a world traveler going on a grand adventure. It is very humbling to me to be shown happiness by a person who suffered as much as Emilia did in her life.
She also had a special sensitivity to other people’s pain. I was greatly impressed by the way she would empathize with people’s suffering while watching the news with her on television. I think she was somehow connected to other people’s suffering, which she could understand through their voices.
When I think of Emilia, I see a beautiful young woman who transcended illness and physical confinement with happiness and sympathy for others. Our pain at losing her is so very deep and hard to bear. Yet, I am grateful for the opportunity to have known someone as brave and special as Emilia.
- Alex, friend of ‘Emily’
