By Katrina Klingsmith
Q&A with Mackenzie Hyde
SGA added a new RSO “Live Louder” read up on my interview with Mackenzie Hyde to learn what it’s all about!
Q: What is the new RSO “Live Louder” all about?
A: “Live louder” comes from the idea that, or tendency, I suppose I should say, of those who are chronically ill or suffer from chronic pain who want to just curl up in be, and stay to themselves. The RSO’s goal is to encourage those who are chronically ill or in pain, or those who are affected in anyway by illness, to “live louder” by engaging in the community through awareness and fundraising events while coming together for support.
Q:Why did you feel that Bellarmine needed an RSO such as this one?
A:I felt that BU needed this RSO because it is especially hard for young adults who are ill or in pain, I feel, because it’s easy to feel isolated when all you can see is the normalcy of your healthy peers, or at least seemingly healthy peers. So many illnesses are invisible, so it’s not only important for those who are chronically I’ll or in pain to know that they aren’t alone, it’s also crucial for the rest of the community to know about these invisible illnesses, so as to breakdown stereotypes and stigmas.
Q:What events would you like to see the RSO become involved in? Or what impact do you hope “Live Louder” will have on campus?
A:This RSO will hold awareness and fundraising events such as, Color the World Orange for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Nervember – which is a month dedicated to raising awareness for neurological conditions, and rare disease day/week in February. I would love for this RSO to add events to its calendar based on things that are important to its members. We will hopefully also get involved with some healthcare-related RSOs so that we can share our experiences with the next generation of doctors, nurses, therapists, etc.
Q: How do people join or get involved with the group?
A: Being as “Live Louder” is new and still looking to gain members, the current members have been in communication through text and social media. I will have a schedule together by the end of the month, first week of November at the latest, though.
Q: Is there anything you would like to share personally about your connection or desire to start up “Live Louder”?
A: I have a neurological pain condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. It’s because of my long journey and numerous trials with this disease that “Live Louder” is so important to me. I know that in the first few years that I attempted school, I could’ve greatly benefited from this kind of organization. Maybe I wouldn’t have ended up in as low and dark of a place as I did.