When Trisha Torrey was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive lymphoma in 2004, she was a marketing consultant who knew almost nothing about healthcare. She was also nave to the dysfunction of the American healthcare system that was tasked with treating her.
But she got smart, fast. She learned that the possibility of excellent care was too easily and frequently eclipsed by miscommunication and mistakes. She also learned that if she didn't stick up for herself, and insist on the help she needed, she would not get it. The more empowered she became, the more she realized there was a possibility she had no lymphoma. Eventually she proved she was right; she had no cancer.
Once Trisha put that "no cancer" odyssey behind her, she decided it was up to her to apply her skills to teaching others how to navigate the dangerous landscape of American healthcare. She sold her marketing company in 2006 to devote herself full time to the cause.
Today Trisha calls herself "Every Patient's Advocate." She is the founder of AdvoConnection.com and the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates which support the business aspects of a health advocate's work. She writes regularly for a number of online outlets, speaks to groups of patients and professionals, and teaches workshops. She is the author of four books: You Bet Your Life! The 10 Mistakes Every Patient Makes (How to Fix Them to Get the Health Care You Deserve) , The Health Advocate's Start and Grow Your Own Practice Handbook, this book, and The Health Advocate's Basic Marketing Handbook.
Trisha has been quoted by CNN, MSNBC, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, O Magazine, U.S. News and World Report, NPR, Scientific American, Angie's List Magazine, Bottom Line Publications, and others.
