US Consul General Julie Eadeh thanks Turkish doctors following risky surgery
U.S. Consul General Julie A. Eadeh. (Collage by Türkiye Today)
Julie A. Eadeh, U.S. Consul General in Istanbul, has shared an emotional and inspiring account of her lifelong battle with scoliosis and her recent surgery in Türkiye.
In a heartfelt social media post on the official account of the U.S. Consulate General, Eadeh detailed her experiences growing up with the condition, expressing gratitude to the Turkish medical team who performed her surgery.
A journey of strength and resilience
“Today, I want to share a deeply personal journey that has shaped me into the person I am today.” Eadeh began.
Reflecting on her struggles with severe spinal curvature, she described the challenges of living with daily pain, an uneven gait, and a disfigured posture that made ordinary tasks, like finding clothing or sitting for extended periods, difficult.
“Growing up with severe curvature of the spine, scoliosis, I often felt the need to hide my condition, believing there was something inherently wrong with me,” Julie Eadeh said.
“For so long, I hid my pain and struggles, viewing them as a weakness,” she admitted. However, Eadeh shared how living with a disability has taught her valuable lessons about empathy, resilience, and solidarity.
“Today, on this day dedicated to honoring persons with disabilities, I choose to celebrate strength and resilience,” Eadeh added.
Life-changing surgery in Türkiye
Eadeh recently underwent her third and most extensive surgery, which lasted 15 hours and involved the placement of 32 screws, 4 rods and over a hundred staples.
“It was a grueling procedure, but I emerged stronger than ever,” she said, expressing her gratitude to the Turkish doctors and nurses who provided exceptional care.
“So grateful for the excellent medical care I received in Türkiye. Thank you to my incredible doctors and nurses,” she wrote.
Throughout my life, I have endured daily pain, an uneven gait, and a disfigured shape that makes it difficult to find clothing that fits. I can’t sit still for long and walk with a slight limp, challenges that have often felt overwhelming.
For so long, I hid my pain and struggles, viewing them as a weakness. But living with a disability has been a profound teacher. It has shown me that true strength lies not in overcoming adversity alone, but in the collective power of empathy, understanding, and solidarity.
“Last month, I underwent my third—and hopefully final—surgery. It was a grueling 15-hour procedure involving 32 screws, 4 rods, a 24-inch incision, and over a hundred staples (So grateful for the excellent medical care I am receiving in Türkiye. Thank you to my incredible doctors and nurses.). But I emerged stronger than ever, proudly wearing my brace as a symbol of my journey and determination. I won’t hide anymore.
US Consul General Julie Eadeh
Advocating for awareness, inclusivity
She concluded with a message of hope for others facing similar challenges: “To anyone facing similar challenges, know that you are not alone. Let us raise our voices to promote awareness, inclusivity, and compassion.”
