Got a school project due eventually and I'm freaking out over housing & interior design.
BUT MORE ON THE PROJECT SINCE THAT'S ACTUALLY RELEVANT!
So we have to research an upstander and what they've done. Having severe OCD, I did Elizabeth McIngvale, who's created a whole foundation for sufferers of OCD. Using my own experiences and tying them in, hopefully I'll do well ;^^
Voila, le unfinished, unedited script (if you don't care skip to the end):
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Elizabeth McIngvale. You've probably never heard of her, or what she's doing for people like me. People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, better known by its acronym- OCD. But before I dive into the nitty-gritty of her work, you should probably learn a little backstory.

Elizabeth grew up in the United States, and currently resides in Texas with her husband and dogs. She's an assistant professor at Baylor University, and is around 29-30 years old. Elizabeth has a PhD at the Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston; a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (also in Houston); and an MSW and BSW from Loyola University, Chicago.

Elizabeth has stated that 'teenage years are supposed to be carefree and fun[?] Little did I know that would be the furthest from the truth for me.'
Around the age of 12, Elizabeth was crippled with OCD-induced anxiety, and felt alone and scared. The obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts) 'taunted' her until she did one of her many rituals (compulsions) for hours at a time. She didn't want to be like this, though- she was so frustrated that she'd punch holes in her bedroom wall. To put it simply--
'The disorder took over my life, my freedom and my happiness.'
Her case was so severe that no one was sure how to treat her. Eventually, though, some was made available and Elizabeth began to take her life back from the disorder. It's never going to be eradicated, though- OCD is not once-and-done treated; it lasts a lifetime.

And this is where the advocacybegins. Thanks to her awful experiences, she's been doing so much to help people in similar situations. First, Elizabeth created a foundation of her own- the Peace of Mind Foundation. This non-profit organization is designed to help and support people with the disorder. They have a support group, an online self-help site, education and research, and so much more. Future plans include creating a seminar series; offering OCD training to students, clinicians, and so on; and using speeches to advocate and stamp out stigma people with the disorder face.

That's not all, though- Elizabeth is a professor and researcher on OCD and other illnesses of the mind. Her goal is to give a voice to those who don't have one, and being a social worker allows her to continue working towards her ultimate goal.

She's also a national spokesperson for the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation (a bit more well known than POM), and is a licensed therapist in Texas.

So why should Elizabeth be considered an upstander? Well, thanks to her outstanding effort and dedication, people with OCD can get the help they desperately need, educate their family and friends, and be part of a movement to destroy stigma associated with the disorder. Elizabeth has defended not only people with OCD, but for people affected by other illnesses. She's created a whole network of facts and help, used by advocates, sufferers of OCD, and so many more people.

Because of her outspoken advocacy, people can better understand their disorder, a friend's disorder, or a family member's disorder. People need to learn that sufferers are just as ill as someone with pneumonia or cancer- except it's a sickness of the mind, not the body. Elizabeth's efforts are helping to bring around education, and as a result stigma is lessening. It's a long haul, though- only recently has support exploded, and sufferers of all ages can get help.

Everyone must understand that OCD is not a joke- it's a very serious and frightening illness a sufferer can never fully recover from.

I thought it was a joke, until I was diagnosed with a severe case last year.
Then it ceased to be funny.

OK, do all of us sufferers a favor and check out POMF and IOCDF. Get educated. Help us destroy stigma. Thanks to Elizabeth, you have the tools to do so. We can't do it alone- we need you 'normal' people to support us in our goal. Only 1 in 100 people has OCD, so we're obviously the minority.
But we still matter. We have hopes and dreams and goals, too. And with Elizabeth McIngvale's help, along with all other advocates, we'll at least achieve the goal of where society is accepting of us and our illness.
~~
Well that was long! Any feedback? I'll be editing this tomorrow but thoughts are appreciated! I understand if you didn't read that whole long thing though ^^