Two events have changed my life dramatically in the past five years.

The first was when I was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis, a multi-system disease that hampers the heart, brain, immune, and circulatory systems.

I was an athlete, paramedic and active mother of three who was suddenly overwhelmed with nausea, exhaustion, memory and concentration impairment, intense flu-like symptoms, intense muscle pain, sleep disturbance, headaches, and balance disturbances.

I was put on all kinds of medications that did little for my symptoms but caused countless debilitating side effects. Sometimes I wasn’t sure if I was more ill from the drugs than the illness itself.

My second life-changing event was when our state legislators overturned the governor’s veto and made medical marijuana legal for people like me. Though I had always been against marijuana, my doctor recommended it shortly after the law was passed.

The results were miraculous. My symptoms are now under control to the degree that I’ve been able to eliminate almost all my other medications.

Both chambers of the General Assembly have passed legislation to make our medical-marijuana law permanent, and the legislation will probably be sent to the governor soon. Please, don’t take away my right to make treatment choices with my doctor for my incurable illness. I’ve lost enough. Please don’t take this law away.

ANAT CUNHA

Barrington