Charter TB survivor to have her story published in book about childhood TB
Angie was present at the launch of the book which will feature her story along with 12 others from around the world.
A learner from Charterhouse School has had the story of her Tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment featured in an international book entitled Childhood TB and Stigma.
For the official launch of the book, Angelina Grab and her mother Janet were invited by the Global Coalition of TB Activists (GCTA) on a trip to the Netherlands for the World Lung Conference. Angie and Janet jetted off to The Hague in Netherlands on 22 October, and received VIP treatment from the moment they arrived.
The pair went on a special tour of The Hague on Wednesday, 24 October, where they were able to stop at the City Hall to see a photo exhibition on ‘The Silent Epidemic’ of TB in children, when Angie was also treated to a photo shoot. Later in the day, they were privileged enough to be part of the press conference at which the book in which Angie’s story is featured was officially launched. This book also features the stories of 12 other childhood TB survivors from right around the world.
The highlight of the day for Angie came after the opening ceremony of the conference (which was attended by more than 4 000 delegates), when she was able to meet with royalty from around the world. She had the opportunity to meet Her Imperial Highness, Princess Akishino of Japan, as well as Her Royal Highness, Princess Margriet of The Netherlands. Angie was able to speak with both of them and even gave Princess Akishino a copy of the book.
The day afterwards, Angie and Janet were interviewed by three press correspondents, and did an interview for TV. They also joined Princess Akishino again for a symposium on the stigma experienced by TB patients, which was a very moving experience for everyone. Following their return, Janet received a message from the GCTA (who had invited them to attend) thanking them for their presence at the book launch.
The message read: “Dear Janet, I have no words to say in terms of how much light your and Angie’s presence brought to the book launch. Thank you for coming, it was an absolute pleasure to finally meet you, Angie is just too much fun!
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