Finding Meaning Through Volunteering: Ania’s Story

When Ania first became a volunteer at the Wren Project, she didn’t expect it to become such a meaningful part of her life. What began as a way to give back soon became something much deeper, an experience that reshaped how she understands connection, support, and even her own healing.

A life interrupted

At 24, Ania was diagnosed with Graves' disease and Thyroid Eye Disease, two conditions that would profoundly affect her daily life.

The impact was immediate and overwhelming. Her energy and time were drained, pain became constant, and fear about the future set in. The physical effects were just as difficult. Changes to her appearance affected her confidence, while light sensitivity led to persistent migraines, making it impossible to look at screens or spend time outdoors for months.

Beyond the physical symptoms, the experience forced a deeper internal reckoning.

“The disease forced me to re-evaluate my entire identity, the people I surrounded myself with, my job, my physical strength, my mental energy and all the usual measurements of life. Suddenly, everything I had built my character on had disappeared, I was humbly stripped bare, and whatever I was left with felt like emptiness.”

Even with support from family and friends, the complexity of living with an autoimmune disease made it difficult to feel fully understood.

Choosing to give back

Despite everything, Ania was not alone. She received strong support from those around her, and when her symptoms began to ease, she knew she wanted to give something back. That decision led her to become a volunteer at the Wren Project, where she quickly found a sense of purpose and belonging.

“I received a lot of support from my family and friends, so when my symptoms began to ease slightly, I wanted to give back some of the goodness I received.

I joined Wren, and I’ve become really passionate about it. I look forward to each shift and feel very grateful for the people I get to meet through this project.”

From the outset, she was struck by how thoughtfully the program was designed.

“I am impressed by how the project functions. The training sessions were highly informative and effectively prepared me for my first session with Wren. The platform is easy to use and reliable.”

Just as importantly, she felt supported as a volunteer.

“The team behind Wren is always available and eager to assist, which demonstrates the respect and dedication everyone involved has for this project.”

The power of listening

Through her time volunteering, Ania discovered something simple but profound about human connection. In a space built on empathy and presence, she learned that meaningful support doesn’t always require answers, just genuine attention and care.

“I never realized how powerful it can be to lose yourself in someone else's story. Volunteering taught me that simply being there for someone, truly listening and showing up authentically, can mean the world to those who need it most.”

Healing through supporting others

Living with an autoimmune disease can be deeply isolating. But for Ania, supporting others who share similar experiences has helped shift that feeling.

What started as a way to give back became something unexpectedly essential to her own recovery. Through every conversation and every shift, she continues to experience the impact of simply showing up for someone else. And in doing so, she’s found something just as meaningful for herself.

“Supporting others with an autoimmune disease makes me feel less lonely in my own experience. On a deeper level, it also showed me what authentic support can look like, allowing me to truly believe I deserve it too.”

“Joining the Wren Project was one of the steps in my recovery I didn’t know I needed.”

Ania’s story is a powerful reminder that autoimmune disease can take a lot from someone, but becoming a volunteer gives something back.

No one should face autoimmune disease alone, you can help us make that a reality.

If you are keen to make a difference and would like to know more about volunteering for the Wren Project, you can learn more and apply here.

If you live with an autoimmune disease and would like to access free emotional support from the Wren Project, you can reach out to us here.