Samuel Rogers advocates for rare disease awareness in Dublin

Samuel Rogers is a young man who recently moved to Ireland after a quick romance in Boston. He married Ralph Hurley O’Dwyer, a doctor, after just six weeks of knowing each other. Now, they are living in Dublin, where Rogers is studying for a master's degree in international peace studies. Rogers originally hails from a small island in Maryland. He has a background in helping others, having served in the Peace Corps in North Macedonia. However, his life took a difficult turn when he was diagnosed with Behçet’s disease, a rare autoimmune condition that can cause serious health issues. Despite years of searching for a diagnosis, Rogers finally received help from a rheumatologist in Boston. Her support changed his life, allowing him to move forward. Now in Dublin, he is grateful for the healthcare he is receiving and is slowly learning to balance his health with his studies. Rogers has also shared his experiences as a gay man in Ireland. He feels mostly safe in Dublin, and while there are occasional challenges, he enjoys living in the city. He expresses concern about political issues back in the United States and the struggles faced by many people. Though he faced some challenges with moving, such as setting up a bank account, Rogers is adjusting well to life in Ireland. He plans to visit his family in the summer and is excited about his studies, focusing on military conscription. Overall, Rogers feels blessed to be in Ireland and is committed to raising awareness about rare diseases.