I am applying to a medical sciences phd program and want to join a specific lab that studies a specific dietary intervention for various diseases. I went to college right out of high school and dropped out...twice...due to a severe chronic illness that began in high school. After ten years of nothing helping, I went on this dietary intervention and now I experience no symptoms of the disease. I found out about the dietary intervention from the PI of the lab I am applying for. Should I mention all of this in my personal statement?
They do ask specifically for a personal statement, not a statement of purpose, but it asks for: Research background, why you are selecting this specific program, future career goals upon completing the program.
Also, should I address how the disease resulted in my poor academic history? I don't know how to address this without making it a sob story.