Dear Reader.

Growing up I never thought I’d wake up sick one day and never get better.. that is until it happened. The ongoing saying “but you don’t look sick…” "You're too young for this." "I wish I could help." That is the most frustrating thing you can say to a sick person. We didn't ask for this. it just happened.

In a time where you cannot control your situation, all you can do is focus on the positive. But what do you do when there is no positive? What I've learned, is that rock bottom teaches you greater power than any mountain top ever will. You discover not only who you want to be, but your purpose. For me, it was finding my innermost strength, the overwhelming love of God, hardships, laughs, and so much more. From battling an invisible illness and thinking a tomorrow wasn't possible, to finding not only my will to live, but my love for life. All I’ve ever wanted to do is make an impact on others, I've decided the first step is sharing my story. My story still has pain, still has relapses, and still has unanswered questions and symptoms, but I choose to keep going.

The terrifying feeling of letting strangers into your head— but what if these strangers have suffered and swam through similar waters as you? Wouldn’t you want to know their story? I know I would. So, here it is; the in’s and outs, the burdens, the giggles, and the epic fails, and all the pain that embodies me. To the little girl who didn't think she could keep going but did.