interviews with invisible disabilities inspiring people with chronic illness
I was 31 years old, invincible and working full-time as a paralegal at a law firm, while going to nursing school full-time. Then one day, I started getting very tired easily and taking naps. I just figured I was exhausted from being so busy. It would be summer soon and I would be off from school. Well, summer came, and I felt no better.
Hello, I’m Christy from sunny San Diego, California. I was the first in my family to be diagnosed with Charcot Marie Tooth at the tender age of 16. CMT is a progressive disease that affects the lining of the nerves controlling the outer limbs.
I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2013. MS had done damage to my brain and spinal cord affecting the left side of my body. My left leg couldn’t get me traveling very far or for very long. I developed an action tremor in my left arm and could not hold my bladder well when the urge came to use the bathroom fast. I was told to not drive long-distances or in poor conditions because my brain was a poor multitasker.
I am a 14-year-old living with CMT. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder is a genetically inherited neuromuscular disease that typically affects the nerves in your hands, feet, and legs. As a result of CMT, my hands tremor, my legs spasm, and my feet hurt a lot due to my extremely high arches.
Christalle Bodiford is an artist, advocate, writer, and adventure seeker. As an entrepreneur diagnosed with epilepsy, Christalle brings a unique perspective of empowerment that inspires others to embrace a positive mindset and live with purpose. When she’s not writing or advocating, Christalle enjoys puppy snuggles with her scruffy terrier and outdoor adventures with her husband.
Did you know that the number one cause of disability in the US is Arthritis? Don’t worry, I had no idea either. Arthritis affects more than 50 million Americans, which equates to 1 in every 5 adults and over 300,000 children in the US alone. That’s A LOT of people.
Keisha Greaves is a woman with style, substance, and fierce determination. From a young age, Keisha dreamt of working in the fashion industry. After getting her Bachelors degree in fashion design and merchandising, Keisha went onto to study business in graduate. Keisha was about to finish grad school when she began experiencing unusual physical problems.
Hi
Love your blog. I’m currently using a wheelchair and walker due to MS and breaking my leg. I write blogs as well and was the Colorado chairperson for the #MSbeautiful photo shoot. Do you have any ideas of cute clothes to wear with the walker or wheelchair?
December 21, 2015 is my CMT diagnosis day…. I currently have significant muscle atrophy in my calves, lower arms, and hands, muscle fasciculations throughout my body, I have bi-lateral foot drop, my toes no longer support my body and are painfully beginning to claw, and I am currently on my second set of AFO’s which are cumbersome and incredibly uncomfortable.
In honor of Invisible Disabilities Week, we are featuring 3 perfectly imperfect and inspiring bloggers living their best lives and helping others to do the same.
Brooke is an International Award-winning Entrepreneur, Host, Stage/TV Actor and Fortune 500 Spokesperson. Extremely social, she used to be out at events and on red carpets on a regular basis, averaging 12-15 events/week for years. She’s well known in the live-streaming community for her positive attitude – always moving forward in life.
Lauren Rowe has battled Cystic Fibrosis since birth. When she was 19 she had less than 2 weeks left to live and received a double lung transplant. Although this transplant added years to her life, Lauren has been living off of 30% lung capacity.
Lauren created a not-for-profit organization in Australia called, “Gifted Life” to provide support for other transplant recipients. Lauren’s work was
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