Hey y’all! My name is Alyssa, I am 22 years old and I fight 13 chronic health conditions four of which are autoimmune diseases (and if I am being completely honest I am still figuring things out). For me, this journey started 7 years ago but did not start receiving diagnosis’ until about 4 almost 5 years ago. This journey has been filled with a lot of ups and a lot of downs, but one thing is for sure, I am stronger for it.
It blows my mind to think I started out with a single diagnosis of insulin resistant polycystic ovarian syndrome to it now progressing to the point of having several chronic health conditions, multiple being incurable. It’s about to get raw really quick! When you face the battle of chronic illness(s) you go through every emotion in the book then ask yourself how you got here. Chronic illness fighters are no strangers to broken relationships, failed friendships, guilt, shame, frustration, and the ignorance that is ever present.
HOWEVER, the beauty in our fight is the fact we can reach people in this community we would have never been able to reach if we were healthy. I see my illnesses as a blessing now, not a burden. If I never went through what I have and continue to I would have never realized my dependency or need for God, I would have never stumbled upon my strength, I would have never started a blog based on awareness and loving others who fight, I would not be creating a youtube channel that is essentially devotionals for those who are sick and needing hope, and I would have never known who my true support system was had chronic illness not come into my life. I am a huge believer in all things in this life happen for a divine purpose, we need to be open and willing to fully embrace this journey.
