I wanted to be seen for myself so now I share my story in the hope someone else feels visible. 

When I was just 10-years-old, I wrote a letter screaming to be heard.

It can be easy for others to avoid seeing you in your whole complexity when you’re hidden behind a door, almost housebound. 

Rather honestly, it broke me.

Still to this day, I have severe trauma, depression and trust-issues from being ignored and made to feel like I was nothing in the world just because I could/can barely leave the house.

The isolation can feel too much on days and, as I turn to my Mum who personally understands, I remember how much worse that was before she too got ill. (A sentence that always makes me feel guilty…)

Others don’t have someone in their immediate circle who understands the complexity and overwhelm of chronic illnesses and the emotions that they come with.

And when they are ready to search for that representation online (instead of denial, since chronic illnesses often come with grief and its five stages), I hope to be there as someone who shares the ups and downs, cheering them on, wiping their tears, being proud of them.

I’m truly passionate about shining a visibility on life with disabilities and chronic illnesses, fighting for change in the way chronic illness warriors are seen and our rights, telling the good, the bad, the ugly and the magic of life, and to letting others know that they aren’t alone.

Any and all support (free or otherwise) is completely and fully appreciated (with a mental dance and some happy tears to celebrate) and allows The Zebra With Rainbow Stripes to grow, support me in life and – hopefully, someday – others; a team and some charities. (Although that is one of my wilder dreams!)

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