I’ve always been creating, and for most of my life, my main creative outlet was ballet. When I was 13, my body couldn’t keep up anymore. In February of 2021, I passed out during a ballet lesson, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Soon after, I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a genetic connective tissue disorder. Over the next few years, the diagnosis continued to pour in. I was soon told that dancing was not an option and to “find another hobby”.

At the beginning of my journey with multiple chronic illnesses, I was in and out of the hospital constantly. I was (and still am) unable to attend school, so I didn’t have that as a social or creative outlet.

After about a year of being sick, with the help of YouTube and a beginner’s Amigurumi book, I taught myself how to crochet. I fell in love with crocheting plushies. I love creating their little personalities and making each one unique.

Want to learn more about my disease? Click the link below :)