'Invisible Illness', is a story of my sister, Kylie, and her struggle with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. In the course of a day she went from practicing competitive dance 20 hours a week, to being unable to move her legs or arms without screaming out in pain. EDS is a connective tissue disorder that affects the joints, skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments, blood vessels, organs, gums, and eyes. Because not many doctors are aware of the symptoms or diagnosis, it is known in the chronic community as an invisible illness. It took three months of ER visits, pain, hopelessness, and fear before my family was able to find Kylie the help she needed. The opportunity to document my sister has helped me develop a compassion for people that extends beyond familial ties. She has taught me the true meaning of strength and the importance of falling in love with the little joys in this life.
"Having these illnesses can make me feel really small some days. But other days I feel limitless. Some days I feel like I don't have any control over my body when other days I feel like I can conquer the world. I think it's really important to know that you are not your illness. You may have this illness, but this illness will never have you."
- Kylie
