I’m tired of hearing able-bodied people argue about whether or not we deserve healthcare, autonomy, or even our lives. We need our voices to be heard and respected.

I was a very active child, despite the minor chronic pain issues I began experiencing in my teen years. The later deterioration of my health caused me to walk away from some lifelong dreams, which was extraordinarily painful—but it also forced me to reevaluate and sent me down a path to pursue new dreams. I am a 24-year-old wife and mother who laughs about everything, sings to trees (I literally have a Pinterest board of tree pictures to look at when I’m sad…don’t laugh), and loves life.