When I was 13, I began to notice my skin was changing in ways that weren't normal. I developed itchy patches around my body that wouldn’t go away no matter what creams I tried. Along with the itchiness came a strange tightness that made daily things—like stretching or even smiling—feel different. As a teenager, I was extremely self-conscious of these changes and after a long-winded trial of medications, tests, and doctors appointments I was diagnosed with scleroderma.

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that not only affects the skin but can also impact the connective tissues and even internal organs. For me, it meant learning to adjust to a condition that changed how my body looked and felt in ways I couldn’t control. It forced me to grow into resilience much earlier than most of my peers, and although the diagnosis was overwhelming at first, over time I’ve found ways to manage the symptoms while still pursuing the things I love.

This is why I decided to volunteer with the National Scleroderma Foundation, for they have created a space where patients are not defined by their illness, but empowered by community. Through my volunteer work, I’ve had the chance to support awareness campaigns, connect with others who share my experience, and show younger patients that life with scleroderma is not the end of possibility—it’s the start of learning new strength. While this disease remains a part of my story, it does not define my future; instead, it drives me to advocate, educate, and live fully despite its challenges.