One thing I’ve learned through this process is that chronic illness doesn’t discriminate. When I have conversations with people about my pain and symptoms they always tell me, ” you’re too young for that”. No actually I’m not. If children can get cancer at a young age chronic illness is no different to its host. Young active people like myself seem to be in the majority for chronic illnesses. Having lead a busy physically active lifestyle, contracting a chronic illness is very difficult to mentally and emotionally handle. It feels like you have aged 30 years by the body with multiple aches and pains. The next time you hear a young person say they hurt, know that it’s their reality regardless of how old they are. Show them the same considerations you would for a 60,70, or 80 year old. Their struggle is REAL!