Story
It was New Years Eve and I was 13
That was night when it all began. My ear drum burst and I kept screaming from the pain. It seemed like everything went downhill from there. It all just kept getting worse.
One Year Later
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and POTS; I was incredibly sick.
I was in constant pain, unable to sleep, my brain felt like mush, and had fatigue so heavy I couldn't even move. I barely made it through high school, even with an extra year of classes.
By God's Grace Alone
Somehow - someway I don't understand - I was accepted into a prestigious journalism program at Carleton University, in Ottawa and managed to actually complete my bachelor's degree - at the cost of whatever health I had left.
Although I knew I was sick, I wanted so much to be like my friends that I was living in denial. I didn't know the long term consequences that were piling up as I continued to pretend that I was normal.
I finished a year of graduate school studying political science. And then it was finally time for my wake up call.
I started a short term work position and after my first day of work, I came home and collapsed on my bed in tears and thoroughly heartbroken. Everything was all too clear.
Five months later I was moving back home to Calgary, in with my parents, needing their daily assistance.
There was so much I needed to learn. The most pressing of which was to be kind to myself, to lower my expectations, and to put my health first.
For four and a half years, I rested, learned health management tools, and committed to pacing my activities.
Spark of Inspiration
And then one day it hit me: comfy clothing that raises awareness about chronic illness and empowers others just like me!
So I Launched Pretty Sick Designs!
In November 2017 I started to take my idea seriously and decided to take the plunge!
I started with sweatshirts, but every product is something that has helped me along my health journey or is something that I hope will spread some encouragement and awareness.
My Hope
The goal of Pretty Sick Designs isn’t just cute and comfy clothes for people dealing with health problems (although that is important).
The heart of this project is to encourage and give hope and support to the countless men and women suffering day in, day out with a chronic illness. Illnesses that are invisible and so often misunderstood, which leads to so much isolation and despair.
This isn’t just a business. It’s a ministry that aims to build up and encourage every single person that stumbles across our website.
Every visitor and customer is of the utmost importance. We want to build a vibrant community that supports and lifts each other up.
So let’s do our best to help and remind each other that we aren't alone!
My Favourite Poem
He Giveth More Grace by Annie Johnson Flint
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
My Testimony
Click here.