Artwork featured on EDS Canada Foundation Website

Holy crap, that's my artwork!

I am extremely proud to announce that my artwork was selected by EDS Canada Foundation to represent their website and to (later) be used in other marketing materials and fundraising endeavours.

I was born with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

But I didn't know it.

I spent years wondering why I struggled to keep up, got sick a lot, and was almost always injured in one way or another.

I fought for over 10 years to be taken seriously by doctors who thought I was faking it or "just depressed." (And a lot who just chalked it up to me being a woman...)

A few quick facts about Ehlers Danlos Syndrome:

• There are many types of Ehlers Danlos Syndromes, not just one.
• The symptoms from EDS are tied to faulty connective tissues which means that EDS can affect almost any system in your body.
• Many people with hEDS (hypermobile EDS) struggle with their joints, skin, healing, breathing, neurological issues, headaches, allergies, digestive problems and more.
• People with EDS often face challenges getting a diagnosis. Luckily more doctors are becoming aware and diagnosis is getting faster.
• Many people with EDS struggle to work full time or work at all due to the severity of their illness.
• EDS wears many hats and affects everyone differently.

 

A bit about EDS Canada Foundation

EDS Canada Foundation is working tirelessly to bring awareness to EDS and connective tissue disorders. They offer support for people living with EDS, engage in fundraising for research, and advocate for EDS patients.

You can see more about the EDS Canada Foundation by clicking here.

Access the Living Well with EDS Program by clicking here.

 

Why this accomplishment made me cry

It's been a long road. I've been fighting for my health for a long time. I've fought with doctors who didn't understand. I've fought with systems that refused to help me. I have fought with my body on a daily basis.

Achieving this type of recognition for my artwork through something that has brought me so much pain is truly an accomplishment. I cried with pride. I cried because I was able to turn something painful into something beautiful.

But also, I made this drawing as part of the "Pieces of Me" project - a project where I drew parts of my body to learn to love myself more. Not just for body image purposes, but because this is a body I have felt betray me at every turn. It's a body I have hated living in and felt trapped in, at times. To have this particular piece chosen felt... well... I truly can't explain it. But I cried for that, too.

And it felt good.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this and celebrate with me!

As always, you can help me on my journey to disabled independence by supporting me in the arts through shopping on my site and / or sharing my work with the people you love.

✌️❤️