From the moment I could sing, performing was my world yet my story battling chronic illness inspires me to illuminate the stage for others. At 18 my performing arts dream came true when I was accepted into my dream school, American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City, with a generous scholarship.
But behind the curtain, something was unraveling. What began at 14 as OCD, depression, anxiety and an eating disorder escalated into seizures, vocal and motor tics, and the inability to walk or speak clearly.
Despite these symptoms, I was told “it’s all in your head.” After over seven years and 17 specialists I was finally diagnosed with PANS, a form of autoimmune encephalitis. Treatment gave me my life back.
Now as Head of Event Organization and Outreach for the National PANDAS/PANS Youth Alliance, I help unite those across the country, raise awareness, and legislate for insurance coverage so families have access to affordable care. I’ve spoken with members of Congress, including Senator Cory Booker, and work to spread awareness.
I have helped educate hundreds of practitioners at Charlie Health and hosted a presentation at one of the most well-known mental health conferences in the nation, NAMI con. I continue my desire to educate across social media, speaking to my 7 million subscribers about PANS/PANDAS and being featured on platforms such as Hrtwarming and SeenTV.
Meeting and advocating alongside other young adults with this same condition has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Advocacy gave me my voice back. Now I use it for the thousands still waiting to be heard, but through it all, I’ve never stopped performing. My mission now has been transformed. Whiles I am still led by my passion for bring communities together through performing arts, now I work to show that people with disabilities deserve their place in this industry, too.
But behind the curtain, something was unraveling. What began at 14 as OCD, depression, anxiety and an eating disorder escalated into seizures, vocal and motor tics, and the inability to walk or speak clearly.
Despite these symptoms, I was told “it’s all in your head.” After over seven years and 17 specialists I was finally diagnosed with PANS, a form of autoimmune encephalitis. Treatment gave me my life back.
Now as Head of Event Organization and Outreach for the National PANDAS/PANS Youth Alliance, I help unite those across the country, raise awareness, and legislate for insurance coverage so families have access to affordable care. I’ve spoken with members of Congress, including Senator Cory Booker, and work to spread awareness.
I have helped educate hundreds of practitioners at Charlie Health and hosted a presentation at one of the most well-known mental health conferences in the nation, NAMI con. I continue my desire to educate across social media, speaking to my 7 million subscribers about PANS/PANDAS and being featured on platforms such as Hrtwarming and SeenTV.
Meeting and advocating alongside other young adults with this same condition has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Advocacy gave me my voice back. Now I use it for the thousands still waiting to be heard, but through it all, I’ve never stopped performing. My mission now has been transformed. Whiles I am still led by my passion for bring communities together through performing arts, now I work to show that people with disabilities deserve their place in this industry, too.