Two years ago, my health journey started and my whole life changed. Instead of my life of competitive tumbling, running track, and being a straight A student. My life began to be going to doctor appointments, using a wheelchair, hospital admissions, pain, and not being able to go to school anymore. I miss my “old life” more than I could ever tell you. I think that is one thing a lot of people don’t understand- I am constantly grieving for the life I have lost.

I have lost a lot these last two years. I’ve lost friends, been forced to give up tumbling, and so much more. It’s easy to focus on everything I have lost and harder to see what I’ve gained. But when I think about it I have gained a lot.

I have met some of the most amazing people. (you guys know who you are) They are the ones who keep me going and make it so I am not alone in this fight.

I learned that you can make your own joy and happiness in any situation. Even if that means convincing your nurse to let you paint a flower on his bald head or putting on a cute pair of socks. They might not be big things but sometimes it’s the littlest things are what make us the happiest.

There are a lot of times where I just want to give up. A lot of days where I think I’m just too tired to go on- but these are the days when real bravery starts. I’ve learned that you have to pick yourself up and keep fighting. You try again, you find that little bit of hope left inside of you, you don’t give up, and you fight. As hard as that may be.

For more for Hailey’s journey