My name is Leah, and I am a mother, wife, and educator. I am now disabled. I live with chronic, debilitating facial and eye pain that never leaves, along with POTS, carotidynia, nystagmus, visual snow syndrome, tremors, chronic migraines, chronic swelling, recurrent allergic reactions, and so much more.

I went from being an active outdoor lover, busy young mother, and fun, energetic wife to someone who is simply trying to survive each day. Over the years, I have also developed widespread chronic pain and have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic migraines.

There were times I became completely bedridden and lost the ability to walk independently. I have had to rely on AFO bracing, canes, and other mobility aids while fighting every day to regain even small pieces of my independence.

Depite everything, I continue to work incredibly hard to keep moving forward and to continue working as an educator, though it remains an ongoing exhausting challenge.

Every day is a battle between pushing through pain and trying to preserve some quality of life for myself and my family.