Before the age of 24, Kristen was diagnosed with multiple chronic diseases.  As a young patient, Kristen did not let her medical issues define her.  Instead, through her blog “Chronically Kristen” she became a supporting voice for others who suffer from similar conditions where they look normal and healthy, but in actuality are not.

Kristin’s story speaks to the Patient Voice Principles of Dignity and Empowerment.

Kristin’s Story:

My name is Kristin. Or maybe I’m more known as Chronically Kristin. I was 24 when I began a not yet final stream of diagnoses of various chronic diseases. We’re currently at 6, but we can do better than that! After the initial tornado of diagnosis finished wreaking its havoc on my life, I came out relatively unscathed knowing I had a new passion. A passion more important than anything I’ve done in my life thus far. A passion to be a voice, to be transparent, to keep it real. I chose to personify my life on social media as Chronically Kristin. I created a blog, Facebook page, hashtag, and more. My only rule? Always be honest, always be real. When you are diagnosed with diseases that are “invisible,” you quickly realize how lonely that can be. I don’t look sick. I look like a very normal, healthy, 27 year old woman. But I’m not.  My goal is to provide a voice for those who feel stifled, those who feel scared, lost, lonely. If I can connect with one person, then this life is worth it. My Chronically Kristin story starts with being diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, an autoimmune arthritis that will eventually fuse my entire spine together. Following that we have Fibromyalgia, Costochondritis, Chronic Anemia, Depression, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Rhinitis. Come along with me on this ePatient story, I promise it will be Chronically Real, Chronically Kristin–a chronic diseases fighter determined to win.