You are loved
“I wanted this card design to spread cheerfulness and represent our warrior community, which is why some of these friendly hearts have visible or invisible chronic illnesses or disabilities. For example some warriors wear sunglasses because of light sensitivity, and the sunflower is a global symbol for hidden disabilities. There’s also a heart with an ostomy bag and a zebra heart to represent rare diseases. The hearts holding hands represent our amazing caretakers and everyone else who supports us. And of course the letter stands for our card swap and, more generally, for us warriors connecting all over the world to fight the isolation that often comes with chronic illness. We’re not alone!” — Stephie
Meet the artist
Stephanie
Stephie is a chronic pain warrior (debilitating chronic headaches) who uses her art to encourage others. She loves drawing and crafting, reading and sending cards for the card swap and participating in the card crew. Stephie is a former librarian who LOVES books!
Meet the Warriors who signed your card
Sadie
Sadie Veselka was diagnosed at age 4 with MCTD including Juvenile Arthritis, Scleroderma, Dermatomyocitis and Raynaud’s. She loves spreading hope and cheer! Read about her here.
Amanda
Amanda Phillips (Mandy) was diagnosed at age 15 with hEDS, POTS, Gastroparesis, Sjögren’s Syndrome and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Find this college student on IG here.
Stephanie
Stephie Noldt was diagnosed at age 29 with chronic tension headaches and depressive episodes which forced her to give up her career as a librarian.
Fuschia
Fuschia Kempen was diagnosed at age 5 with Gastroparesis, POTS, Panhypopituitarism, and Raynaud’s. She knows the isolation that illness can bring. Follow her on IG here.
Michele
Michele Frank lives with Hashimoto’s and Fibromyalgia, along with multiple undiagnosed conditions. She knows the challenges of trying to get answers!