Teige's Journey

Many are unaware of chronic illness in kids + teens and how much it affects/changes our bodies + mentality. I want to, and I feel the need to change that. 

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I myself have suffered basically my whole life with chronic illness. Severe Asthma was my first diagnosis. I wasn't considered "normal" to every doctor, specialist, nurse, etc. who has seen me because my body doesn't respond to medicine, treatments, therapies, like it's "supposed" to. I have been called the "special" case to every doctor who has examined me.  I fought long, hard, and vigorously from when I was first diagnosed at 5 years old till now at 17 years old, where I am still fighting this exhausting, but worthy battle. 

Growing up chronically ill was not easy; the word easy is an understatement; in fact, it was excruciating, tiring, mentally draining, confusing, all of the words you can think of describe what it's like to grow up chronically ill. Hospital admissions and missing home, clinic visits during the day and missing school, an overwhelming amount of doctors not understanding what's going on, and so much more. My childhood was completely different than the kids around me. 

I am still dealing with my Asthma, but my body also decided to add on more pain with chronic migraines, eating difficulties, and more sporadic symptoms. Luckily, I am one of the many fortunate kids who have grown up with the Alberta Children's Hospital specialty clinics.   

Like me, kids and teens around the globe suffer from so many different chronic illnesses, but not many people realize how much they affect them. Whether or not they were diagnosed as a teen or when they were a child, it changes a person. Sometimes it changes a person for the better, but unfortunately, it can also change someone for the worse. Chronic illness affects not only our bodies but also our mentality, relationships, and so much more that you would do without thinking every day. 

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Chronic illness is a never-ending battle that drains the life out of people, especially the youth. 

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My mission is to change people's perspectives on how they view the chronically ill youth.

Many who are ill feel alone in their own journeys, and lots don't have the help they need to get better, but Teige's Journey was made for that sole reason and to follow along my journey to help you feel seen. 

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Chronic Illness is never a choice; it is more or less what feels like punishment.