Let's Talk...

Recent media coverage targeting chronic illness communities has been hard to sit with.

It would seem that for some people, the idea that a life with chronic illness could include any joy, whimsy, economic value, or existence outside the home is... deeply uncomfortable.

Our community are fully rounded, active members of society. The vast majority are working, volunteering, and caring for others while doing their all to live well and self-manage very challenging health issues. Our volunteer team alone has included teachers, doctors, carers, pharmacists, entrepreneurs, therapists, actors, accountants, nurses, artists, musicians, dancers, athletes, photographers, writers, and editors, all with lived experience of symptomatic hypermobility. This lived reality should not be hidden or casually undermined for clicks. Their achievements are tangible; we deserve to be visible. These efforts should be acknowledged, supported and validated.

Our team will always advocate for and support our community to ensure that this remains the case.

Absolutely anyone can become disabled or chronically ill, at any time. The longer you're alive, the more likely it is to happen to you.

But here is what we know to be true... Our visibility is something to celebrate. We are here. We have always been here.

We've been connecting with each other, supporting each other, sharing tips, information and ideas for decades.

The fact that we're out enjoying life, unashamed of the health conditions that can make it so challenging, or the aids we need to make it less painful, less difficult, is testament to the determination of people who refuse to quietly hide from public view and stay out of sight.

Sure, some of our conditions might be invisible, but we don't have to be and that's something to proud of.

And we aren't going anywhere.

It takes time to learn to manage a chronic health condition. It can be overwhelming, hard to take in, and very difficult to see light at the end of the tunnel. The laughter and the fun that we do have is often hard won, and can come at a very high price.

So we're not about to give it up.

We're going to be right here, where we've always been, insisting on a place at the table. Enjoying the company of friends and family, and celebrating life's bigger, and smaller wins, on our own terms, just like everyone else.

We'll be found, always, putting out a hand to help others as they find themselves in circumstances they never imagined, and we will never, ever, be found punching down.

Absolutely everyone has the right to enjoy their life, whatever that looks like for them.

Please show your support for our community by following and engaging with us on your social media platform of choice. 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HMSACharity  

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HMSACharity 

You can also donate to our cause or fundraise using Give as you Live