The more I give out to my community, the more I get back. The more I give to the kids I work with, the more I get back. That doesn’t mean I don’t get exhausted, run-down, tired, or depressed. But I choose every day to go out there and be positive. I realize that this life if beautiful. And we have to go out and embrace it.
Living with FCS can be really daunting. The cramping all the time. The body fatigue, the aches and pains, the inflammation. And the stomach problems – that’s a huge thing. It can all kind of grind you down.
Seeing doctors before my diagnosis was extremely frustrating. I kept getting the same answers, which was to eat better and exercise more. It’s isolating and you can get defeated quite quickly. I’m really blessed that I have a wife who wouldn’t allow me to be defeated – because I would’ve given up years ago.
Connecting with other people who have rare medical conditions is empowering. It gives you a lot of hope. It gives you some direction that maybe you didn’t have before. You’re not alone in the wilderness. You’re not lost. It’s really powerful.
When I think to the future, my FCS will always be there. But I don’t think this is ever going to stop me. FCS is never going to stop what I’m doing in my life.
Life’s too important for that.
Community and connection are huge in giving me the strength to keep going. I believe that what you put into life is what you’re going to get out of it.
— Aaron
FCS patient
