Kealee is a chronic illness warrior living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and other invisible conditions. Through her health journey, she’s discovered an inner strength she never expected, a deep sense of compassion for others, and a passion for advocacy within the disability community.
Keep reading to learn what Kealee’s chronic illness journey has taught her — and how we can all show up with more compassion, understanding, and support.
Discovering Strength Through Chronic Illness
Living with POTS and other challenges has taught me that I’m stronger than I ever thought possible. Chronic illness has forced me to slow down and really listen to my body, something I didn’t always know how to do.
It’s also shown me how deeply I care about helping others feel less alone. I’ve learned to advocate for myself, to rest without guilt, and to hold onto hope — even on the hardest days. This journey has reshaped how I see myself and the kind of strength I carry.
The Mental Health Rollercoaster
It’s definitely a rollercoaster. Living with chronic illness can be incredibly isolating, and it’s easy to feel misunderstood — especially when so much of what we go through is invisible. Some days, the mental exhaustion feels heavier than the physical symptoms.
But it’s also helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve learned the importance of asking for help, leaning on the people who love me, and offering myself the same kindness I try to give to others. My mental health is still a work in progress, but I’ve come a long way.
What I Wish More People Understood About Disability
I wish more people understood that chronic illness doesn’t always look the same every day. Just because I might look “fine” doesn’t mean I’m not struggling inside.
Rest isn’t a luxury — it’s survival. And it takes so much invisible strength just to show up in small ways when your body feels like it’s working against you. I wish people could see the courage that goes into simply getting through the day.
How You Can Show Up for the Disability Community
One small but powerful way to support the disability community is to believe us. Believe us when we share what we’re going through. Offer help without making us feel like a burden.
Make your spaces and your language more accessible. Speak up when you hear ableist comments. Share resources, uplift voices from our community, and don’t underestimate the impact of checking in on someone. Just letting someone know they’re not alone can make all the difference.
Follow Kealee on Instagram to learn more about her journey.
Interested in more stories from our community? Check out:
Leave a comment (all fields required)