The journey of broken to beautiful...
I'm Shaye, when I was seven years old I was diagnosed with Scleroderma, an auto-immune disease in the Lupus family that primarily affects women from ages 21-35 years. It affects joints, ligaments, bones, and destroys connective tissue. I was labeled as an extreme rare case because of my age. At age nine I was given a 50% chance of living a long life and if I did, I'd never walk past the age of 12. I was enrolled in ballet at the time, and went on to captain my high school dance team through my senior year of high school. I later coached as well. I was pulled out of the hospital a couple of weeks after the diagnosis and my parents, taking a leap of faith, chose to treat me with homeopathic doctors and all natural foods. Lots of prayers and several years later I'm a wife, student, and owner of an art business. I love to paint but with my joints not working properly, especially in my hands and knees, it was a battle and I had a lot of good teachers and support behind me to push me to become a full time artist. Me and my husband enjoy kayaking, hiking and adventures. I'm also a furbaby mom to our precious kitties and service K9. To look at me I look no different, no disability is visible, but there are still everyday battles and struggles I still have to conquer. For those with "invisible/hidden diseases" that occur on the inside, I understand there is still a very real pain. But the wonderful thing is, is that it is possible to conquer for you as well. I'm incredibly blessed with family and friends that I couldn't have ever made it without.
"God takes broken things and makes them beautiful if you let Him do the mending." -Joel 2:25
