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Dear Invisible Illnesses

A 'thank you' letter written by a 16 year-old anonymous author to her chronic condition: ITP

Thank you for teaching me that sometimes people don’t always believe in what they can’t see, even if they pray to God every night and tell their kids Santa Claus is real. Thank you for reassuring me that it’s not all in my head, and I was right all along. Thank you for making me feel proud of myself for how far I’ve come. Thank you for teaching me to enjoy the small moments, and find beauty in everything around me. Thank you for showing me I’m never alone, because I have myself. Thank you for encouraging me to stand up to people, to advocate, and to not be scared to say the truth. To be grateful for what I have, while knowing that it’s also okay to be selfish.

I know sometimes I complain, because – yeah – it sucks. When I started writing this letter, actually, I felt frustrated and exhausted; but then I realized that you taught me things I couldn’t have learned on my own. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything… So, the lasting sentiment is this: I am thankful. Thankful to you for helping me learn that those two things can be true at the same time. Thank you for saving my life.

Sincerely,

A Girl with Invisible Illnesses, Age 16
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

Dear Diagnosis Affirmation Key

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3 thoughts on “Dear Invisible Illnesses”

  1. I feel uplifted by your shared thoughts–I’ve been needing a reminder of the positives that have come from my own health challenges and also needing shared reality of how hard it can be to feel understood when the only proof of illness lives inside you.

  2. My friend, although I know very little about your condition (it’s never too late to learn) I applaud your bravery for speaking out. I must add, you’ve got an amazing tone and prose!!! Do what you possibly can to stay healthy and keep writing!!!!
    When you win the Nobel Peace Prize, please keep this channel in mind 🙂

  3. You appear to be brave, strong and so very capable of seeing things from a positive perspective. I am sure that you will continue to be an influential life force. Blessings to you.

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