Anaya Fuentes-Cartagena

I am 12 years old and currently live in Florida.  I first noticed there was something different about my health in May 2015, when my legs stopped working and I fell in school.  I was first diagnosed in November 2015, I was 9 years old.

My diagnosis changed my life because I felt like I was not like the other kids, because I was not able to play like them.  I can’t run too much or walk long distances like before, so my mom had to make arrangements in school, and I had to be home schooled.

My family initially handled my illness well because I have some family members with the same condition, and they help me a lot. My mom and my twin sister help me so much.  I’m blessed to have them in my life.

The most challenging aspect of Fibro is not being able to play and be like before, taking so many different medicines, and to not able to walk whenever I want.

I am open with my family about my illness and symptoms because I have a great family and they understand me all the time. Everything I learn, I’m able to share with them.

The best advice I can give someone regarding Fibromyalgia is “To never give up!!!”.  My biggest inspiration is my mother because she’s a strong and independent woman that never gives up.

I manage my fibromyalgia my always taking my medicines on time and doing my exercise every day.  My biggest battle is when I can’t walk!! I take my medicine and go to bed.  The worst thing that has happened to me is that I ended up in the hospital many times, and when I had to go to school with the walker or wheelchair it was really embarrassing. The best thing is that when I was in the hospital I learned about many animals and I saw a real eagle. Also, my doctor gave me an American doll.

What makes me a warrior is I just try my best to finish the day in school and make it the best.