Life as a Zebra Blog Posts

Hello! My name is Whitney! I’m a recent addition to the zebra community. I was not able to put together the symptoms I experienced until a couple of years ago. I was receiving

Hi, my name is Cameron Morell, I am 16 years old and going into my junior year of high school. I play soccer and I love music, fashion, sports, and my people. I

My name is Hillary Lee. I’m a wife, a mom of two, and a business owner. I was first diagnosed at the age of 13, and over the years my journey has expanded

Ciao from Lisa Gigliotti! I received my initiation into the zebra herd via the neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis. In undergrad I had been diagnosed with a serious case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) made

My name is Scott Besemer. I was born in 1968 and grew up in Holland, Michigan. After my freshman year of high school, my family moved to Spring Lake, where I graduated. After

I am Lori Newcomb, a mother of a very busy three-year-old. Shortly after I turned thirty, I moved to a colder climate, which triggered many symptoms and issues in my body that were

Hello! I’m Breanna O’Keefe, but most people call me Bre. I wear many hats—mom of six, wife, physician, coach, teammate, and board member for both Life as a Zebra and the University of

My name is Kassady Oberacker-Bailey. The diagnoses that affect me the most are Ehlers Danlos Syndrome – hypermobile type, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Gastroparesis, Bronchiectasis, Hypogammaglobulinemia, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, ADHD, and C-PTSD.

I am Lisa McNerney. I am a mom to two kids, and they are my number one job. My youngest is special needs and I spend a lot of time advocating for him.

Hi, my name is Audrey. I am a photographer and business owner in Northville, Michigan. I have been diagnosed with Vestibular Migraine, which is a neurological disease that causes vertigo. Most think of

Hi! My name is Casey. I’m a therapist, a Lions fan, and a fiancé! After years of chronic migraines throughout high school, we finally found the root cause right before I went to college—POTS.

Hi, I’m Ilana — a mom, licensed esthetician, and small business owner. By day, I’m helping clients glow from the outside in, and by… well, every other moment, I’m managing life with a

My name is Kimberly Dimond. I live in Traverse City and have been diagnosed with lupus for almost 20 years. I am also Executive Director of the Michigan Lupus Foundation. Lupus is a

Hello! My name is Madalena Hanthorn. There are so many ways to describe me: mom, wife, Air Force veteran, breast cancer survivor, dragon boat paddler and coach, Life as a Zebra Foundation treasurer.

As a creative momma, partner, graduate student, educator, colleague, (and what feels like an often absent) daughter, sister and friend with multiple chronic illnesses, life is…busy. It didn’t feel quite busy enough, so

Hello! My name is Lauren, and I am 21 years old. I am currently a senior undergraduate psychology student, and I am starting my MSW at University of Michigan in the fall! At

Hi! My name is Phil, and I’m from Michigan, living in the greater Lansing area where I grew up, went to school, established my career, and where I currently work and enjoy my

Hello, my name is Raven Slaght and I am honored to be recognized for February’s Zebra Spotlight. I am a 30-something year old wife and stay at home mama to three beautiful, wild,

My name is Jenn Jones (aka, mom, mommy, Jams, JJ, goto and sometimes hey you- I answer to all). I’m an almost 50-year-old introverted, single mother to an always enthusiastic, extroverted 8-year-old daughter

Hello, I’m Mark Ferrin. I’m a zebra and I’m also an alcoholic who has been alcohol free for over 18 years. I’ve spent most of my life doing structural maintenance…warehouses, manufacturing, and shipping

My name is Laurie Dama, and yes, I am related to Katie and Allie – they are two of my many beloved nieces and nephews. I am 59 years old, I work in

My name is Katie Smith, and I am known as Capital City Wonder Woman, but behind the tiara I am so much more. I am a 38-year-old mom of 4 bio kids, and

My name is Christie Lynn Hanchey. Before EDS became a part of every minute of every day that I am awake, I was a disc jockey on the number one morning show in

My name is Lara Alspaugh, and I am a fifty-two-year-old wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and writer. I am a fitness enthusiast, a health nut who also loves a good lemon drop

Hello, my name is Corinne Woodland. Whereas I have a basket full of chronic illnesses, the one at the root of most of them is Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Hypermobility type. I was

As one of the faces of Scleroderma, I am Sara Sullivan. My journey has been marked by unforeseen trials that have tested my strength and resilience. My diseases have caused me pain and

My name is Elizabeth Alden Vacha Bogan.  I never thought one disease, three letters, EDS, would change my life so much, but it seems fitting to have 3 last names at 44. I was adopted and we

My name is Theresa Navalta, and I am honored to be chosen to share my story. I don’t usually talk about my illnesses, but I do know that when my story began, I

Hello everyone! My name is Sue Larson, and I am very honored to be asked to share my story as a zebra in the hopes that someone else can relate to my experience

Hello all you happy people! My name is Frank Provo, and I am a Certified Public Accountant working in the insurance industry. I consider myself lucky to have an employer that is flexible

Hi! My name is Crystal Bradley, and I am a regulatory chemist by trade, although I am on medical leave currently. I love all things science, particularly the natural aspects! I love the

Hi! My name is Allison. I’m a Medical Laboratory Scientist. I enjoy cooking, all things Harry Potter and spending time with my family. 5 Invisible Symptoms 4 Things That Help Manage My Pain

Hi! My name is Marie. I’m a wife, auntie, and preschool teacher from New York. I’m also a disabled athlete. I started dancing at age 10 and running at age 24. A few days after running a half

Hi! I am Tara Curtin, and I am a wife, a mother to two amazing girls (and lots of pets), daughter, sister, friend, caregiver, Zebra, and so much more. It took many years

Hi everyone, my name is Janie Cavanagh and due to a major car accident in 1996, I live with chronic neck and head pain. Due to my prolonged healing process and the delay

Hey! My name is Jeweliet Donley. I’m 19, and for the past year, I’ve been on a hunt to learn my way around the diagnosis of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). My life has changed

My name is Ashley Mann. I am a stay-at-home dog and cat momma in Lansing, Michigan. Over the last few years, I’ve embarked on an ongoing journey of self-discovery, seeking personal growth and

My name is Kirbay Preuss. I am a full-time manager at my family’s business, Preuss Pets. I teach yoga, and I’m a mom to a 160lb Great Dane and a 17-month-old little bundle

My name is Stephanie Kronberg. I’m a wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend, part time preschool teacher, and now a ZEBRA. I could go on and on about all of my roles but what

Each month, we will shine the spotlight on an inspirational “zebra,” who helps bring visibility to invisible illnesses.