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 handful of invisible illnesses: Chiari malformation, collagenous colitis, gastroparesis, fibromyalgia, and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Apparently, one wasn’t enough.
You may not see it, but chronic illness is always there — and it’s shaped me into someone who shows up with grit, humor, and an unshakable belief that even on the hard days, there’s still beauty to be found.
5 Invisible Symptoms
- Chronic pain
- Bowel dysfunction
- Irregular heart rate
- Extreme fatigue
- Depression
4 Things That Help Me Manage Pain
- Low impact exercise and stretching
- Nature
- Electrolytes
- Medication and supplements
3 Ways My Life Has Changed
- The idea that my body is in fact, breakable.
- The full-time job my body requires.
- The mental burden and insecurities the illnesses have brought on.
2 People Who Inspire Me
I would say my family as a whole inspires me. They have always showed up for me- during the worst, best, and everything in between. Their advocation and dedication is irreplaceable. And most of all, they have always believed me. That is priceless.
My daughter inspires me every day. She’s taught me that healing isn’t just physical — it’s emotional, spiritual, and deeply tied to love. And in that sense, she’s part of my healing and inspiration every single day.
1 Thing You Want People to Know
Having invisible illnesses does not mean I gave up on my aspirations— it means I had to fight harder for them. I’ve had to learn (and am still learning) to move at my own pace, listen to my body, and still show up with purpose. You can be sick and successful, struggling and strong. The reward is so much greater because I’m not only fighting for my life, but also my dreams.
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