My name is Madison Lee. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism when I was only 8 days old, and later with Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) at the age of 14. Now, at 17 years old, I’ve lived the majority of my life managing these health conditions, and they have shaped the way I view life in more ways than I ever expected. Growing up with hypothyroidism meant my life was never without medication, routine doctor visits, and constant monitoring. Since I was diagnosed so young, I never had the chance to experience life without this condition—it’s always been part of who I am. But even though it was familiar, that didn’t make it easy. The fatigue, slow metabolism, and mental fog often made it difficult to keep up with school and friends. I used to feel frustrated and confused, wondering why I seemed to tire more easily or why I had to work harder to focus. For a long time, I didn’t realize that what I was feeling wasn’t “normal” for everyone. Then, at 14, I was diagnosed with SVT after experiencing episodes of rapid, pounding heartbeats that would come out of nowhere. These episodes were frightening and unpredictable. I would feel dizzy, anxious, and completely out of control. Unlike hypothyroidism, which I had lived with quietly, SVT demanded immediate attention. It made me confront the reality that my body could react in sudden, intense ways that I couldn’t always manage on my own. Both conditions have taught me to listen to my body more carefully. I’ve learned how important it is to rest when I need to, to speak up when something doesn’t feel right, and to advocate for my health. They’ve shown me that strength isn’t about ignoring pain or pushing through exhaustion—it’s about knowing your limits and still showing up for yourself every day. Emotionally, these diagnoses have made me more empathetic and compassionate. I know what it feels like to look fine on the outside but struggle inside. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for people who live with invisible conditions and face challenges others can’t see. People like my mom. My mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2022. I know that you can't always look at an individual and know what medical battles they are facing, but it brings me peace knowing that I am not alone. At 17, I no longer see my diagnoses as setbacks. Instead, they’ve helped me grow into a more mindful, resilient, and grounded person. My experiences have changed my perception of life—and I’m stronger because of them.