Influencer Fighting for Life Spreading Awareness About Invisible Illnesses 

A DOCTOR told a young woman she’s experiencing “growing pains” after her legs collapsed?! That’s unsettling

Another case of gaslighting, wasting time, and having someone suffer thanks to our medical industrial complex. I'm so glad her lung capacity is increasing and she's spreading awareness.

This is Lupus. My 25 year-old daughter had interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, Raynaud's syndrome, joint pain and inflammation, etc. Her skin was chocolate and beautiful. She was diagnosed at age 21. My heart goes out to this young lady and her mother. This brings memories flooding back. It's been 12 years since she passed away and my heart is broken forever.

The doctor who told her she was only experiencing growing pains should have had their license revoked

There is this book I recently finished reading its called The 21 Former Doctor Secrets, Its full of secrets about modern health industry and my routines started to change so much!

⚠️ PLEASE BE YOUR OWN MEDICAL ADVOCATE!!!!!! My sweet, beautiful and highly intelligent cousin just passed at the age of 28 of a repeated misdiagnosed case of colon cancer. Once she finally had the correct diagnosis, the doctors failed her AGAIN claiming they found it in time and she would be ok with treatment. Fast forward literally TWO WEEKS LATER....they told her she had 3MONTHS TO LIVE. She passed within a week and a half. Again, folks....I beg you all, BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE no matter WHAT IT TAKES 💔

Unfortunately most doctors would rather gaslight then do they're job.

Being a Black woman who suffers from an invisible, chronic illness…this was amazing!!! Thank you for sharing this with me and the world. ❤❤❤

I've never seen someone look so good while sick... that's probably part of why it took so long for doctors to take her seriously. What a blessing to look like a model all the time no matter what but also a curse because it's hard to get help

Doctors that gaslight should be sent to jail immediately

The worst thing about not finding a diagnosis for a long time is when doctors start looking at you as if you have a psych diagnosis. I was dying from heart failure for months which was progressively getting worse. They gave me a wrong diagnosis until I went to the ER. This was 20 years ago.

Having chronic illness is so incredibly hard, every day is different and its so frustrating

I absolutely hate when doctors say it’s all in your head. My heart goes out to this young lady. I don’t understand why doctors don’t do more in-depth blood work.

Invisible illnesses need more public education and awareness. Hats off to this beautiful, resilient young lady for fighting every day to do and be as much as she can!

My friend was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease. She was told she had 3-5 years. She made 4 years, God bless you Erica

My invisible chronic illness is Sickle Cell Anemia/Disease. I wasn’t diagnosed until age 3. My mom still hates the many crying episodes I had as a newborn-toddler due to experiencing excruciating sickle cell crises that wasn’t yet found by my doctor. I’ve lost a friend who had this same battle. I was told I may not live past 20, yet by the grace of God, here I am at 33yrs old with a daughter and husband. I’m currently admitted in the hospital now for pain treatment. It gets discouraging at times, but I know my support system and strength always carries me through. 💪🏾♥️

When she said she cannot be relied on that was so sad. Her lack of productivity doesn’t define her value.

ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CARE!!

Thank you INSIDE EDITION for sharing her story!!!! So much to unpack here from institutionalized racism in the healthcare system, to women especially Black women, not being taken seriously, to the trauma that invisible illnesses cause a person’s mental health…… 😩 my heart goes out to her. I too have an invisible rare illness, caused by Cauda Equina Syndrome and was misdiagnosed for 10 years until my left side below the waist became paralyzed. Has emergency spinal surgery and I’ve been grieving my old body ever since. Hearing her story is as much enraging as it is inspiring. She is so strong! Seeing her strength reminds me of my own and how I have to make the best of my diagnosis.

Chronic illness is horrible you look fine on the outside and feel like you're dying on the inside. It sucks being trapped in a body that is failing you. The constant pain you cant escape. Praying for everyone suffering. Definitely needs to be more awareness for invisible diseases.

This story reminds me of when my mother had multiple myeloma and she went to over 10 doctors until she finally received the diagnosis. Several doctors basically told her she had anxiety because all of her lab work kept coming back great. My mom said the same thing this young lady said. She said, “I know my body”. Finally, a young Puerto Rican female doctor took her seriously and dug deeper. She ran more tests, more labs and saw that her protein levels were off. From there, she referred her to an oncologist and she quickly received a diagnosis. She was in the hospital the same day she was diagnosed. I thank God my mother was an advocate for herself and she’s still with us! Advocate for yourself!! Know your body! Don’t let these doctors gaslight you! Go out of state if you need to! My mom didn’t give up! She’s officially in remission! Thank you Jesus! I’m praying for this young lady’s total and complete healing! 🙏🏽🙏🏽 But wait, was that her mom looking like her twin! They’re gorgeous!

There's a hockey player i know (20 years old 2m tall, healthy very fit) he got sick, they just told him to go home 3 times, they took tests and the tests were messed up they said nothing. after 2 weeks his dad had to carry him to the hospital because he couldn't walk and this time they refused to leave until they did everything correctly and actually looked at him. They found out he had covid 19 and sepsis. Now he might have to amputate his leg just because the doctors were lazy

I was losing weight, had ascites, and was having severe fatigue. My doctor told me to take antacids for a month and would schedule a gastroenterologist appointment. I went for my gynecologist appointment and found out I had stage three ovarian cancer and triple negative breast cancer. You have to be your own advocate for your health.

She’s a fighter. Thank you for this spotlight. You never know who is struggling with these kinds of issues.

I remember being sick with flu like symptoms for 6 months. The doctor told me I had a damn cold. I got super skinny, always tired, just overall sick all the time. My mom would not stop advocating for me. She took me to so many doctors before they finally figured out it wasn't a 6 month long cold. I had a hereditary disease. Imagine if my mom had listened to those doctors. I may not be here today. I would say that you know your body better than any doctor. If something is wrong, never take no for an answer. Thank God for my mom catching my illness as quickly as she did.

There’s no day that she’s not looking her best. She’s absolutely STUNNING 🤩

Welcome to my life. I fought for 14 years to be awarded disability meanwhile everyone was calling me lazy for not being able to work anymore.

My invisible illness is Multiple Sclerosis. It was 3 years before I was diagnosed. I went blind then recovered. Then after my child was born, I started tingling from the neck down and my arms became paralyzed. I got a diagnosis then. Christmas 2005 I became paralyzed both legs and my left arm. Slowly by God’s grace I regained most of my function. I live with pain, but I live. “I shall live and not die and declare the works of the Lord.”

My daughter is experiencing a illness that the doctors can't diagnose, I listen to her and pray the prayer of faith over her life. Erica I thank you for sharing your plight.

When I was 29 I started having similar symptoms. I spent more than a decade and even now, I’m still undiagnosed. I just got tired of doctor after doctor telling me it’s in my head, just because they haven’t been able to diagnose me. On the outside I look completely normal, but I’m always in pain, and my muscles, especially those in my abdomen contract and twist uncontrollably….But here I am 15 years later, working full time, and being a single mother. The funniest part about the whole thing, is I’m a nurse. I’m not on disability, and I worked all through COVID visiting patients in their homes and hospitals. I’m putting a 22 year through college, so I’m always working and in discomfort while working. But I’m still living, and I feel like I’m thriving for having survived this long with an invisible illness. Don’t think us healthcare workers have it any better than anyone else. We often have it worse, because they think we’re just seeking attention. And if you’re a BW, your pain is minimized or ignored. And there is no pretty privilege. People will tell you you’re seeking attention. But let you go outside looking the way you feel and you will be crucified! So you always have to try to look presentable and semi attractive in order to not be dismissed when you do go outside. Prayers to this Queen, and all the rest who suffer with invisible and visible illnesses.

I cried when they baptized her. God bless you sweet girl.

Jesus this poor young lady 😢 every doctor that gaslighted and downplayed her deserves consequences.

I went to school with her , she has always been a beautiful soul ❤ I pray her life changes for the better

She's so beautiful. Always be kind. You never know what someone else is dealing with. I hope for a miracle for her. Never take things for granted.

One of the difficulties with autoimmune diseases is the fluctuations. One minute you're fine, the next immobile. And always, always hoping to feel better. All the best to you.

Poor sweet girl! I wish she wasn't dismissed for all those years!

The amazing part is she survived the Covid-19 outbreak👏🏾

If they’d listened to her when she was 19? What is wrong with doctors. Poor lady. So sick of doctors ignoring people and ruining lives and getting away with it.

Doctors often brush people off and say it's in your head smh. God bless this young lady. 🙏

This is what disparities in health care looks like. We have to ADVOCATE for ourselves

Oh my gosh she made me cry at the end. I’ve had an invisible illness for 57 years and I’m tired. I’m so thankful she shared her story and tips on how to keep going. I’m also a Christian. Thanks for giving me something to motivate myself. ❤️

Good health should not be taken for granted. Everytime you wake up healthy be grateful!

This young lady is so wise, and soooo beautiful! I grew up knowing that the disease I have is fatal and incurable, cystic fibrosis. I never really thought being an adult would happen, so I lived my life moment by moment. I tried to soak up every moment that I could with happiness and a lot of laughter. And now, here I am at 47 and still doing well! I sincerely hope that this beautiful young lady has the same opportunities! 💜

If you know something is wrong.never let a doctor tell u it's nothing.get every test you can. They love finding your illness when it's too late.

I’ve been fighting lupus for 10+ years now. It’s a continuous battle!! If you know anyone who is struggling with any autoimmune diseases please love on them we totally need it!!

I was diagnosed with Dermatomyositis in 2017. Specifically with the MDA5 auto-antibody which can cause also Interstitial Lung disease (ILD). I empathize with her, i wouldn't wish this kind of sickness on my worst enemy. But thanks to God's healing grace and mercy, I was rejected from one hospital and sent to another that gave me the care I needed. And I was declared to be in remission in 2022 and the sickness was not detectable in my blood tests earlier this year. God is still a healer and a provider.

It makes me infuriated that no Doctor diagnosed her earlier! Something has to change

Everyone should say thanks today for their health. Your body breathes by itself. You don’t have to labour every second or worry about suffocating. If you can breathe without pain, you’re very fortunate. 🙏🏻🌷

Prayers for her and I hope her lung transplant will be successful!

I’m so sorry you were let down by the medical professionals for so long, God willing you get your lung transplant asap. May God Bless you & family 😊❤🙏🏻🇦🇺

Thank you Inside Edition for bringing awareness to these health issues.

She's so strong and pretty, being able to keep up with her appearance with her health

My husband has 4 transplants. It's hard but you can do it. I wish you the very best. God bless you, beautiful lady.

I feel for you. I can relate. I've had so many health problems for the past 37 years, including autoimmune illnesses, chronic fatigue, horrible back and neck issues, everything hurts, and like you, it's basically impossible for others to see or understand what I'm going through. I'm so glad you have a family who supports you, because I don't have a support system and am basically alone going through this. It's a blessing that you have your mom and support, so appreciate them, and be glad for what you do have going on. Blessings and love to you and yours. 💜👍👏🙏💜

As someone who has a chronic illness, yes it hurts but I’m never sad. When it’s my time, I’m going to be ready

She's pretty!❤

Wishing her the best care for her issues❤

God bless her! Doctors should do more in taking people seriously when they say something is wrong!! And stop passing it off as something else! Do your job!! More testing needs to be done!

I have Sarcoidosis. It’s hell. Most people don’t understand being tired and in pain everyday. People say things like why didn’t you do all your errands while you were out already. Not understanding that after a few physical movements you’re super tired & sometimes short of breath doing nothing. I pray for discovery for myself and others suffering like I do everyday.

Hey girl! If you see this, I'm 28, with an invisible illness that does the same stuff to me, and I'll die from. If you want someone to talk to, comment and we'll connect! I run a support group of thousands of people like us. You aren't alone. We aren't alone!

Lupus has a lot of the same symptoms. 🤒 Will keep you in my prayers. Stay strong just know TMH loves you.

My daughter passed away from an untreated illness. What she was told to us when she was a child. Wasn't what she died from. My heart goes out to her ❤️

I've got 30 conditions. Turns out I have cervical instability that caused the bulk. Doctors always tell you it's in your head. You have to advocate for yourself. I feel so bad for this baby. She so young. Thank you for speaking out for those of us suffering in silence

ANdddd….. This is one of the MILLIONS of reasons why you should never take it upon yourself to ask anyone what their illness is for a handicapped spot or service dog!!! Not every sick person looks sick 🤢

Erica is going on my prayer list.

I felt like she was telling my life story 😢 I have a rare genetic condition that took until I was 38 to get diagnosed. People look at us and think we look fine and don't see how much effort it takes to look fine and that doesn't mean we aren't disabled. It takes the maximum allowable pain meds for me to function and walk, but my genetic condition also makes me look younger than I am so they think I am healthier than I am. People just need to BELIEVE in the pain of others.

doctors never wanna do their jobs fr

At least she got saved because this world is a temporary place

Oh my goodness! I sympathise with you! I have fibromyalgia and feel like I’m 90 yrs old but look healthy.

I know the feeling. I have an invisible disability and the way people treat me because they can't see the problem was very upsetting to me at first,but then I had to realize that , that was their problem not mine. Now I stay focused on my health and leave them where they're at. Nobody checks on me really and I've learned to cope with it. I had to be my own advocate and keep pushing until I got health care professionals who took me more seriously. Now I'm getting somewhere and think I'm closer to my goal of recovery,or at least able bodied again. Take care of yourself young lady and GOD bless.

On a side note, she has the face of a doll. Stunning. I also suffer autoimmune disorders, is freaking hard.

The insurance industry prevents health care, it is a profit money making business. Take care of yourself as best you can.

This reminds me of Asha Sharon's story. She was another beautiful young lady who suffered from lung disease and lupus. She documented her life and battles on YT. She kept in good spirits til the end. Wishing the best.❤

Going by my experience I started feeling sick all over. Eventually went to a psych lady and found out that some people were working against me through voodoo. Believe or not bad people exists and they envy you for whatever reasons. Please give it a thought. Best wishes to the beautiful young women. God Bless.

I wish this beautiful young lady the best!! I'm so glad to hear that she had the support of her mother.

Prayers for healing & peace

I had terrible menstrual pain as a teenager. I went to many doctors and their only advice was to have a baby. I didn’t know I had Fibroid’s until my 30s. I couldn’t believe a doctor would tell a kid to have a baby. So irresponsible of them. I can’t have children, it’s so devastating. I feel as though I was robbed.

For months I was diagnosed with laryngitis , not getting better getting sicker, unbelievable pain like elephant sitting on my chest…. Finally I went to ER and they did CAT SCAN…. Stage four lung cancer that had spread to my brain, lymph nodes, liver, and back bones…. Too bad my doctor did not find this earlier….

Bless u sis. I have a friend that has lupus and many of the same symptoms. Praying for yur health phy and mentally. Live every day to the fullest🙏🏾

It took me 10 years to get my diagnosis with Crohn’s disease. The diagnosis took so long even with me always at the ER they labeled me as a pain med seeker when I was dealing with debilitating pain that put me on the floor. I had to travel to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to finally get the right diagnoses! Since I was in a flare for so long a lot of my intestines had to be removed and now I’m on so much medication. Had I gotten treatment right away I would of never suffered as much as I did I can totally relate

Being a lupus warrior I understand this 100%

Im so sorry. I have six terminal and chronic illnesses. And I have one the doctors cant figure out. Its an auto immune disorder. My life is almost over but youre beautiful and young. Get the transplant. Keep the faith. You deserve every bit of happiness you can get. 💖💖🙏

I was diagnosed with myositis in 2020 after many failed diagnosis including having “pneumonia for a year” and severely elevated cardiac enzymes. I was on several antibiotics which caused my hands to blister and rashes all over my body. I too have interstitial lung disease and tachycardia as a result. I currently take Rituxan infusions every 5 months two weeks apart and Imuran daily. I can no longer do bedside nursing but I thank the Lord I went from using a cane and barely being able to breathe and walk to not using any assistive device and only needing an inhaler at times. I pray that the doctors find a treatment plan that works for you and gives you a new lease on life.

I’m glad that this story broke regarding invisible illnessss. Disabilities and healthcare inequality delaying diagnosis for thousands of people of color who dont get treated the same. Keeping you in prayer Sis, I know what you’re going through 🙏🏽💪🏽❤Never give up!!

She's a clear case of appreciate everything in life no matter if you're rich or poor🤔

I can only Imagine how her mother feels because I was tearing up myself. But Erica's positive spirit is just as beautiful as she is. She is a fighter and won't just lay down, she changed her diet and continues to exercise which seems to have increased her lung capacity. I'm Rooting for her. 9x💯

My invisible illness is MS...it took 10 yrs and going temporarily blind, thankfully, before being diagnosed. But I wish this young lady so much love and support!

Wow despite her condition she’s gorgeous ❤ it’s really appreciated that she’s sharing experience

She is so positive & strong! Her testimony gives strength & so much light to others! Praying for a complete healing for this young lady & her family!💕

If you're black and you complain to the doctor too much you're dramatic/emotional ..... They had u almost feeling like you mentally ill

Smdh I hope she surpasses every doctors expectation. And I hope that original doctor is no longer practicing

I just prayed for this lovely lady and I know what my GOD can DO is will be set free from all this .

THank you for helping to spread awareness of hidden disabilities. I suffer with them and its hard

I’ve had Rheumatoid Arthritis since childhood, and the struggle with invisible illness is *real.* This beautiful young woman describes it so well. My heart goes out to her.💞

I know this suffering from combination of Chronic Lyme, Bartonella and Babesia followed by RA. My heart goes out to her. 'But you look so good today' is like a knife in the heart.

A doctor told my mother I was experiencing “growing pains”, but I was not. Growing pains happen when a child has a growth spurt. I was and still am short. It was arthritis. Apparently I was born with it, and no doctors cared enough to ask enough questions. Every doctor who tells a mother her child is having growing pains should lose their license.

Doctors need to remember to listen to their patients. Just because one doctor can't figure it out, they shouldn't just say "you're fine."

Another Doctor dismissing a black woman's pain. If they can dismiss Serina Williams pain, they can do it to anyone. Prayers

Thank you for being so brave and inspiring to share your story. I have several invisible medical conditions as well, one is a neuroimmune condition, 2nd a central nervous system condition and 3rd a neurological condition which affects my body's autonomic nervous system which causes severe autonomic dysfunction. These issues cause me wide spread pain of various forms, often severe, mobility problems, affects my overall function, brain fog, autoimmune issues and much more. I can completely appreciate how difficult this is for you. I hope and pray you have more good days than bad. Good is of course subjective, but at least it makes it more tolerable and manageable to get through those days. And I hope you get the lung transplant you need.

I wish doctors would stop telling us it's all in our head.