My story isn't happy, in fact, it's full of heavy, hard days. But that's exactly where Happy Wheels comes in. I was born with a genetic connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. For years doctors told me my problems were in my head, and because of that I wasn't diagnosed until I was 17 and extremely sick. Unfortunately, this condition affects my entire body. I developed an extremely rare vascular compression in my abdomen called superior mesenteric artery syndrome that almost took my life last summer. I also suffer from conditions of my autonomic nervous system, GI tract dysmotilty, mast cell disease, multiple joint issues and dislocations, nerve issues in my abdominal wall, endometriosis, a recurrent hernia, and so much more! I have gone through 9 surgeries and been admitted to the hospital more times than I can count. Because of my conditons I have a G tube in my stomach to take stomach contents out, a J tube in my small intestine where I am tube fed and put meds, and a port in my chest that I use for IV fluids 4 nights a week to keep me hydrated. My teenage years have been nothing like a typical teenager, and instead of having a favorite place to hang out with friends, I have favorite floors to be admitted to in the hospital. I was first introduced to Happy Wheels on a very hard day. I distinctly remember having a traumatizing procedure that morning, and just after the hospital therapy dog left, I had a knock on my door. The sweetest ladies were smiling from the hall where there was a cart for me to come pick a book from to keep. I would not have gotten out of bed for anyone else, but you better believe I was up and out of that room so fast! Happy Wheels made me look forward to Tuesdays, and those angel ladies who graciously give up their time to brighten our day hold a special place in my heart. They bring so much joy to the hospital when most of the time a knock on the door brings the opposite. Please consider donating because it's so much more than a $10 toy!