Why I'm Raising Awareness on 'Wishbone Day'

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to go through 364 days a year feeling so rare and insecure, like you don’t belong anywhere? You’re the odd one out, the misfit toy, the Fruit Loop in a world of Cheerios. However on that one day a year, you get so excited and feel like you matter, because this one day is dedicated to you and your rare disease.

I was born with a rare bone disorder called osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle bone disease. It’s caused me to endure many broken bones over these short 18 years, along with pain, anxiety, and depression. I only measure up to 4-foot-ten because my bones can’t grow anymore. I can’t play all the rough sports my friends were able to growing up. I missed out on what being a kid was all about sometimes due to appointments, treatments, and broken bones. It wasn’t long before I started feeling like I didn’t belong.

Every year on May 6th, I feel that sense of belonging. Hope and happiness lights up my soul, because that’s the one day a year dedicated to raising awareness for my rare disease. Every “Wishbone Day” I honorably wear yellow, participate in events, and educate people as much as possible.

This day is a very special day for me and my fellow OI warriors. This year on Wishbone Day, I’ll be participating in a fashion show in a city near me to support the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation. I couldn’t be more excited to share my story.

Please join me in wearing yellow on May 6th for all my fellow osteogenesis imperfecta fighters. We are strong, we are hopeful, and we will continue to fight our best fight.