I was born with Epidermolysis Bullosa (“EB”) but, due to the rarity of the condition, was not diagnosed until I was nine years old. Not knowing the condition I was inflicted with, I grew up thinking that I simply could not walk for a long time or run around with my friends without severely injuring myself with skin blisters and tears. EB is a genetic skin disease that impacts nearly one in 50,000 children. The severity of the disease can range from simple blisters to debilitating skin legions and disfigurement such that living a normal life is simply not possible.

People say that confidence comes from feeling of well-being and acceptance of your body and mind. Also, a belief in your own ability is something that forms very early in age. However, knowing that I could not engage in certain physical activities and that I needed to rely on my parents to do certain things for me became a large stumbling block in building my own self esteem.

This year marks my 6th consecutive year of participation at Camp Wonder, a summer camp founded by medical doctors who wanted to provide a safe environment for the young patients of EB. There, I connected with many children with conditions that were similar and many times much more severe than my own. I found friends who understood what I was going through and a group of people who were willing to speak out about this incurable disease to the world all with the hope of bringing happiness to the people just like me.

Little Hands Make a Big Difference is my way of bringing happiness to people like me. No, not just the children who are struggling with EB but everyone who is challenged with difficulties that prevent one from finding happiness and self-worth.