Lexi Fontaine

Hello there. I am Lexi Fontaine. I am 22 years old, a military wife, and a lover of all things music and theatre. I should also mention my love for Disney. I tend to be a very bubbly person who tries to bring light and positivity to every situation. I enjoy having thought provoking conversations, working with children, and teaching people about the arts. There is another very prominent aspect of my life that warrants some conversation as well: Chronic Illness.

My medical history is extensive and began in my adolescent years. I missed out on “milestone” events in middle school and high school because of my medical problems. In middle school I had five unexplained seizures in one day, and a very drawn out battle with Mono. When I reached high school I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age sixteen, and shortly before that received an Irritable Bowel Syndrome diagnosis. I am also currently being seen at Mayo Clinic to get another diagnosis for new symptoms that have surfaced in the last two years. So far the diagnosis I have obtained from the testing at Mayo is Pseudotumor Cerebri. I also have rapidly gained 110 pounds in the last year and a half for reasons currently unknown, and cannot exercise due to the Pseudotumor condition. So I also have struggled with body image and self-esteem due to my conditions, but I work hard every day to overcome these things. Lastly, I struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety. This leads to constant worry about health conditions worsening, as well as other life situations, and at times makes it difficult to cope with daily life. Now, in my early twenties, I am currently unemployed due to my illnesses, and pursuing writing as an outlet to help me cope with and inspire others through my struggles.

I just cannot bring myself to see these medical complications as purely negative. To me, all of these struggles have appeared to be very real life lessons in empathy and understanding. The person I am today is largely indebted to the things I have learned from my chronic health problems. I see my illnesses as a blessing in disguise, an issue that happens to come with a huge opportunity for growth, improvement, and learning.

From the moment these illnesses started to affect my life as a teenager I knew that although Chronic Illness would always be a part of me and my life I would never let it define me. I am so much more than my diagnosis; I am a human being with a heart, a soul, and a mind. That is important for me to remember so that my illness does not overwhelm me.

I want to let people know they are not alone. That there are people out there supporting them, cheering for them, and sending them love; even if they are in a situation or circumstance where they can’t feel or accept that love right now. I know from experience how lonely and isolating chronic illness can be, and because of that I want people to know they always have someone in their corner.

I hope that open discussion about Chronic Illness, more than anything, teaches people about empathy and compassion. These are things that our world needs more of, and I hope that having dialogue about these things will lead people to open up their hearts and love their neighbor.