Together We Thrive

The Mighty is an online community where young patients can share their experiences, find support, and connect with others who truly get it. Whether you prefer reading stories, listening to podcasts, or joining discussions, there’s a space for you here!

You can explore The Mighty through their website, app, or YouTube channel, and they have 700+ health communities covering everything from rare disorders to ADHD, mental health, and more. Check out their “Teens & Young Adults” section to find support from people your age!

Content Warning: This resource discusses topics like mental illness, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide.

Coach Art is an amazing program that connects kids and teens (ages 5-18) with chronic illnesses—and their healthy siblings—to weekly online art and sports sessions all across America! Whether you’re into drawing, painting, or trying out a new sport, Coach Art has something for everyone.

When you join, you’ll be paired with a super talented volunteer coach who will guide you through one-on-one sessions every week for 4 weeks. By the end of the month, you’ll get a chance to show off everything you’ve learned!

It’s a fun way to learn new skills, make awesome creations, and connect with others who get what you’re going through!

Are you looking for a creative way to express your emotions? In this 10-minute YouTube video, the creator Art By Stella Chang guides viewers in reflecting on their personal experiences while making art. She draws on her own experiences with lupus to paint a self-portrait featuring her growth, with the message that your illness does not define you. Follow along with the video to create your very own healing art piece!

In this 50 minute podcast episode, the hosts of the Sickboy Podcast interview KYRIANNA. She is a watercolour artist who uses her art to spread awareness on the struggles of chronic pain. Listen to KYRIANNA’s experiences living with a health condition since she was 12. She discusses the dismissal and gaslighting that comes with having an ‘invisible illness’. She shares how art is her mode of emotional expression, sharing her difficult health experiences with the world.

If you’re looking for music that speaks to your journey, check out the 250+ song playlist created by Spotify user kellehlog. Each track is packed with meaningful lyrics that really resonate with the experience of living with chronic illness and pain.

You can stream it on Spotify’s free version (with ads) or upgrade to Spotify Premium for an ad-free experience! Whether you’re in need of some comfort or just want to vibe to relatable tunes, this playlist has got you covered.

In this 12-minute video, professional tennis star Venus Williams talks about her journey with Autoimmune Disease. She discusses how to get diagnosed, how to improve symptoms, how illness affects her life, and general advice for anyone dealing with a long-term illness. 

Her story is a reminder that your illness doesn’t define you. You can achieve your dreams if you believe in yourself!

The YouTube channel You Look Okay To Me is run by a young woman living with chronic illness. She makes 5-20 minute video essays discussing a variety of topics, including “The chronic illness guide to working from home”, “Why is it so hard to describe my pain”, and “Things not to say to someone with a chronic illness”. 

She also discusses intersections between being chronically ill and being a person of colour (POC), offering a perspective that is crucial in understanding the experiences of marginalized groups. 
Check out her instagram @youlookokaytome for reels and posts you can relate to!

Want to learn strategies for controlling your chronic pain that are backed by scientific evidence? This 40-minute podcast episode is just for you! Dr. Afton L. Hassett, the Director of Pain and Opioid Research at the University of Michigan, speaks on practical insights from her area of expertise: pain management. You will learn how sleep, exercise, and mood play a crucial role in pain perception, and what you can do to improve your pain.

In this 13-minute TEDxNTU talk, Tammie Ong shares the lessons she has learned since developing a chronic progressive illness at the age of 17. She reflects on the support of her family and friends, the large impact small acts of kindness have, and living life to the fullest despite health challenges.

The Our Power Is Within Podcast shares real stories from people who have found ways to heal their bodies and minds from chronic pain, illness, and disease. Hosted by Chazmith Newton, this podcast brings in experts to talk about cool, up-and-coming healing methods like brain retraining, journaling, exposure therapy, and more.

Tune in and explore new ways to help yourself heal—who knows, you might find a method that works perfectly for you! It’s all about discovering new possibilities on your journey to feeling better.

Have you ever wanted to have a friend who understands everything about your medical journey?  If you live in the USA, you can request a free “Medical Mini” stuffy that has the same condition as you. Bring your medical mini with you to support you wherever you go!

Fun Fact: Medical Minis was created by a young child with a medical illness, just like you!