Hello and welcome to iamvisABLE! A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization aimed to utilize storytelling as a tool to connect, support, and empower individuals living with an invisible, chronic illness.
My name is Juliana Tustin, I am the founder of iamvisABLE. I am so happy you are here! It’s been a long time coming, but I am thrilled to have finally shared the news of iamvisABLE’s 501(c)(3) Nonprofit status! Over the past four years, I have made it my mission to shine a light on those suffering from chronic pain in the shadows. During this time, I have had the privilege of connecting with like-minded individuals who share a similar passion for amplifying voices and reducing feelings of isolation for those living with an invisible disease.
Every story has a beginning, so it only felt right to briefly share a bit about where iamvisABLE started and where we intend to go.
At the age of sixteen, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness. Due to personal health experiences, I began to identify a lack of representation and need for community among individuals living with an invisible, chronic illness. I wanted to change that.
In late August 2020, the idea of this platform came to mind while I was admitted in the hospital. To put it poetically, it felt as though I was planting a seed in the middle of an empty garden, continually nourishing its roots and bringing new ideas to life. From that moment forward, I made it my mission to water it.
The process was slow. At the time, I was recovering from surgery and anticipating a move across the country for an internship. This halted my initial goals for building the platform; however, it allowed me to focus on completing my masters degree to become a Certified Child Life Specialist, a professional trained to help children and families cope with the stress and uncertainty of acute and chronic illness, injury, trauma, disability, loss and bereavement. The training and expertise that I gained from my education and field work continues to drive my mission forward.
Seeds grew into sprouts and as 2021 was nearing its end, I had documented and connected with several of you through your stories. During this time, it felt as though everything that I had hoped for this space to become was slowly coming to life.
Later in January 2022, iamvisABLE officially launched as a corporation and continued to document the experiences of individuals living with an invisible illness from around the globe. Through your ability to take action, we have built a community founded on connection, understanding, and respect. What I know to be true is we are all more alike than we are different. There are people who have felt what you have felt, been where you have been. Although our experiences are unique, it brings many solace to know that we do not walk our paths alone.
As of 2024, iamvisABLE has officially relaunched as a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization with the continued mission to utilize storytelling as a tool to connect, support, and empower individuals living with an invisible, chronic illness. It is my hope that through storytelling and self-expression, the world will become more educated and understanding toward those who live with a chronic disease; that connection will continue to build community among those who are suffering; and that we may strive to live a life filled with both empathy and compassion.
To the community: It is you who continues to be the driving force behind this organization. Your willingness to share your experiences in hopes to educate and connect with others is admirable. There is no amount of gratitude that will express how your words have impacted me and those who read them. Thank you for being here! We are just getting started.
With love,
Juliana
