Hello, my name is Cathryn. I am 17 years old. I have gastroparesis and have had it for a long time now. My case is very severe and I also have chronic GERD too. Yet, I am not diabetic oor borderline. Gastroparesis has caused many delays and harsh outcomes in my young life. They do not know why I have this, I overall try to be positive about it, although, it is extremely hard. My mom tells me all the time it isn’t my fault.. it’s true, but hard to face the fact that I will have this forever. I am a senior in high school and it is so hard for me to wake up and go, I go even during my attacks, my teachers know and understand but are still very uneasy to the thought of it. No one else in my family has this, I am the only one.. so when people say they understand I get they’re trying to help and comfort me, yet, they’ll never be able to get it. I used to cheerlead and dance from 4-14 which is when I began getting horribly sick, yet, I began getting ill when I was 12, trust me though, every day I wake up worried about what to eat, drink, or if I should even bother to try. It doesn’t only affect me, it does to all my loved ones. I just hope one day no one will ever have to deal with this again. We need a cure, gastroparesis and gastrointestinal disorders impacts everyday life! I know where I have it. But, to all the people whom have this disorder and is reading this, keep your head high, I know how it feels, you may not be cured, but it doesn’t mean it will control your life.