My name is Chloe and I am 15 years old. I began to get unwell when I was 10 and was diagnosed with MCAS when I was 13. Having this condition has meant lots of emergency trips to hospital, overnight stays, long consultant appointments along with a couple of surgeries, but I refuse to let it define who I am.

Many everyday things are difficult for me due to the symptoms that I need to manage but that doesn't stop me trying. With determination and the help of some supportive teachers I am ready to take 5 GCSE's this summer, and I have an offer from college to study science. I have joined a gym and I really enjoy going when I can. Recently I took up swimming & have just passed the beginners course and earned my 50 meters badge!

These things are easy for my friends, but I have to go through a lot to do them, mostly unseen. MCAS has changed the way I live my life, but it hasn't & won’t stop it!