Facing Forward Stories shares real stories from parents and parents-to-be living with chronic illness and disability—highlighting both shared experiences and unique journeys. Through these voices, we offer connection, representation, and encouragement, reminding readers they’re not alone and that there’s no single way to keep facing forward.
Living with multiple chronic conditions has taught Sam to prioritize what matters most, adapt when routines aren’t working, and let go of the rest.
By planning ahead, leaning on an equal partnership, and staying flexible, she is focused on building a full life with her family—one where pain and a good day can coexist.
| NAME: Sam PRONOUNS: She/her LOCATION: Aurora, IL, USA DIAGNOSES: Psoriatic arthritis, hypermobility spectrum disorder, atrial fib, chronic migraine, fibromyalgia CHILDREN: two, ages 6 & 2 |
What came first for you: chronic illness diagnosis or parenthood?
Chronic illness diagnosis.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced as a parent or parent-to-be living with chronic illness? How have you adapted to those challenges?
Only having a limited amount of energy per day. I have to prioritize what’s most important each day considering the energy I have and let the rest go so I can stay present for what’s most important. Planning ahead and my husband being an equal partner has helped the most.
What does a typical day look like for you and your family? Are there specific tips or systems that help your family function day-to-day?
Life is busy! I work full time and my 6 year old recently started on a cheer team. When I cook dinner, I try to make at least 6 servings at a time so we have easy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day. I used to try to do certain chores on certain days of the week, but if I wasn’t up to it or didn’t have time that day it frustrated me the chore wasn’t done. Now I do whatever chore we need the most whenever I have the time and motivation to do it. This may mean we do laundry before bed or I clean the bathroom sinks at 7 am, but the sense of accomplishment keeps me going. If a routine doesn’t work for us, we try to find what does instead of forcing us into a routine that isn’t helping anyone stay focused and positive.
How do you talk to your children about your illness?
I explain my body doesn’t work in the ways other people’s bodies do, so I have to take medications that sometimes make me feel sick or I need to rest more than other moms. I explain how our healthy lifestyle helps me be my best self, just like it does for them too. I can’t do everything, but we keep open communication to decide what’s most important so we can do everything we want to do.
What kind of support has made the biggest difference for you?
Physical therapy has helped me significantly. I could discuss what’s hard for me to do at home, like lifting my daughter into her car seat, and my PTs helped me figure out ways to make it easier depending on what joints were hurting me at the time.
What is something you wish more people understood about parenting with chronic illness?
Everyone parents differently, what works for you may not work for me and that’s okay.
If you could go back to the day of your diagnosis, what would you tell yourself?
The medication that has helped me the most didn’t exist the day I was diagnosed, so I’d tell myself to just hang on a few more years.
What does “facing forward” mean to you?
Looking to the future with positivity and determination. I will live a good, full life even if I never achieve a pain free day because a good day and pain are not mutually exclusive.
| 🌿 Facing Forward Moments: Sam’s Recent Parenting WIN! 🌿 We recently went to Disney World when I was a few months out from ankle surgery. We had the absolute BEST time, and I truly didn’t push myself too hard because we set expectations before the trip of how long we’d stay at the parks and how much rest we’d be getting. |
💛 Want to share your own story? Send an email to: info @ mamasfacingforward.com
💬 Join our community: Mamas Facing Forward Facebook group
