#PaintingUsVisible Interview with Caitlin Brown
Laura Ashley is a 27-year-old from New Jersey, USA. She is the author of “Table for One” a book of poetry exploring heartbreak, pain and self love. Laura Ashley also loves hair and makeup and has a beauty blog full of useful tips on caring for natural curly hair. She created “Chronically Beautiful” shirts that represent showing your beauty regardless of chronic illness.
Caitlin: What is your condition and how does it affect you?
Laura Ashley: My condition is Multiple Sclerosis. This is a silent chronic illness that I deal with on a moment by moment basis. It effects my emotional, physical and mental well-being. Each day is different and truly unpredictable. It’s affected my mobility, my speech and my sight. It has now gotten to the point that I am unable to work or do certain tasks independently. It’s affected my relationships and friendships with people that has left it difficult for me to heal trust new situations and paths. It’s not easy being different from others when you appear to look the same as them.
Caitlin: What is something you wish people understood better about your condition?
Laura Ashley: I wish people would think before they say certain things. Although I know the difficulty with not knowing what to say but “you look just fine” or “you’re young you’ll fight” doesn’t really help. I’ve gotten sarcastic and slick remarks in regard to fighting this sickness that plagues me. I want people to know that this is a difficult disease to beat especially because every person who may have MS has it at different extremities.
Caitlin: Is there something about yourself you’d like to share?
Laura Ashley: Despite the fact that I deal with this, each day I look for beauty, lessons and motivation to deal with it. I’m grateful for my spirituality and faith that pushes me through each passing moment and knowing that this will all be in the past. Also writing poetry and publishing my book has helped me to open up a platform to connect and empathize with those that deal with relatable feelings even outside of chronic illness.
Thank you so much Caitlin for including me in this honor to be apart of your awareness to chronic illness. This painting is truly beautiful and stroked with love and care! [image error]
