By the time I saw the crack in the sidewalk, my bike was already careening out of control. It was the first day of my spring break as a high schooler, a sunny carefree time. I picked myself up and thought I had nothing more than a skinned elbow. It seemed inconsequential at the time, just a minor setback in an otherwise ordinary day.

In the days that followed, however, "normal" would become a distant memory. As the first day of school after break arrived, I found myself unable to rise from bed. Debilitating soreness, a splitting migraine, and burning stomach cramps rendered me immobile. Nothing felt right, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong. Was it the bike accident? Or was it something else entirely?

Confusion and frustration became my constant companions as I embarked on a journey through countless months of medical appointments and tests, seeking answers to no avail. Each physician had a different theory, but none could provide a definitive diagnosis. It wasn't until a series of MRIs, colonoscopies, and biopsies that the truth came to light. Sitting in a stark consultation room, I was filled with anxiousness while waiting for my gastroenterologists to go through the test results with me. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they stepped into the room and broke the news: I had Crohn's Disease, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the digestive tract. The bike accident, it turned out, was merely a coincidence that diverted attention from the true cause of my symptoms.

With the weight of uncertainty lifted, I was relieved. Finally, after months of stress and mystery, I had a name for what ailed me. Yet, acceptance didn't come easily. Fatigue, muscle soreness, headaches, and cramps plagued me. I had to spend most of my time confined to my bed or couch, and I couldn’t attend school or participate in sports and my hobbies. At times, my condition was worsening, and soon my mental health followed suit. I would ruminate about everything that happened in my life thus far. Why me? What would my life be like if I was normal?

However, one question felt more profound than the others: What does “normal” truly mean? Is it the idealized portrayal of teenage life I see in movies, or is it something more nuanced and individual? Through introspection, I realized that "normal" is subjective, shaped by our unique experiences, backgrounds, and circumstances. It’s not a fixed state or an imaginary ideal, but a personal and fluid concept, evolving over time as we grow and adapt to life's challenges. With this newfound understanding, I was empowered to define for myself what my “normal” is. I embraced this "new normal," and began to face the challenges, both physical and emotional, of accepting my condition as a part of my new reality.

As I reflect on my journey with Crohn's Disease, I realize that while the physical symptoms are undeniably challenging, it's also an emotional rollercoaster. There are days when frustration and despair threaten to overwhelm me, when I long for the carefree days of my pre-diagnosis life. My disease took many parts of what my identity had been. Adventurous photographer. Cross country runner. Diligent student. What was left of me, if I could barely get out of bed?

But in those moments of despair, I recognize that I have the power to redefine my “new normal” and to define facing each day as a challenging act of courage. I am on my own, unique journey, and the experiences I have been through and continue to face have built an unwavering resilience in me that I can take pride in. Yes, I have Crohn’s Disease, but the strength and determination I face the experiences in my life with defines who I am far more than that diagnosis. Further, I learned it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it's seeking support from loved ones, connecting with fellow patients through support groups, or reaching out to healthcare professionals for guidance, I don't have to navigate this journey alone.

As I continue embracing my "new normal," I wonder how many other teenagers are unknowingly bound together by similar experiences with chronic disease. My mission in starting this organization, Teen Health Narratives, is to elevate these voices and for you to know that you are never alone. You aren’t alone when you feel overwhelmed, when you grieve the life you once knew, or when you are frustrated with facing battles that many will never understand. Together, we are a global community bravely refusing to be defined by our diagnoses and rewriting the narrative of chronic illness, challenging stereotypes and inspiring hope.

To my fellow teens grappling with chronic illness, I offer this message of solidarity: you are not alone, and only you define yourself. Welcome your "new normal" with open arms, knowing that waking up each day and facing the depths of adversity is nothing less than heroic. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, who remind you of your strength when you falter, and who celebrate your victories, no matter how small they may seem. Never forget the incredible power that lies within you as you embrace the beauty of your “new normal.”