Awareness Begins with Conversation

Beth's Story of Invisible IllnessBeth's Story of Invisible Illness for the Insider Watch Challenge. Wear your watch on the inside of your wrist as a daily reminder that you can turn things around.

This is Beth. Model. Daughter. Wife. Drama Teacher. Disability Advocate.

I don’t usually like to label people, but in Beth’s case, I feel it’s important. Beth was the one who first brought Invisible Illness to my attention many years ago, when we met on the photography circuit. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with her several times.

Chronic Fatigue and ModellingOne day - or even one minute - Beth might appear fine (often pushing through and masking the pain), and the next, she has to stop completely. When someone with Chronic Fatigue crashes, the overwhelming exhaustion can last not just hours, but days or even weeks.

When we began planning a shoot, Beth told me about her Chronic Fatigue. She explained how one day - or even one minute - she might appear fine (often pushing through and masking the pain), and the next, she has to stop completely. When someone with Chronic Fatigue crashes, the overwhelming exhaustion can last not just hours, but days or even weeks.

Chronic Illness InfusionsModel Beth has gone through countless hospital visits, treatments, and infusions. And yet, to use a cliché, Beth continues to shine bright through the fog. Secondary Raynaud’sSecondary Raynaud’s and Rheumatoid Arthritis are just two chronic illnesses Beth lives with.

Chronic Fatigue isn’t the only challenge Beth faces. She also lives with Secondary Raynaud’s, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and more. It has been heartbreaking to see how much this kind, young woman has gone through, countless hospital visits, treatments, and infusions. And yet, to use a cliché, Beth continues to shine bright through the fog. She’s an inspiration to so many, and a powerful disability advocate, raising awareness for those who are too often misunderstood. Too often, people see only a young woman “cheekily” parking in a Blue Badge space, without realizing the daily battles she faces.

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Flip your watch to the InsideAlthough life has its challenges and struggles, wear your watch on the inside of your wrist as a symbol that you can turn things around. Insider Watch Challenge.

I’ll admit, I haven’t supported Beth as much as I would have liked, but she is never far from my thoughts. I hope my prayers and positive energy bring her some comfort.

That’s why I want to share the Insider Watch Challenge. The idea is simple: flip your watch and wear it on the inside of your wrist. It’s a symbolic gesture, but it’s also a conversation starter, an opportunity to spread awareness and support people like Beth. Life is full of challenges, but even small actions can make a difference. Beth’s story reminds us of that.

Awareness begins with conversationAwareness begins with conversation. Beth's story for the Insider Waych Challenge. Wear It. Flip It. Share It.

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