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Get to know the Versions of Me - Aalja Dee
Crap Sandwiches - My Journey!
My life can be summed up in one relentless truth: “It’s a crap sandwich—eat it or starve.” While harsh, this motto reflects the reality I’ve faced—a life shaped by pain, unimaginable hardship, and resilience. I’ve been handed some of life’s toughest cards, which bent me to my limits but never broke me.
From the outside, my life once seemed picture-perfect. I had dreams, a bachelor’s degree, a house, a marriage, and a promising career. But beneath the surface, my journey was marked by challenges long before I was born. My story begins with my family’s exposure to harmful pesticides in our first home—a tragic event that left my mother, pregnant with me, and myself facing lifelong health issues. The house was condemned, and we were left with nothing. This early trauma set the stage for decades of unexplained symptoms—migraines, night terrors, chronic fatigue, memory loss, and more.
Biography Continued...
Growing up, I spent more days at home or in hospitals than in classrooms, dismissed by doctors as a hypochondriac. By college, frequent hospitalizations for debilitating headaches brought more judgment than answers. I lost my job, my marriage, my financial stability, and eventually declared bankruptcy. The heartbreak deepened with the loss of my beloved dog of 15 years and other close family members.
Yet, in my darkest moments, a single truth fueled me: This is not my fault. I refused to accept silence or skepticism. My perseverance finally brought clarity when I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), a condition that mimics brain tumor symptoms. Later, I discovered I had autoimmune disorders and other chronic illnesses. While these diagnoses provided validation, they didn’t ease the daily battles.
Invisible illnesses are a cruel paradox. People say, “You don’t look sick,” dismissing the countless surgeries, hospitalizations, and the simple but overwhelming effort it takes to get out of bed. A single day of activity can leave me bedridden for weeks. Traditional work became impossible, forcing me to rely on assistance and passive income to survive.
But my pain has a purpose. I’ve made it my mission to raise awareness for those suffering in silence. I advocate for others navigating the complex medical system and fight to break the stigma of invisible disabilities. I also support those on weight-loss journeys, especially those battling additional medical issues.
Despite my struggles, I am also a caregiver for my elderly parents, who have been married for over 60 years. My mother is bedridden, and my father is wheelchair-bound. Caring for them is a challenge, but it is a privilege to honor their dignity.
During the pandemic, I found purpose in creating a children’s workbook for those without access to educational resources. The workbook gave children a sense of pride and representation during a time when so many were left behind. This small act showed me that even in darkness, we can make a difference.
My journey is far from over, but I’ve learned to celebrate small victories and keep moving forward, no matter how slow the progress. To anyone feeling invisible or fighting a silent battle, know that you are not alone. By supporting my work, you’re joining a movement to raise awareness, inspire resilience, and remind the world that pain can have purpose.
Together, we can create a future where invisible disabilities are seen, understood, and supported—one step at a time.