Advocate | DAYBYDAYCOLLECTIVE

Hey 👋🏽 I’m Alex , 27, (They/Them) and figuring life out one day at a time (literally).



I live with Endometriosis & PMDD, and the past three years have been…a plot twist! Two surgeries meant slowing down and a complete rethink of what ‘power’ and ‘productivity’ really meant. Chronic illness sure has a way of humbling you but it also taught me what really matters. Rest. Boundaries. The tiny wins and the people who understand.



Before all that, I worked in TV production, and even earlier in the creative world as a model and prosthetics makeup artist. These days, I’m happiest creating and I do it all ; painting, crocheting, designing digitally, jewellery making...the list goes on 😂



So many of us have had setbacks that shifted our paths or made us question ourselves. But community helps change that. When we come together, I truly believe we can build something softer, stronger and more joyful than we could alone!

Advocate | DAYBYDAYCOLLECTIVE

Hi! I’m Artemis and I’m 25 years old. I am originally from Greece but moved to London when I was 16.

I went to University in Scotland and studied Maths and Physics. I have been on a long journey of being diagnosed with many chronic illnesses including: endometriosis, hEDS, POTS, mast cell disease, asthma, migraines, dysautonomia, anxiety, and autism. I also have some experience with caring for a loved one while they are critically ill.

I love animals and have a very cute and fluffy, albeit a bit stupid, cat. I love trinkets and stuffed animals. I like reading and watching TV shows. In the last few years I have gotten very into arts and crafts, I have done a bit of pottery, colouring, drawing, and photography.

One of my other favourite things to do is exploring markets and bakeries across London (I will never say no to a matcha and a pastry). Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or even just to have a chat! 

Advocate | DAYBYDAYCOLLECTIVE

 

I live with ulcerative colitis and know first-hand how overwhelming and isolating it can feel — especially around diagnosis or during a flare. Being admitted to hospital for two weeks completely changed how I understood UC and the impact it has on everyday life.

I’m not a medical professional, but I understand the emotional side of living with a chronic condition..the anxiety before appointments, worries about medication and side effects, cancelled plans, fatigue, and the challenge of explaining an invisible illness to others 🫶🏼. 

Advocate | DAYBYBAYCOLLECTIVE

 

Hi, I’m Gemma, 31, and I live in Leeds. I love spending time with my family and friends, and with our family dog — the cutest Cockapoo you've ever met name Minnie (Yes it's Disney inspired).
 

I’ve always had the travel bug and love exploring new places whenever I can — even if these days it takes a little more planning and pacing. Living with chronic illness has changed how I do things, but it hasn’t taken away my love for it or sense of adventure.
 

When I’m feeling up to it, you’ll usually find me reading, eating out somewhere cosy, gaming, or re-watching my favourite comfort series. I’m also a big fan of Disney vlogs and a good TikTok scroll — especially during flare-ups when rest days call for a little extra comfort and distraction.

​

In January 2021, I caught COVID - this was the 2nd time I'd actually caught it. I didn't recover the way I was advised, unfortunately my symptoms only worsened post illness. I was later diagnosed with Long COVID. It meant learning to navigate uncertainty, grief, and a body that no longer felt predictable. Still feels incredibly difficult looking back on now.

At the end of 2022, I caught COVID again. Expecting the worse, strangely, some of my symptoms improved, it felt nothing short of a miracle if I'm honest. 

In 2024, I was diagnosed with Dysautonomia - one I know comes hand in hand for a lot of people suffering with Long COVID. Another blow, and another thing to add to grief, confusion and frustration. But also relief in having those answers. 

Living with chronic illness has changed me deeply. It's also made me an advocate - for myself, and for others living with invisible illnesses who deserve to be believed, supported and understood.

Advocate | DAYBYDAYCOLLECTIVE

 

I’m Julia, 26, from Edinburgh, and I have been living with endometriosis symptoms since 2012.

Although I received a formal diagnosis in 2020, my journey began years earlier, navigating persistent pain, uncertainty, and the challenges of being heard within the healthcare system.

Drawing on both my lived experience and the knowledge gained throughout the diagnostic process, I am running a pre-diagnosis endometriosis support group.

My aim is to ensure that no one feels isolated, dismissed, or unsupported while navigating the path to diagnosis.

Advocate | DAYBYDAYCOLLECTIVE

 

Hiiii divaaaa, it’s so nice to meet you!
 

My name is Joe Pierce. I am a queer poly disabled trans man aka an intersectional

diva!

My mission at DayByDayCollective, is to help disabled people centre themselves in their own lives and help them live the lives they actually want, and not just what we’re told is possible. I firmly believe that with the right support and a bit of freedom, disabled people can achieve whatever they want out of their lives.

Your life is yours, not anybody else’s! I’m living proof that living the life you want is possible.

I started my journey to journalism when I was sixteen. I had a website called Communitea written by disabled people for disabled people. I’m currently doing my masters in journalism. I love journalism because it gives people a chance to focus on what I have to say rather than what they see. I often find when you’re a wheelchair user like myself it could be easy for people to see the wheelchair and not to see the person in it.

I have been disabled since birth. it was a complete fluke. We don’t know why.

After my masters, I plan to go to make up school to become a makeup artist for film and TV shows. Makeup is a lifelong dream of mine and at 22, I finally have the

confidence with my degrees behind me to become a disabled to make-up artist.

This is why I wanted to run disabled divas and be a part of DayByDayCollective

because I figured if I could make my dreams come true maybe I could help other

disabled people too.

​

Also, I am very queer, camp and sparkly so please come as your most authentic self,

that is so important, for us all to be able to do meaningful work together.

I’m beyond excited to meet you <3

xoxo,

Joe- (He/They)

Advocate | DAYBYDAYCOLLECTIVE
 

Hi there, I’m Leah and I’ve lived with endometriosis for years. I was only taken seriously about a year ago and the journey to get here has been long - and it’s still ongoing!

What’s made it more bearable is community - connecting with other chronically ill people has reminded me that we’re not alone in this, even when the system makes it feel that way. There is so much I wish I’d known throughout this journey, which is why I want to create spaces where we can talk honestly, share information and feel supported - without judgement and without pretending that this is easy ❤️

Chronic illness has meant grieving my old, busy life and swapping long, busy days for slower, calmer hobbies. You’ll usually find me crafting, board gaming or reading the latest sapphic novel 💅

Advocate | DAYBYDAYCOLLECTIVE

Hi, I’m Maddie and I am 20 years old. I am from Brighton however, I moved to London for university. I am studying to be a veterinary nurse as I have had a huge passion for animals since I was little!

Currently, I am back home with my family due to taking 9 months off from university. This decision was unfortunately due to my health declining. But I am someone who needs to stay busy so I am occupying my time by learning to drive, teaching children sports (when I am able to) and spending time with friends and family. 

I have been diagnosed with asthma and interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome) which I have been living with for the past 4 years. I have suspected adeno/endo, POTS, EDS and chronic fatigue. I understand how difficult it is to get answers and the impact it can have on people mentally as well as physically.

I hope I can make you feel less alone and provide a safe space for you to talk about your experiences. I look forward to meeting you! 

Advocate | DAYBYDAYCOLLECTIVE

Hi, I’m Natalie, I’m 20 years old and I am from the midlands!

I am a first-year university student, studying ‘working with children, young people and families’.  

I first experienced chronic illness symptoms when I was 17 and now have diagnoses of Fibromyalgia, ME/CFS and chronic voiding dysfunction.

I am a huge women’s football fan and love attending matches when well enough. I also love reading,cuddles with my dog, getting creative with crafts, and listening to music, as well as attending concerts where I can!

Advocate | DAYBYDAYCOLLECTIVE

Hi, I’m Ríona! 

I live with chronic migraine, episodic cluster headache and fibromyalgia, and I know firsthand how lonely and overwhelming chronic illness can feel. My background is in education and books, and I’ve always been passionate about helping people feel seen, supported and empowered.

I’m a music graduate and a lifelong reader. On harder days, you will usually find me in my reading room. Books have been a constant when my health has not, and they have carried me through more than I probably realise.

I also deal with agoraphobia connected to my health. When symptoms can flare without warning, leaving the house can feel complicated. It is not that I do not want to be out in the world, it is the very real anxiety of being unwell far from home. That can quietly make your world smaller.

I really want to support others living with chronic illness, because it is something no one should have to figure out on their own.

​