Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Gonzalez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am 25 years old and I live in Atlanta Georgia. I was born in LA in 1996. We moved to Georgia at the age of eight. My sickness started when we first moved to Georgia and I went to the lake. My fingers came out purple and I have no idea why they hurt and they felt tight and that’s when it all began. I was referred to my family doctor with a hand therapist that dealt specifically with arthritis. Needless to say, they misdiagnosed me and I was on the wrong medication for four years at the age of 12. My mom took me to a rheumatologist, and I got diagnosed with juvenile scleroderma which is a skin tightening condition and Raynards – low blood circulation in your fingers and toes Everything seemed to be stable healthwise I had a normal childhood and I was able to graduate in 2015.
On my 21st birthday, I remember feeling really weak. I could not walk straight and I knew something was wrong. My mom was not content with my random headaches. I wouldn’t get out of bed, then it got to the point where I was so skinny (92 lbs )and weak. My mom had to shower me. One day I was taking a shower, and all of a sudden my head started spinning. I got really weak and I remember my mom saying “Kim what’s wrong” “talk to me” and I could not talk. My eyes went blank I remember getting into an ambulance and then I have no recollection I was diagnosed with APS antiphospholipid syndrome is a disorder which causes blood clots to your body.
I was in rehab and I have to take physical occupational and speech therapy for about six months. Today I am 25. I’m extremely grateful to be alive. I continue to share my story on TikTok and Instagram now on my podcast Selflove sister. I hope my story encourages you to not be afraid to be yourself.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has not been easy I had to relearn how to talk walk, and how do use my hands as now they are disabled, and I am unable to open even a water bottle. I stopped caring what people thought and I started sharing my story. People actually supported me and listen to me that’s what motivated me to post on Instagram and TikTok and turn it into a career. I am proud of.
I had to relearn how to talk walk, and how do use my hands as now they are disabled, and I am unable to open even a water bottle. Unfortunately, there are going to be things that I cannot do but that does not stop me. I’m a fighter and I’m a warrior and therefore god knew that I could handle this. I trust him.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a motivational speaker and patient advocate. I spread self-love. I believe I wouldn’t have gotten through what I’ve gone through if it wasn’t for self-love
I started an Instagram page as my own personal journal didn’t think it would open up opportunities for me (strong_selflove) from there I started sharing my journey on TikTok and I found a community of autoimmune disease, Warriors. From there a start of my podcast, Selflove sister it focuses on the importance of self-love. As well as autoimmune diseases. I’ve gotten opportunities to share my story, and it even took me to Washington, DC by sharing my story I feel more empowered because I get to help others.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was a “normal child” meaning I could play run. I was a very shy soft spoken child. I even played the violin ever since I was four up until the age of 18 playing the violin was definitely the most difficult on my fingers, but was so worth it because now I can’t play, even if I wanted to. I was also a cheerleader in sixth grade that was the most difficult for me because that’s when I struggled with open wounds on my elbows and the cloth would get stuck on my elbows to this day. I don’t know how I handled it as a child.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/strong_selflove
- Instagram: Strong_selflove
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@strong_selflove
