Chronically Together Chronically Together
You are not alone
Chronically Together is a collection of personal stories written by teens living with chronic illness. Each writer shares what their daily life is like living with chronic illness—from the physical challenges to the mental and emotional toll it can take.
This book was created to remind teens who are facing similar struggles that their experiences are real, and that others understand what they’re going through. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with illness for years, these stories offer connection, honesty, and support from people who truly get it. Different conditions. Different voices. One shared goal: to make sure no one feels like they’re going through this alone.
Emma Steuer
Editor
Voices
Abbie
"Living with chronic illness has massively impacted my mental health. My life does not look like how I pictured it looking, even just a couple of years ago."
Caitlin
"Lessons I have learned through my chronic illness journey are self compassion, patience and compassion for others who are facing similar challenges."
Meghana
"I realized that I just need to accommodate and tailor my goals to include management of my disability."
Introduction
The heartbreak of watching my best friend feel alone in her chronic illness inspired me to create this book.
Chronic illness can be invisible to the outside world, but its impact is anything but. I’ve seen how isolating it is—how it pulls teens away from school, friendships, and the life they once knew.
I’ve seen how it makes even the strongest people feel misunderstood, unheard, and unseen. And I’ve seen how badly they just want to know that someone out there gets it.
That’s what Chronically Together is here to change.
As much as I wish I could take away the pain myself, I learned quickly that I can’t. I realized that one way that I could help is by creating a space where teens who live with chronic illness can feel seen and understood.
This book is a collection of stories from young people across the United States who live with these conditions every single day. Each voice is honest and unique—but together, they echo one powerful truth: you are not alone. This book is for every teen who has felt isolated by their diagnosis. For every reader lying in a hospital bed, skipping school for appointments, or just trying to get through another hard day. Your pain is real. Your voice matters. You are not alone. These stories are proof.
To the writers who bravely shared their journeys: thank you.
You’ve turned your pain into power, and your honesty will touch lives.
To the readers: I hope you see yourself in these pages. I hope you find comfort in these shared struggles, and strength in this community. Even when your body feels like it’s working against you, know that there are people out there walking a similar path— people who get it. People who are, like you, Chronically Together.
With love,
Emma