I’m delighted to profile Jelena, a Serbian scientist and creator who has long been involved with the Chronic Market among other initiatives of the chronically ill community.
In her words: “Hi, my name is Jelena, but my creations are under the name Uncut (pronounced ‘oon-tsut’). I’m a scientist with a PhD in biology and an EDS, ME and dysautonomia warrior, creating art from the cosy corners of my home—most often from bed or a reclining chair.
My inspiration comes from the delightful mischief of life—think playful cats, silly dogs, and all the little things that make us chuckle. The name Uncut has a fun twist to it! This word is used in the northern part of Serbia derived from the Hungarian ‘Huncut,’ which describes someone who’s mischievous, witty, and full of cheer—just like the spirit I want to bring to my designs!
I was born and raised in a beautiful village in southern Serbia, on the western edge of the Pannonian Plain, where people are peaceful and friendly. I spent my childhood by the Great Bačka Canal, where I learned to swim without fearing the hornwort tickling my legs from the depths. When you’re not afraid of something from the dark depths touching your legs while swimming, you’re not afraid of anything.
And that was like this until I got ME/CFS and faced a bunch of medical professionals who neglected me and my symptoms, ignored, shouted and bullied me. Seventeen years after my first symptom, I finally discovered my primary diagnosis: hEDS, along with dysautonomia and earlier diagnosed ME/CFS. The trauma from years of medical neglect has left scars that will stay with me for life. I am still searching for a doctor who will truly listen and do their best to make my life easier. Recently, one doctor admitted that his colleagues would be angry if he referred me to them for an examination.
Despite it all, I believe in science. I hold on to hope that a cure will be found and that doctors will put their egos aside to implement it. While my hope for their education on these diseases is faint, I have faith in the work of organizations like OMF. That’s why I share part of the profits from my Threadless shop with Chronic Market and, through them, with OMF. My sales are still sporadic, but I’m working to improve visibility and reach in the U.S.”
Check out Jelena’s cheeky designs (featuring lots of wonderful cats, bugs, and other critters!) at her website here, or visit her profile on Chronic Market here.
