My name is Ashley, and I’m an artist, disability advocate, multiple chronic illness warrior and service dog handler. Art has always been my lifelong passion, and my way to process the world around me (and also as a temporary escape from my pain and symptoms).
My ME/CFS journey was long, and complicated, as I had multiple other conflicting conditions, but I did have a situation familiar to many – doctors who did not believe my pain was legitimate given my young age. First, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia (which runs on my mother’s side), and only when my pain was so severe and treatment resistant (to multiple aggressive treatments and medications), and I had escalated to an academic medical field was I taken seriously and finally assessed to have ME/CFS. Since then, I have been learning to pace myself, adjusting my diet, and coordinating with online communities and a select few trusted doctors to try and keep my flares to a minimum.
My service dog Rosie (and my service dog in training, Rico) help me tremendously with keeping my pain in check by providing extra support and letting me know when I’m pushing it too far. I am very grateful for having them, my family, and my partner in my life for support.
Most of my art focuses on the natural world. With a background in scientific illustration, I love to paint plants and animals, and I especially love to go out in nature and paint my surroundings. Before my illnesses were so severe, I was an avid hiker and camper and would often document my trips into nature. I still do, just on a smaller scale.
I’m thrilled to share my art with you, expand the ME/CFS community, and support ME/CFS research.
Story
My name is Ashley, and I’m an artist, disability advocate, multiple chronic illness warrior and service dog handler. Art has always been my lifelong passion, and my way to process the world around me (and also as a temporary escape from my pain and symptoms).
My ME/CFS journey was long, and complicated, as I had multiple other conflicting conditions, but I did have a situation familiar to many – doctors who did not believe my pain was legitimate given my young age. First, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia (which runs on my mother’s side), and only when my pain was so severe and treatment resistant (to multiple aggressive treatments and medications), and I had escalated to an academic medical field was I taken seriously and finally assessed to have ME/CFS. Since then, I have been learning to pace myself, adjusting my diet, and coordinating with online communities and a select few trusted doctors to try and keep my flares to a minimum.
My service dog Rosie (and my service dog in training, Rico) help me tremendously with keeping my pain in check by providing extra support and letting me know when I’m pushing it too far. I am very grateful for having them, my family, and my partner in my life for support.
I’m thrilled to share my art with you, expand the ME/CFS community, and support ME/CFS research.
– Ashley
IG:@ashleybravin