"I was misdiagnosed for years before finally learning I had MCAS. The hardest part wasn’t just the symptoms — it was being told over and over that it was all in my head. Having a name for what I’m going through gave me validation, but the journey has been overwhelming. I’m still figuring out what I can and can’t do each day, but I’m grateful to know I’m not alone anymore."

“My health began to change in ways I couldn’t explain. I would break out in hives, struggle to breathe, and feel an exhaustion that made even simple tasks overwhelming. For years, I was told it was just allergies or stress. Deep down, I knew it was something more.

After countless appointments and hospital visits, I was finally diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). It was both a relief and a heartbreak — relief that I finally had a name for what I was going through, but heartbreak because there was no clear cure.

Every day is still a challenge, but knowing I’m not alone gives me strength. Organizations like Detailing for MCAS remind me that my voice matters, even if I share it anonymously. My hope is that by telling my story, others will feel less isolated and more understood.”