We had the good fortune of connecting with Caitlyn Resch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caitlyn, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
When you’re faced with a life or death situation, you are thrust into a “do I keep going” or “do I just give up and this is how I go?” When I collapsed in February 2019, I had no idea what my life would look like from that point forward. I was a full time student studying to be a Veterinarian, a full time Veterinary Assistant training as a Veterinary Tech with Mesa Vet Clinic, and a volunteer around town for animals and humans alike. I was ALWAYS on the go, never stopping, and always chasing the dream of saving animals one step at a time. This was no longer possible when I collapsed. With two rare autoimmune diseases now in my reportoire, I was paralyzed, unable to speak. Going from 266 pounds to 93 pounds in less than 6 months, I found myself at the beginning stages of kidney failure. I was dying. This lit a spark inside of me. I had things to do, a difference to make, and things to experience. I wasn’t going out like this! Through research, fighting, and advocation for myself, I finally found a doctor who saved my life. The fire inside of you is what will tell you if you need to give up or keep going. Nine times out of ten, you need to keep going. You need to stand back up and you need to be loud. If I can come back from paralysis and the door of death, you can do anything you set your mind to!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a creative person and have been since birth. I love to sing, dance, create (I make jewelry, resin art, and pretty much anything you ask me to make), advocate, and bring change. I also love to create joy. I recently graduated with a BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts which encompasses most of my world into one. Being disabled makes everything a challenge. What is easy for the able-bodied is tough for me, personally. My nervous system is dead from elbow to fingertip as well as thigh to toe tip. This makes simple tasks like typing a challenge for me. I have found different ways to do things. A stylus for instance helps me type on my phone and laptop. There are always ways to find another avenue to do things. For example, 3 + 2 = 5. But so does 1+4. There is always a solution, although different. What I would like the world to know is that no matter what life presents you, you can find a way to make joy from it. You would think with my pain levels and disease, I would be a crabby patty. However, I choose to remain in joy because I know that the little things matter. Something as simple as laughter can enrich your story and life. YOU are the Author of your story, go ahead and write that plot twist!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First and foremost, we’d need to grab some green chile from Pueblo (the best of the best). After fed, we’d head up to Colorado Springs for a view of Garden of the Gods, stopping for food at the Viewhouse to view those peaks perfectly, and then heading to Denver afterwards. Denver has a host of things to do, but Meow Wulf would be my first pick! We’d also need to visit Elitches for a good time. Bishop’s Castle, the Sand Dunes, and the Royal Gorge are also a MUST! We’d also need to go dancing and karaoke since that’s the bee’s knees. There is so much to see, we’ll need to rest for weeks afterwards~

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would LOVE to dedicate my shoutout to one of my best friends, Grayson Adams. An amazing, witty, and kind photographer, he is able to capture your essence with ease. He is the sweetest, the cutuest, and the best! I met Grayson during COSFW, the first ever! He and I instantly connected and here we are today. Recognizing his talent, I quickly got him published both nationally and internationally. He always gives back to the commmunity, so he deserves every bit of the good in life!

Instagram: bubblegumcaitlyn

Facebook: Caitlyn Marie Resch

Other: https://linktr.ee/bubblegumcaitlyn

Image Credits
Jacie Ryals MorPhotobyJace Grayson Adams Black Mass Photography Amanda June Smith Avid Artistry

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