If you are in healthcare or education you may have heard of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

ACEs are essentially traumatic experiences – physical, verbal or dysfunctions within childhood that have a lasting impact.

When I am scored, I score a 4 which puts me at “high risk” for toxic stress physiology.

Again, if you know anything about ACEs, 0 is no risk, 1-3 is intermediate risk but 4+ can have associated health risks.

These risks can increase chances of disease, as well as social and emotional problems.

So why does this matter?

Because childhood trauma – whether that is abuse, neglect, family dysfunction – can have a lasting impact on someone who is less than 18 years old.

As a child I had a few of these issues due to abuse, divorce and experiences outside the home.

But fortunately for me, these experiences propelled me to do better.

Unfortunately this is not always the case.

But for me, it caused me to grow up faster than my classmates.

At age 18, still a senior in high school, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

I have no family history, was not a sick kid but ultimately lost the function of my pancreas.

Now I’m not saying this is due to my ACE score but it might be.

But it did create medical bills I couldn’t pay for.

Again, luckily for me, I had amazing providers who assisted me and introduced me to the Children’s Miracle Network who helped me pay for my medical bills, travel and other needs I had due to this new diagnosis.

Without them, I’m not sure where I would be.

But today I am here and I am trying to help others around me.

& like I stated before, it made me grow up faster.

It makes me fight for what I want because I’ve always had to.

It makes me determined, dependable and driven.

It makes me realize what I deserve and what others deserve.

I think it makes me a good boss and mother.

But it also gives me flaws.

I don’t have the best memory so I write everything down and live off of my outlook calendar (please never go down or I’ll be lost).

I’m feisty which can have its positives but also negatives.

It makes me overthink and question everything even good things.

I don’t sleep well which as many know, can throw off even the best days.

& sometimes it makes me emotional.

But even with my flaws, I believe my ACE score made me a better person.

I care deeply about my family, work and friends.

I volunteer.

I donate – especially to the Children’s Miracle Network.

I make change. Even if it’s little.

I never stop believing, growing and fighting.

And lastly, it makes me want to do better and be better.