CIRCUMSTANCE INC (501C3)
A Letter from Our Founder
“I’m still a bit in disbelief as I sit here looking back on our long journey to start this Non-Profit. Our mission has always been to create an advocacy group, awareness campaign, and supportive community. I’ve suffered from both Invisible and Chronic Illness since the age of 4, and as a child I dreamed of helping others when I was an adult. My trials and tribulations were not easy, yet I continued to find ways to rise #abovecircumstances . When I first heard of children being affected by MIS-C during the COVID-19 Pandemic, my childhood experiences came flooding back. The numerous days spent getting tests done, trying new medications, and monthly bloodwork aren’t something a child easily forgets (and now going through it with my own children has put a new perspective on things). The fact that numerous children were experiencing this due to the Pandemic without answers, and something being dismissed due to the term “Rare”, is what inspired me to create the first ever awareness campaign around MIS-C. Our children’s voices and stories deserve to be told. Our future depends on how we support OUR CHILDREN today. I’m honored that we’ve had media outlets reach out to us and personally thank the CircumSTANCE Team for the work we are doing. I want everyone reading this to know that YOU MATTER, YOUR VOICE MATTERS, YOUR STORY MATTERS, and to not give up. We are stronger together. When we support one another, our voices are even more powerful. We are so thankful for the families we’ve met through our “Faces of MIS-C” awareness campaign and who have shared their stories. Sharing our personal stories isn’t easy - it takes strength and perseverance, but I’m here to say that if we continue to #takeastance together we can rise #abovecircumstances ”. Medical Trauma and PTSD are very real, post pandemic mental health support is just as important as physical health. Together we can provide the resources and support our pediatric population needs - Today and for many years to come.
-Rachel Dutra
Founder
CircumSTANCE