Hi I'm Elina,
im 19 years old and I live in a chronically complicated body.
I first launched Chronic Youth Australia in July of 2020 with a line of statement hoodies, each were handmade by me using vegan vinyl.
Not long after I launched my health dropped dramatically and I lost function in my limbs including my arms and legs. Leading to me having to close shop only a few months after launching.
I began physio therapy in the beginning of 2021, basically to relearn how to do everything. As I couldn't even sign my own name on medical documents.
In between therapies I started drawing digitally for fun, this lead to me creating the first design Grow Through What You Go Through and later Your Difference Makes A Difference. Each design took weeks fighting my hands to try and draw smooth lines and shapes. I started tracing fonts to find the ones I'd later use for designs.
Without knowing it everything I was doing was slowly helping me to get my hand control back, as well as improve my vision which had also been affected.
Working on Chronic Youth Australia gave me a sense of purpose when everything felt upside down, it slowly gave me back pieces of me, my creativity and a level of body function I'd lost. The designs are anything but perfect, but they mean the world to me and I hope they might give someone else a bit of comfort during a difficult time as they have myself.
Chronic illness and disabilities can make you feel invisible and incredibly isolated. It can break down your sense of self and confidence in your own body. It can turn your whole world upside down in a moment.
Our aim is to make you feel seen, heard and understood. That you matter and what you have to say matters. To feel supported and know there are others out there that understand what your going through. To have access to helpful and adaptive tools and advice, to help you manage and feel more confident in day to day life. For you to feel represented and know that your presence makes a difference in the world.
That your difference makes a difference
