With homework, tests, AP classes, and sports, high school students are constantly juggling various activities. Yet in addition to these extracurriculars, some Yorba Linda High School students continue to battle a unique struggle: invisible illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “more than 40% of school-aged children and adolescents in the U.S. have at least one chronic health condition”. For students like Talia Chavez (10) and Avery Cadra (10), each school day is filled with both uncertainty and unpredictability.
Talia Chavez (10), was born with a double outlet right ventricle defect caused by Heterotaxy Syndrome. Heterotaxy Syndrome is a rare congenital condition, where the internal organs are located abnormally in the body. This has an effect on other parts of her body and heart. Throughout the past 15 years Talia has had 6 surgeries (with her first at just seven days old), and knows firsthand how quickly life can change with chronic illness. Abundances of medical appointments often means missing school, leaving her to catch up entire lesson plans by herself. “Missing school makes it hard to keep up,” Talia explains. “Even when I return, the workload doesn’t slow down.”
Yet her invisible illness does not just affect her academics. It also affects her ability to participate in extracurriculars, like sports. “Because of my invisible illness, I can’t play any sports like other kids, and it’s hard to stay involved in activities because I constantly have to make up schoolwork or I’m just in pain,” Talia shares.
For Avery Cadra (10), managing her Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) means juggling her health with her education and athletics. Avery was diagnosed with T1D at five years old, so she has learned to adapt to the challenges that are present with her medical condition. “In elementary school, I was constantly in the nurse’s office,” she recalls. “But as I grew up, I became more independent and was able to handle things by myself.”
Although her diabetes does not limit her academically, she still must stay vigilant at all times. “I really have to watch my blood sugar levels as exercise can make me go low, which can be dangerous when not treated,” Cadra explains. During matches and practices she must be wary, so she makes sure to “monitor my sugar throughout and take breaks when needed.”
Yet what makes chronic illness difficult the most is their lack of visibility and awareness. Without visible symptoms, others may not realize how much strength it takes to simply show up.
“Everyone expects you to keep going even when you’re in pain, “says Talia. “The hardest thing about living with T1D for me is possibly being perceived as different, weird, or even weak to others,” describes Avery. “There are so many misconceptions, people think it’s my fault or that I ate too much sugar. But I can truly do anything a non-diabetic can do. I just have to take care of myself a little bit more.”
Recently, discussions around 504 plans, which provide accommodations for students with medical conditions, have raised new concerns. Texas and other states are currently leading a lawsuit that challenges parts of the federal Section 504 regulations. For many, this is sparking worry that future rulings could affect how schools support students diagnosed with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Although nothing has changed yet, the case has been drawing attention to how vital these protections are for students nationwide (Great Plains ADA Center).
When asked about the potential impact, Avery Cadra (10) shared her thoughts. “504 plans are critical for kids like me to ensure our safety regarding our health. Taking it away is taking away any needed accommodations to make us comfortable and healthy. Throughout school, it has given me my voice and extra comfort knowing my health is taken care of in the classroom,” she advocates.
Despite these challenges, Talia Chavez (10) and Avery Cadra (10) continue to persevere. “Having a chronic illness has taught me resilience,” Talia reflects. “I’ve learned to advocate for myself and show others that being different doesn’t mean being limited.”
At Yorba Linda High School, these invisible fighters inspire those around them. They are living proof that true strength lies not in what’s visible, but in what’s endured. Every day, they walk the same halls and take the same tests as everyone else, but they do it while carrying battles that most people will never see. For Talia Chavez (10), it’s showing up to class even when her heart is heavy with exhaustion. For Avery Cadra (10), it’s having to constantly check her blood sugar in the middle of a test.
Through their strength, they have reminded us that invisible does not equate insignificant. It is superheroes like Avery and Talia that show us how powerful we really are, and how important it is to keep on fighting our invisible battles together.
