T-Shirts for September: Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Month

My name is Jordann Phillips and I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis at the age of 16.  I am now 20 and still learning the importance of being strict with diet modifications and proper medications/supplements/treatments to stay (relatively) pain-free.  This disease has turned my entire life upside-down, and it's really difficult trying to answer questions such as, "do you really have to use the restroom AGAIN?" or "why do you have such a strict diet... I'm sure ONE of [name any "caution" food] won't hurt you!"  These types of questions make me realize how many people are completely unaware of IC.  I am so passionate about helping others with this condition and I believe a huge first step in getting IC sufferers the lifestyles they deserve is increasing awareness of our disease.  This will allow us to be surrounded by a more understanding and supportive society, our treatment and therapy options will be expanded, and an interconnected community of IC patients will be created.  Although it may feel like it at times, we are not alone!