My Mom is My Biggest Inspiration - by Daisy Araujo

This is me. My name is Daisy; I’m 33 years old. I was diagnosed with Turner syndrome (TS) at 5 years old. My pediatrician at the time referred me for further testing and evaluation after check ups noticing my growth wasn’t in the normal range of other kids my age. They did a chromosomal test called a karyotype. After the tests revealed I had TS, the next tests were to check my heart, bones, ears, and any other tests needed to continue with my healthcare and doctor follow ups.

At the moment, I’m seeing an endocrinologist, neurologist, metabolism, dermatologist, and cardiologist. I’m a descendent from Mexico. My parents are from Mexico. They’ve lived here in the U.S most of their lives since they were teens. My four siblings and I were born here in the U.S, and I have three brothers and a sister. I live with two of my siblings and parents.

When my family and I go to visit Mexico; there is lots of vegetation and hills on our road trip. Our favorite tourist attraction is Las Pozas in Xilitla, San Luis Potosi. It’s a beautiful garden with sculptures by Edward James. My favorite restaurant in Xilitla is Las Tortas. It's famous for it’s hamburgers and sandwiches. In Mexico, sandwiches are called tortas and are made with bolillo bread. Whenever we visit our family in Mexico; this is what I look forward to the most.

I am artistic and creative. I love to express myself through drawing, painting, and writing. My mom is also artistic and loves doing crafts by crocheting. At the moment, I’m focusing on opening a store on Etsy. I’d love to have the store with my mom’s unique crafts and my creative art. Besides art, I enjoy anime. Some of my favorite anime shows are “Brotherhood: Full Metal Alchemist” and “Arcane”. My favorite movie is “The Fault in Our Stars”. If I just had a pencil, paper, and my iPad to draw and watch favorite shows, the only other things I would need to live are food and water.

One of my biggest inspirations is my mom. She’s always there for my siblings, dad, and me in the hard and happy times. I admire her strength and compassion. Just like me, my mom has to go on every day doing the regular tasks and any challenges that day might bring, while still living with health conditions. My mom sees the positivity and brightness of every day. While I was attending high school, I had social anxiety. I would feel nervous around classmates, teachers, and other school personnel. Whenever I’d make contact with a classmate, I’d feel so self conscious and nervous. Sometimes I’d look away right away. Also, when I made a mistake on a class assignment or project, I’d compare myself to other classmates; I would only focus on my mistakes and not my achievements.

Going to work in the beginning of my thirties came with it’s social challenges, too. I’d feel nervous around my coworkers and I’d only socialize for work reasons. While I was working, I would overthink and focus on what could happen if I made a mistake. Tt prevented me from having a productive work session. If it wasn’t for my family being by my side through all of these challenges, I wouldn’t have overcome them. I also searched for counseling when my mom encouraged me to. I knew I wasn’t doing my best or caring for myself like I was before. Facing all the hard challenges in my teens in high school, graduating high school, and attending college is what I’m most proud of.

Each of us have our own health challenges. I’m proud to say that I know I have them and I am taking care of myself to the best of my abilities. I’m aware that sometimes our health challenges are out of our hands. I’ve had downs and ups like every human being. Every day, I take my daily pills for my different conditions. Even though there are some side effects, I’m thankful that my daily medications have improved my health. I’ve had no surgeries.

At the moment, I’m facing one of my biggest challenges. In February 2025, I got sick with an infection. As a result, I went to the hospital and was monitored for two nights and three days. With this infection came chest pain, palpitations, fever, abnormal blood pressure, and shortness of breath. Thankfully, I had wonderful nurses and doctors taking care of me. I no longer have those symptoms. My health has progressed well. During my visit in the hospital, doctors did some tests on my heart to see how it was doing. The tests showed my right side was a little bit bigger than my left. Having a pre-existing heart condition called  partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR), the cardiologist treating me at the hospital thought it best for me to follow up with him and do more tests. In March, I go for tests and have my follow up. Depending on the findings, we will discuss treatment options and possible surgery. Having gone through all of this, I’m more grateful each day for my health – and for my family, friends, and the simple things in life.

I would tell my younger self that her life will come with challenges, but after the harsh times come the simple and beautiful times. Asking for help is not a weakness. It’s having the knowledge to know when an extra hand is better and can bring different perspectives. The uniqueness and diversity in each of us is beautiful. Sharing my story is something that helps me by being able to express myself. I can share with others my feelings and life experiences. I hope my story helps others to love their differences and come to know that it is by making mistakes that we learn. Let’s surround ourselves with people who love us and try to always show them how much we care about them.