The Sick Gaze

Dynamic Disability & Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome with MM Kibby

Molly Dickerson Season 2 Episode 5

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In this episode, we sit down with MM Kibby, a non-binary college student navigating life with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) in Charleston, SC. MM shares the unique challenges they face on campus as someone who uses mobility aids, exploring the concept of dynamic disability.

Dynamic disability refers to a condition that can fluctuate in visibility and impact, meaning that some days may require the use of mobility aids, while others may not. MM opens up about the noticeable shift in how people perceive them based on whether they are seen with or without a mobility aid, highlighting the complex social dynamics and misunderstandings that often accompany invisible disabilities.

We also discuss MM’s relationships and how they navigate expectations—both from others and themselves—as they adapt to life with chronic illness. They share insights into mindset shifts and the self-acceptance journey, illustrating what it means to live authentically while facing ongoing health challenges. This episode offers a powerful reflection on resilience, self-advocacy, and the nuanced realities of dynamic disability.

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