Hailey’s Story

Hailey (Age: 18-24)

Singing is one of my passions and ways to express my emotions through music and song.

SINGING PRACTICE

Hailey sings for fun, as well as in pre-professional and educational settings. She participates in choir, voice lessons, and musical theatre productions at her college. Musical theatre is one of her greatest passions and what she spends most of her time singing.

HAILEY’S STORY

I have a diagnosis of POTS, hEDS, Dysautonomia and Non-epileptic seizures. It took me just around 8 months to finally get a diagnosis after I developed intense pain and neuropathy in my arms and hands. I went to countless doctors and had a wide array of tests ranging from brain and spinal cord MRIs to sleep studies. Throughout my diagnosis process, I had multiple doctors look at me and tell me I was just a teen with anxiety. After diagnosis, it then took another one and a half years to finally figure out a treatment plan that worked for me and my specific set of symptoms caused by my POTS. One of the biggest struggles has been adjusting to viewing myself as someone with these conditions and identifying myself within the invisibly disabled community.

Has your singing practice or pursuit of singing shifted in any way since your diagnosis/onset of symptoms?

More difficulty with breath support and vocal fatigue. I’ve found I have to take extra care than my peers to ensure I’m singing healthily and be cautious as to not overdo it and overwork my vocal cords just because they can.

As someone who is a performer in multiple aspects (singing, dance, and acting), I’ve found that singing and the music realm is often the most intimidating when approaching with a need for accommodating. I feel the most judgment when having to remain seated for music rehearsals, yet being able to be a dancer and then proceed to dance and sing. Additionally, I have to be more cautious overall with how I’m treating my body and resting more frequently.

ACCOMMODATIONS THAT HELP

Remaining seated during music rehearsals, choir, and occasional performance.

HAILEY’S ADVICE

I know it is nerve wracking, but don't be afraid to speak up for yourself and communicate what you need. Be confident in yourself as a performer and don't let your diagnosis limit or alter what you want to do with performance.