Oftentimes you hear how life is unfair, or how every action has a consequence. I never knew what the results of loving the wrong person could be until May 23, 2016. Since childhood I suffered from low self-esteem, I wore my heart on my sleeve and I always saw the good in people even if they didn’t see it themselves.

The Awareness Collection was something I’ve wanted to do for a few years but I knew I wanted to partner with someone whose brand represented what this collection means to me & that’s JEM FAB FASHIONS!

     As the Founder and CEO of JEM Fab Fashions when Marissa Gonzalez reached out to me wanting me to design a shirt that will go towards a cause, I was definitely on board. For many years, I had modeled to bring awareness to charitable organizations such as The Ronald McDonald House, American Cancer Society-Relay for Life, United Cerebral Foundation in addition to several others. Upon designing the art on the shirt I was very emotional because this time it was a cause that was dear to my heart.

      As a child, my Dad was diagnosed with Epilepsy in 1980. For those of you who do not know the meaning of Epilepsy, Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects the nervous system. Epilepsy is also known as a seizure disorder. Witnessing seeing my dad having seizures at a young age was frightening to watch, especially if you’ve never seen one before. A seizure temporarily interferes with muscle control, movement, speech, vision, or awareness. It may cause a person’s entire body to shake violently for a few seconds to a few minutes. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for epilepsy, but the disorder can be managed with medications. I can truly say my Dad is a strong person because despite his diagnosis he stands as a warrior and nothing holds him back from achieving his goals and living his best life. He has truly inspired me not only to fight for what I love but also not to be labeled by anyone. I am a proud daughter of an amazing father that taught me to fight and be strong despite what life brings! 

      Not only does the purple ribbon represent Epilepsy awareness but it also signifies Crohn’s Disease. Approximately three years ago my daughter Elena was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive system. Medications such as steroids and immunosuppressants are used to slow the progression of the disease. If the medication isn’t effective it may require surgery. That’s exactly what happened to my daughter. It was a nightmare seeing my baby so vulnerable and losing weight and I couldn’t do anything but reassure her that I will never leave her side. All I wanted to do was take her place, or kiss her boo boo away like she was a baby again. My mother instinct just wanted to protect her and seeing her go through so much pain,  gave me sleepless nights and made my stomach turn. We literally lived in and out of the hospital for months. Thank God, after her major surgery, she feels a lot better. Unfortunately, Crohn’s disease cannot be cured and she has to be on medications for the rest of her life. But despite her condition, Elena is a survivor. She continued going to school and majored in Early Learning Childhood and now she is a school teacher.  Proud mommy moment!

     My advice to everyone, is you are not your diagnosis. Please stop referring to yourself as nothing more than a diagnostic label. Honor your complexity and uniqueness as a person. Let’s rise and not be ashamed, don’t allow society to label who you are. Labeling is a cognitive distortion, it’s a biased perspective of ourselves and the world around us. So pick up your crown and stand tall. Rise from the ashes of despair and soar like a Phoenix. – Ylondra Marrero

     Special recognition to Marissa Gonzales for sharing her truth. By telling your truth it gives everyone hope that they too, can rise from the ashes of destruction. I SALUTE YOU, QUEEN! 

With a purchase of your shirt, JEM Fab Fashions will donate a percentage of your sale to local organizations that support the causes. Together we can be the change we want to see in this world!

The price of the shirt is $30 payment can be sent via cashapp to $JEMFabFashions. If you require shipping or need another means of payment contact me directly through email at ylondra@jemfabfashions.com