In this month’s Community Interview we talk with Mallory about her chronic illnesses.

Hello Mallory! It is great to talk with you today. Could you please tell us a little about yourself? 

I love to draw and paint, especially portraits and still lifes. I also love writing poetry and occasionally performing at open mic events. Sharing my talents helps me express myself and gives others the chance to share their voices too — especially people living with chronic conditions. I believe in lifting others up and making space for people to talk about their struggles, changes, and victories.

My mother and father are from Louisiana and Texas, but I was born in Long Beach, California. In my early 20s, I moved to Houston, Texas. I worked in emergency medicine with animals as a veterinary technician, and that’s actually how I learned more about Chiari Malformation — the condition I live with. I had only heard of it in animals, and I didn’t realize I had it myself until much later. In animals, especially in severe cases, it often looked painful — and now I truly understand how much it can affect daily life.

I don’t currently have any pets, but I do have two sisters — one older and one younger — and I’m an aunt to some wonderful nieces and nephews.

Do you have a diagnosis for your symptoms?

Yes, I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia at the age of 31. It took years of searching for answers before I finally received a diagnosis. These are lifelong neurological conditions and fall under the Cerebral Palsy umbrella of ALS. The diagnosis brought clarity but also the beginning of a lifelong journey of managing and advocating for my health.

What does the diagnosis mean?

Chiari Malformation means part of my brain (the cerebellum) is pressing into my spinal canal, and Syringomyelia causes fluid-filled cysts (syrinxes) to form within the spinal cord. These conditions interfere with the nervous system and spinal cord, leading to widespread symptoms that can be disabling.

What symptoms and treatments are involved?

These conditions affect my spine and mobility. Some days, I use a walker, cane, or wheelchair, depending on how my body feels. I have a feeding tube as a result of a spinal cord injury from Syringomyelia, and I experience trigeminal neuralgia, a form of severe facial pain.

I work with an incredible team of doctors, including a supportive neurologist, and attend speech therapy regularly. Together, we manage a wide range of symptoms — from pain to fatigue to nutrition and mobility — all of which require consistent, attentive care.

How does this affect you personally and in daily life?

My condition impacts nearly every part of my daily life. I deal with mobility issues, pain, and exhaustion — and no two days are the same. But I’ve found ways to maintain my sense of self and strength. I prioritize rest, sleep, nutrition, movement, and creative expression, which help me maintain balance and purpose.

A huge part of my healing and expression has come through art therapy, especially through United Spinal of Houston’s Open Arts and Minds program. This has given me a platform to turn my experiences into visual stories. It’s been transformative in helping me process the emotional and physical aspects of my condition.

I’ve also become involved with the Houston Coalition of Independent Living, which has been instrumental in helping me grow as a disability advocate. Through their support, I’ve learned how to advocate for myself more effectively — whether at medical appointments or out in public spaces. This has given me confidence and tools to speak up for my needs and to represent others who may not have a voice yet.

Does having a diagnosis help you?

When did you first realize you had a chronic illness?

Even before I was diagnosed, I knew something wasn’t right. The symptoms had been with me for a long time, even going back to childhood. It wasn’t until everything became too overwhelming to ignore — and significantly impacted my quality of life — that I began to fully understand that I was living with a chronic illness. Being diagnosed at 31 confirmed what I had been sensing for years.

What has been the most helpful for you as you’ve gone through this journey?

The most helpful thing has been finding community. Discovering that I’m not alone — that there are others going through similar things — has helped me so much. Through networking, support groups, and open communication, I’ve found strength, advocacy, and understanding. It’s helped me not just advocate for myself, but for others, too.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about your condition or chronic illness in general?

Yes. There are good days and not-so-good days — and both are valid. The most important thing to remember is that every single day comes with an assignment.

Sometimes that assignment is to show up for your community: to be seen, felt, and heard.

Other times, that assignment is to show up for yourself: to rest, take respite, recharge, and heal.

Both are necessary. Both are powerful. Chronic illness may change how we move through the world, but it doesn’t take away our worth, our creativity, or our purpose.

Thank you Mallory!

You can follow Mallory on Instagram @mallorygardiner86

When you follow along with her you can stay on top of her art and where you can catch her next art exhibition!