Brianna Cardenas is a PA, an educator, an advocate and such an excellent example of a PA who is truly EMPOWERED.

Brianna was diagnosed at the age of 20 with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome which is a connective tissue disorder that can cause chronic joint and back pain. Initially, she thought it simply meant she was hypermobile, that she might have arthritis. While she was getting her bachelor’s degree in athletic training, a physical therapist, identified her symptoms.

She only applied to one PA school. She states she could only afford one program but also that her illness would limit her ability to commute due to her chronic back pain. She now reflects that she didn’t realize this was one barrier she was faced with as an applicant.

She also reflects that her journey as a patient and PA and has motivated her to create HealedandEmpowered as a resource for those with chronic disabilities.

Helpful links:

• Website: https://www.healedandempowered.com/

Connect with Healed and Empowered on Social Media:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healedandempowered/

Connect with Brianna Cardenas on Social Media:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/briannacardenas_pa.c/

Learn more about our podcast Enabled Disabled, please visit: https://www.enableddisabled.com/

Ways to Contribute to the Enabled Disabled Project

The Enabled Disabled Project is funded and supported by Gustavo Serafini and patrons like you. Every dollar goes a long way to make this project possible, and to help connect people from around the world. We keep our patrons posted on the latest development and resources made available because of your support.

https://www.enableddisabled.com/contribute

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