About this Artist
Name
Zanny Nicholas
Birth Year
1999
State
California
Rare Disease Affiliation
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
At age 23, my world fell apart. I was working as a music teacher and pursuing my masters degree when I gradually lost the ability to use my left hand, arm, and leg.
It took almost two years to get a diagnosis of CRPS, and I’m still working through treatment. My diagnosis journey was so eye-opening because being diagnosed with a rare disease is just the beginning.
You fight for a diagnosis, and then you fight to find a doctor.
You fight to get treatments approved, and then your body fights the treatment itself.
You fight daily to find hope.
But I’m so glad that I kept fighting.
I wrote “Alive Again” during my recovery from recent spine surgery. It’s the first song I’ve written, recorded, and produced using only my non-dominant hand (something I wouldn’t have thought possible two months ago). Hidden in the track, you’ll find heartbeats, bird chirps, and waves crashing- signs of life going on. I want to use my voice to advocate for and inspire other young adults who struggle to access care and find affordable treatment options. I also hope to raise awareness for my CRPS community.
