Picture of Tammie Ong on stage during TedX

The Secret to Happiness

Life as a Chronically Ill Teenager

Tammy Ong

Watch on TEDx Talks

  • Emotional, Social
  • Premium Content, Resource Summary, Video

Key Takeaways

  • Nurture your circle. Serious illness quickly reveals who shows up; investing in even one or two “everyday heroes” pays dividends in resilience.
  • Share your story—at your pace. Social‑media posts connected Tammie with a global support network and reframed her feeding tube from a stigma to a conversation starter.
  • Purpose beats pity. Small kindness projects (e.g., snack baskets for oncology kids) boosted Tammie’s mood more than passive distractions.
  • Live now, not “when I’m better.” Waiting for perfect health can postpone joy indefinitely; micro‑moments—movie nights in hospital, crafting with a nurse—count.

The Essentials

When 17‑year‑old Tammie Ong developed multiple rare conditions that shut down her digestion and tethered her to 12‑hour nightly IV nutrition, she thought her future had disappeared. Months of pain, hospital stays, and a gut‑wrenching pancreatitis flare challenged every assumption about teenage life.

Yet the ordeal also clarified what matters. Tammie discovered steadfast support from family, classmates who Zoomed her into lessons, and a nurse who became a crafting buddy. By documenting the highs and lows online, she built a community that reminded her—and thousands of followers—that medical devices don’t define a person. Her fund‑raisers for children with serious illnesses have already generated ≈ US $23,000, proving that purposeful action can grow alongside (not after) chronic symptoms.

Why This Matters for FND

Although Tammie’s diagnoses differ from Functional Neurological Disorder, her strategies align with common FND challenges:

  • Energy budgeting & pacing: Hauling an IV pole everywhere forced her to plan social time in short, meaningful bursts—similar to managing FND fatigue or dysregulation.
  • Identity beyond symptoms: Reframing visible medical gear reduces self‑consciousness, a frequent barrier for those with functional tremor or gait changes.
  • Community‑powered coping: Research shows social connectedness dampens nervous‑system threat responses, which can modulate FND symptom severity.

Resource Qualities

Applicability:

Accessibility:

Evidence-Based:

Practical Value:

Practical Applications

For Individuals with FND

Low-Energy Days

  • Watch 3 minutes of the talk during a flare; jot one line about who you can text for a mood lift.

Building Long‑Term Wellness

  • Try a weekly “micro‑mission” (e.g., mail a postcard or share a supportive post) to shift focus from symptoms to service.

For Care Partners

Supporting Your Loved One

  • Send a brief voice memo—“Thinking of you; no reply needed.” Simple signals ease isolation without requiring energy.

Caring For Yourself

  • Co‑create a support calendar where friends sign up for short visits or errands, spreading help beyond the primary caregiver.

When This Is Most Helpful

  • Early adaptation phase—after diagnosis, when identity feels threatened
  • During long hospital stays or symptom exacerbations that limit mobility
  • For teens and young adults recalibrating social life around health needs

This resource summary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult qualified healthcare providers regarding specific circumstances or symptoms.

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