Hannah Schilling

My name is Hannah Schilling! I’m 21 years old, and I live in USA.

I was diagnosed at 4 days old with 22q because of my heart defect. I have had 4 open heart surgeries and 23 heart catheterizations, along with pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary atresia - Tetralogy of Fallot.

I also have an intellectual disability, am developmentally delayed, and have a history of speech delay. It took me 10 years to learn how to talk. I also have high blood pressure and hearing loss. My biggest challenge so far with this diagnosis has been my speech delay and constant ear infections.

Despite all this, being diagnosed with 22q has honestly changed my life for the better.

The diagnosis has helped my family has become more aware of challenges that arise seemingly from nowhere and understand how to approach them. My family has learned to handle these challenges together and make sure all of us are aware. I takes a lot of tenacity, though. We have learned things do not get resolved at once.

My biggest accomplishment has also been my biggest challenge.

I have worked very hard on my speech issues and am much more understandable now. I don't get frustrated when someone cannot understand me, and I always make sure that I'm understood. Recently, I got accepted to my dream college, Millersville College, and I'm learning how to speak German. I'm hopeful that the 22q Family Foundation can help to keep me furthering myself.

I've worked hard at school and it has taken me longer than usual, but I'm trying to become a responsible and active member of my 22q community. It's comforting to know that I am not alone.

If you'd like to get to know me and my story more, check out my book: How I Deal with 22q. https://smile.amazon.com/How-deal-22q-Hannahs-living/dp/1983007854/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535346026&sr=8-1&keywords=how+i+deal+with+22q

I also have YouTube channel called: Living with 22q.