What started as a subtle change became a battle for my life.

Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis attacked my brain?stealing my memory, my movement, my voice, and parts of who I was. Like so many others with this rare and often misdiagnosed disease, what I was experiencing was largely invisible to the outside world. But invisible did not mean unreal.

This shirt tells that story.

The brain represents the fight?an vital organ under attack by a disease few recognize.

The heart represents the love and support it took to survive: from doctors who didn?t give up, from family who believed when I couldn?t speak for myself, and from faith and community that carried me through the hardest moments.

The red and pink remind us that love isn?t just romantic?it?s advocacy, awareness, patience, and persistence and also represents encephalitis awareness.

?Rare Brains Need Big Love? is more than a phrase.

It?s a reminder that rare diseases deserve attention.

That behavioral changes can be medical emergencies.

That early diagnosis saves lives.

And that healing the whole person means caring for the mind, body, and heart.

I wear this shirt as a survivor.

I share this message so others are seen sooner.

Because rare does not mean invisible?and love can change outcomes.