Unbreakable – a Column by Kimberly Zapert

Kimberly is a native Texan and long-time Coloradan now living in the hills of north-central Pennsylvania. The adaptation required to navigate life with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS, and narcolepsy continually shapes Kim’s skillsets and broadens her interests. She strives to maintain an active lifestyle for her family and enjoys her small-town community. The drive to help others faced with similar challenges has led Kim to a position with BioNews’s Ehlers-Danlos News, where she offers encouragement and practical advice to readers by sharing her own struggles, victories, and insights through her column, “Unbreakable.”

April 9, 2021April 7, 2021

What Playing the Piano Has Taught Me About Living With EDS

Columns, Unbreakable - a Column by Kimberly Zapert

The initial pandemic shutdowns last spring brought my family’s very busy schedule to a grinding halt. We decided to use the time to improve our emotional and physical well-being. We ... Read more

March 8, 2021March 5, 2021

Your Health Is Not Defined by a Diagnosis

Columns, Unbreakable - a Column by Kimberly Zapert

After recently honoring Rare Disease Day on Feb. 28, I’m contemplating the obvious: A person is not defined by a diagnosis. This usually means they don’t allow a condition to ... Read more

April 13, 2020April 10, 2020

Here’s How I Am Coping with the Corona Crisis

Columns, Unbreakable - a Column by Kimberly Zapert

Too often while pursuing answers to health questions, people with an Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are told that their physical symptoms must be caused by stress, or perhaps they’re psychosomatic, because no ... Read more

March 9, 2020March 6, 2020

A Final Diagnosis Is Not Required to Start Seeking Relief

Columns, Unbreakable - a Column by Kimberly Zapert

When I was new to the idea that I may have an Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, I was convinced that I needed a firm diagnosis before I could receive treatment and finally ... Read more

February 10, 2020February 7, 2020

Distinguishing Between My Identity and My Roles in Life

Columns, Unbreakable - a Column by Kimberly Zapert

Change happens. I have had many roles in my life, including being a daughter, wife, and mother. I’ve also been a student, artisan, neighbor, patient, and advocate. You probably have ... Read more

January 13, 2020January 9, 2020

Here’s How I Made the Holiday Season More Enjoyable

Columns, Unbreakable - a Column by Kimberly Zapert

Usually, negative feelings are rooted in unmet expectations. Examining those expectations and deciding if they are reasonable can be particularly helpful when life changes. I recently adjusted my expectations for ... Read more

November 4, 2019October 31, 2019

Acting Up, Ehlers-Danlos Style

Columns, Unbreakable - a Column by Kimberly Zapert

A few months ago, our community’s theater company held auditions for two productions. At the suggestion of someone whose opinions I trust, I contacted the theater company and arranged to ... Read more

October 21, 2019October 17, 2019

My Disabled Parking Placard Has Expanded My World

Columns, Unbreakable - a Column by Kimberly Zapert

In the not-too-distant past, I hated shopping. Walking across parking lots and winding my way through store aisles was incredibly tiring, thanks to my Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and comorbid conditions. ... Read more

October 7, 2019October 8, 2019

Let’s Dish About POTS

Columns, Unbreakable - a Column by Kimberly Zapert

Many people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) experience a form of dysautonomia called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Dysautonomia is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which controls the body’s ... Read more

September 23, 2019September 19, 2019

Interrupting the Chain: How a Small Injury Can Lead to Others

Columns, Unbreakable - a Column by Kimberly Zapert

Injuries happen just like that. It’s usually senseless: a step taken too soon, an unexpected encounter with a door jamb, lifting a handbag on the way out, driving a car. ... Read more