My Name is Ella Hamilton. I am a college student, fashionista and pageant lover. I am an extremely positive person, but I have endured some pretty powerful challenges that have completely changed my life.
In January of 2021 I was diagnosed with something called FND (Functional Neurological Disorder). The easiest way to describe this condition is that it messes with the wiring in my brain which causes me to have non-epileptic seizures. Getting this diagnosis was one of the hardest things, because there are still so many questions surrounding the best course of treatment. I am doing my best each and every day to try and manage my symptoms, although my condition is not gone. I try to keep a positive attitude and to do things that keep me distracted. Although at times this has brought me down, I get back up again and I am one of the strongest people you will ever meet.
When I was first diagnosed with FND everything was numb. I had no idea what was going on and why it was all happening to me. Each day I grew more and more lonely. At first, I pushed everyone away because how could anyone possibly understand what I was going through? Eventually, I started to open up about what I was feeling to my friends and family and that was the best decision I had ever made. I knew they couldn’t understand what was happening to me physically (nobody could except myself), but they tried their best. They helped me emotionally and took my mind off of what was going on with my body.
For me, a true support system are people who truly care about me and no matter what the circumstance they are there for me. They are a shoulder to cry on, listeners when I have a bad day, and they are the ones who keep me going when I need a little extra push. I am so grateful for all my friends and family who have always been there for me. Without them, I couldn’t keep myself going. An important lesson that I have learned is to surround yourself with people who lift you up and help you when you need it. Life is not worth waiting around for people. I hope you have a support system to help you with hard things in your life.
After being diagnosed it took me a long time to find my courage. Courage is something everyone has inside. It took me a while to discover my courage. I never saw myself as courageous until I found pageantry. When I signed up for my first pageant, Miss Teen Maine, I had no idea what I was thinking and I had no idea the experience that awaited me. A few months after I signed up I had this moment and wondered why I had signed up for the competition. I had never done anything like this and wasn’t sure what made me do it. Was it to prove to everyone that I was more than my illness? Or was it to prove to myself that I could still do fun things and take a step out of my comfort zone? That courage gave me the ability to walk out on that stage! That courage gave me the most amazing opportunity that led to so many friendships and an amazing experience that I will never forget.
I truly am so grateful for how far I have come over and the amazing experiences I have gained so many incredible friends through pageantry and more. I am now 20 years old and have competed in multiple pageants and walked away with a few crowns, walked the runway in New York Fashion Week and am now studying business at the University of Kentucky. I have traveled the world sharing my story. I can’t wait to see what is next for me. The biggest piece of advice that I like to tell others is be true to yourself and never wipe a smile off your face.
Thank you Ella for sharing your story! I absolutely loved meeting you. You are so inspiring and I cannot wait to see everything you continue to accomplish!!
For 2025, stay tuned for quarterly blog updates. Be sure to check back in late Spring for the next upload.