Hi, my name is Natasha, Im 9 years old (2005)

I have had Dermatomyositis for 5 years now. When you get Dermatomyositis (or JDMS) it is normal to have it for 2 years. I got JDMS when I was 4. My mum told me that when I was 6 and it was my birthday. I said "Mum, I wish I didnt have Dermatomyositis" and it made mum cry.

The past years people have said to me "You are hairy, fat and have a red face". Mainly it is because of my medicine and I know that, but it still hurts my feelings.

I have some great friends. Their names are Grace, Gabrielle, Emma and Vanessa.

I have got a younger sister who is taller than me because of my medicine and she sometimes fakes being sick to get attention but mum can tell when she is sick or not.

I also have two penpals, their names are Sara and Katie. They both live in America. We keep in touch by email.

Natasha