Hello! My name is Xiamara Achilles, I am 22 years old and from Vermont. I am involved with the Miss America Organization and am currently competing for the title of Miss Vermont. My local title is Miss Stratton Mountain, and my community service initiative is called EmpowerAbility: Advocacy with Impact.
Living with EDS has shaped so much of who I am. Growing up, I dealt with chronic pain, frequent dislocations, and exhaustion, all while being told, “You don’t look sick.” I constantly had to push myself to keep up, even when my body was working against me.
College brought even more challenges—walking across campus, sitting through long lectures, and managing my symptoms while balancing academics took a toll on both my body and mind. I graduated with a degree in Medical Biology, and now I’m working toward becoming a physician assistant so I can provide compassionate care to others navigating medical challenges.
With EmpowerAbility, I am committed to making a difference. This month, I will be speaking at schools about disability awareness, ableism, and the power of self-advocacy. I am also working toward establishing an official EDS Awareness Day in Vermont, partnering with organizations like HireAbility VT, and using my platform to share my experiences with an invisible disability. My goal is to foster understanding and empower others to confidently ask for the accommodations they need.
Xia has taken on the Proclamation Challenge for EDS and HSD Awareness Month this May, requesting a proclamation for Vermont, USA!
A proclamation is a formal public statement and an official announcement of EDS and HSD Awareness Month in your local area. Make May officially Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) Month. Get involved this May!
