Hi, my name is Larkin Mainwaring. I am a Senior and honor student at Pasco eSchool and Dual Enrolled at Pasco Hernando State College, where I am pursuing my AA degree. My goal is to obtain a bachelor's degree in fine arts and pursue a career in performance while continuing to work to raise awareness for Invisible Illnesses. I aspire to be on Broadway one day.
I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome at the age of 12. Prior to my diagnosis, I faced years of misdiagnosis, the dismissal of my pain by medical professionals, and bullying from my peers. In 2019, I underwent a femoral/tibial bilateral Osteotomy. The recovery process was prolonged and painful. It took over a year to learn how to walk again independently. Only after surgery did I discover that EDS contributed to the prolonged healing process. |
Photo: Matt Boyd Photography
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This challenging experience ignited me at the age of 14 to start my non-profit, “Not-Invisible Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome,” to raise awareness, funding for research, and educate others about invisible illnesses, along with addressing the impact of bullying. I have also launched the "Spread the Word Kindness Bracelets" line, where 20% of the net proceeds go to PACER’S National Bullying Prevention Center.
I serve on the Youth Advisory Board for PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, the Teen Advisory Board of Kids Helping Kids Pasco, and the Youth Board at Arts in Motion Community Youth Theater in Dade City. Additionally, I participate in a support group for teens impacted by Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I have recently authored and fully illustrated a children's book titled “Don’t Bully Me for What You Can’t See,” aimed at educating young children about invisible illnesses and the impact of bullying. My cats, Maisey and Whiskers, are featured in the book.
My goal is to share my book and story with kids across the state of Florida. Beyond my advocacy work, I have been actively involved in the performing arts since the age of seven. In my free time, I participate in local theater productions and compete in talent competitions, earning numerous regional and national awards for my vocal and acting performances. I also dedicate time to studying dance at Blackwood Studios.
I serve on the Youth Advisory Board for PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, the Teen Advisory Board of Kids Helping Kids Pasco, and the Youth Board at Arts in Motion Community Youth Theater in Dade City. Additionally, I participate in a support group for teens impacted by Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I have recently authored and fully illustrated a children's book titled “Don’t Bully Me for What You Can’t See,” aimed at educating young children about invisible illnesses and the impact of bullying. My cats, Maisey and Whiskers, are featured in the book.
My goal is to share my book and story with kids across the state of Florida. Beyond my advocacy work, I have been actively involved in the performing arts since the age of seven. In my free time, I participate in local theater productions and compete in talent competitions, earning numerous regional and national awards for my vocal and acting performances. I also dedicate time to studying dance at Blackwood Studios.