Turner Syndrome is an Important Part of Who I am - by Gabrielle Falck

Flash back to 1999 when I was born a healthy baby girl and my parents had no idea what was in store for them. It started with constant ear infections at just three months old, which started the series of multiple sets of tubes. Then they noticed the cleft palate and the vision loss at five years old. Then at seven years old came the big diagnosis! I wasn’t on the height or weight chart at all, and genetics confirmed it was Turner syndrome.

Fortunately to have been caught relatively early, we started the growth hormone injections right away, along with the labs, X-rays, and endocrinology check-ins. Then a year later, when I wasn’t gaining weight, it was confirmed that I also have Celiac disease, and all the pieces of the puzzle started to make a lot more sense!

Skipping ahead to middle school - I was terrible at spelling, writing, math, and following directions. I had been evaluated over the years for behavioral problems and for being “defiant.” After more ear surgeries, at age 13 my hearing loss was finally diagnosed, and I got my first set of hearing aids. School was now a lot easier, teachers were more understanding, and my mom was my biggest advocate. She taught me how to advocate for myself.

Even though I started to improve academically, socially I was still really awkward, loud, and absolutely terrible at making friends, which was really tough emotionally. However, that just made the friendships I was able to make even more special. I also sought comfort in reading every book series I could get my hands on, which helped my literacy skills.

Middle school saw the start of my hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which was itself a whole crazy thing. High school was just as hard, if not harder at times, but it led me through a lot of growth - figuratively, and of course, physically. I was able to make it to 5 feet tall at least.

Now it’s nearly February of 2026, and I’ll be turning 27 years old on the 7th! I’ve been working in a hospital as an Inpatient Pharmacy Technician for the last few years, while completing my bachelor’s degree via an online program. I’m now currently finishing the last few classes I need for graduate school, and I’m getting ready to transition to my externship, where I will be working to become a licensed Doctor of Audiology!

Though it all, what has been hard to explain to others is the day-to-day constant struggle of trying to manage my energy levels, fighting through extreme fatigue, brain fog, and dizziness, the regular chronic pain flare-ups and joint pain, the multiple doctor’s visits and medical bills. The physical struggles take their toll on me, and mentally there are a lot of personal insecurities I still have to work through daily. However, I will also proudly state to anyone and everyone who will listen that I have Turner syndrome, and I love sharing my story because it is such an important part of who I am!