About four and a half years ago, I was diagnosed with ITP. ITP is an autoimmune blood disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets, which are necessary for normal blood clotting. It has been a sometimes difficult ride with the symptoms but also a beautiful ride because I get the great gift of helping others with this disease and help to raise awareness for it! One of my greatest passions is the love of creating and making things, so I decided to create an awareness bracelet for ITP. The colors of crystals I used in the bracelet represent the colors of platelets and blood. I also used pearls because they represent grace. It is God's grace and help that carry me along this new life journey with this rare disease.