CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hannah Caddell enjoys piecing memories together. Scrap-booking is her therapy. She says it helps her process the trauma she’s experienced throughout her life.

She has Ehlers Danlos, a rare disorder that impacts connective tissue. 

“Part of Ehlers Danlos is I sublux which is a small dislocation of all my joints. That’s why I wear these rings, it keeps them in place,” Caddell said. 

Caddell’s been spreading the benefits of art therapy to others in similiar situations as part of her duties a Ms. Wheelchair North Carolina USA. Caddell’s symptoms began when she was an infant, but she wasn’t diagnosed until 28 years old. 

“Doctors kept misdiagnosing me and I ended up dealing with a lot of trauma from MediCal professionals who just didn't believe me as a child,” Caddell said. 

She was later diagnosed with PTSD. During the pandemic she says she wasn’t able to see her therapist as much so she started creating wall flowers as her therapy. 

When the time came to pick a platform for the Ms. Wheelchair contest, art therapy was an obvious choice. 

“I’ll be teaching people to make these flowers and I’ll encourage others to write their trauma on the back,” Caddell said. 

Now, she’s using her experience with medical trauma to teach others the ABC’s of PTSD which include altering stereotypes, better representation and creativity as therapy. 

She recently created a series of workshops to teach others to make her signature flower and she’s now offering classes to the public.

The night she was crowned, she was recovering in the hospital. Hannah says the road to the crown hasn’t been all dresses and jewelry, sometimes it’s hospital gowns and medical bracelets. 

“Even in hospital garb, I still felt strong,” she said.

As she prepares for the national competition net month, she continues to advocate for art therapy. 

If you’re interested in donating toward her trip to the national competition or in her workshops, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.