REAL PEOPLE- REAL STORIES her own limitations.
“ I now have that to show that my fatigue is not just laziness and that my brain fog isn’ t an actual lack of knowledge,” she said.
The hardest part, she said, has been adjusting to changes in what she can do and learning to listen to her body. Her partner, Jared Baker, has been her biggest source of support, helping when she lacks the energy to handle things and reminding her that she remains capable.
Working out has also
“ I was just happy to finally have an explanation at all and hopefully get on the best path to feeling like myself again.”
When Nantz isn’ t out giving regular blood donations to ease her fatigue, she is on the move with her job with London Tourism. | PHOTO COURTESY OF MADISON NANTZ
some concern about the severity of her symptoms as a younger woman, Nantz said knowing her condition can be managed has provided reassurance. Her expected treatment includes regular blood donations to help lower her iron levels.
“ I love the idea of helping others through helping myself because it gives more purpose to it,” she said.“ Just as I need to shed some blood, others really need it and depend heavily on such donations.”
For Nantz, the diagnosis has also changed the way she views become an outlet. Although it does not directly change her disorder, Nantz said exercise motivates her to continue showing up for herself. Even reaching 10,000 steps in a day can help her feel more capable and cope with the mental side of her symptoms.
Looking ahead, Nantz hopes regular blood donations will ease her fatigue and brain fog, return her abnormal lab results to a normal range and help restore some of her day-to-day abilities.
And for anyone experiencing unexplained symptoms, she offers a simple message:
“ Please advocate for yourself,” Nantz said.“ If you know your body or mind do not feel right for you, keep asserting that, even if your labs supposedly appear acceptable. You know yourself and your‘ normal’ better than anyone.”
8 l 2026 GOOD HEALTH