The Malro Fighters Foundation often highlights the success stories — the wins, the breakthroughs and the proof that we keep fighting. It’s important to do so because it offers others hope. It shows what’s possible. But we also know that not every day feels like a victory lap to many Malro Fighters.
Dealing with a chronic illness is rough. Some days feel almost normal, even good. Then out of nowhere, you’re reminded — in a doctor’s office, in a hospital room, or simply in the bathroom — that life will always be a little more complicated for you or your child. Even the most basic bodily function, something others take for granted, can feel like navigating a minefield.
This isn’t a designer disease. It’s not something that sounds cool in an awareness campaign. It’s messy, private, and often misunderstood. It doesn’t come with a ribbon that everyone recognizes. For many patients, “intestinal malrotation” or “congenital malrotation of the intestines,” as it is often written in medical records, is a foreign phrase that turns into a nightmare.
So this post is for those in our community who are just making it. Not sprinting. Not soaring. Just putting one foot in front of the other. Sometimes getting through the day is something to be proud of, and we want to recognize all of our Malro Fighter community members, not just the ones defying the odds.
If today feels heavy, here are a few reminders for the harder moments:
1. It’s okay to not be okay.
There’s no gold medal for pretending everything is fine. If today is hard, let it be hard. Cry if you need to. Cancel what you can. It isn’t weakness. It’s okay if you aren’t up to being a superhero in spite of your intestinal malrotation. Resting is good for the body and mind.
2. Progress isn’t always visible.
Sometimes the little things are just as valuable as the big things. Taking meds. Eating something. Saying no to something you can’t handle. You might not see big changes, but every small action you take matters. Sometimes these are the successes you need.
3. Your story matters, even when it’s quiet.
You don’t have to be a spokesperson or a Malro Fighter every day. Some days, you’re just a human with a hard diagnosis, and that is enough. Your existence, your effort, your quiet resilience… that is what really matters.
4. Comparison is a trap.
It’s easy to look at others and feel like you’re falling short. But you’re not on the same path as anyone else. Your timeline is your own. Walk it as slowly or as carefully as you need to.
5. Find your people.
You don’t have to go it alone. Whether it’s someone in the Malro Fighter community, a trusted friend, or a medical provider who listens, connection matters. If you feel isolated, reach out. We see you, and we’re here.
Our foundation’s slogan is: “It doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you keep fighting.” And we mean it. Whether you’re inching forward or pausing to catch your breath, you are still moving. You are still fighting.
Keep going. We’re with you.
