Dysautonomia is a medical term utilized for a group of complex conditions that are caused by a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Such conditions include Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS), Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH), etc. The ANS regulates all of the unconscious functions of the body, including the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, metabolic system, and endocrine system. A dysfunction of the ANS can cause debilitating symptoms and may pose significant challenges for effective medical treatment.  Diagnosis is often a long process due to lack of knowledge of the condition and wide array of symptoms that patients experience.   

Founded in 1999, The Dysautonomia Youth Network of America (DYNA) is currently the only 501(c) (3) non-profit specifically existing for youth and young adults with dysautonomia.  DYNA's mission is to foster awareness, support, and a better understanding of dyautonomia conditions in the community as well as to encourage compassionate care, efficient diagnosis, reliable treatment, and research of dysautonomia conditions.  In it's nearly 15 years of existence, DYNA has been successfully carrying out that mission, touching and changing the lives of thousands worldwide.

This t-shirt was designed and voted on by DYNA's youth ambassadors.  The phrase "Living Recovery" highlights the the positive attitude and hard work that patients such as DYNA's youth ambassadors demonstrate in order to successfully cope and live as full of a life as possible despite having dysautonomia.  They focus on being proactive about taking care of themselves, keeping active to the capacity that they are able, and working toward a future of either recovery or significant improvement.  Similarly, "Taking Dysautonomia in Stride" exemplifies the lifestyle that those affected follow when dealing with such an unpredictable chronic illness; as symptoms wax, wane, and change, patients learn to be very flexible and not let nuances or setbacks get them down. 

DYNA fully depends on individual donations and member-led fundraisers in order to exist.  However, like many non-profits, DYNA is experiencing rising costs while receiving fewer donations, and is now facing critical financial hardship.  The organization's survival through this year is in jeopardy due to lack of funding.  Please consider purchasing a shirt and/or making a donation so that DYNA’s can continue to network medical professionals, advance the research and treatment of dysautonomia conditions, influentially advocate on behalf of all dysautonomia patients, serve patients and to inspire youth onset/young adult patients to continue to pursue their life’s goals and desires. 

For more information about DYNA and dysautonomia, please visit www.dynainc.org.