Welcome to a special patient spotlight series in celebration of Dizzy Parents Day, hosted by the Dizzy Moms Club in partnership with VeDA. By sharing these real-life journeys and practical ‘dizzy parenting hacks,’ our goal is to help parents navigating chronic dizziness find their way out of isolation and into a supportive village. Each feature highlights the voice, vulnerability, and inspiring resilience of a parent navigating an invisible vestibular disorder.
Jenny’s Story
What is your specific diagnosis (or type of chronic dizziness), and how old are your
child(ren)?
PPPD and Vestibular Migraine. Kids are ages 18, 15, 13, and 9.
What is a “dizzy parenting hack” or tool you rely on to get through the week?
Planning and Pacing. I only have so much to give, so every day I assess what I’ll need and plan accordingly.
How do you talk to your children about your dizziness in a way they can understand?
We talk about how “health is Wealth.” Not everyone is blessed with feeling good every day, and that’s okay. Plans change. And Mom will be there if she is feeling up for it. But I ALWAYS want to be there for them.
What has been the most challenging or surprising emotional hurdle of parenting with an invisible illness?
Not being able to do as much for them as I used to. I miss always having full energy and readiness for adventures.
What is a moment where you felt incredibly proud of yourself as a parent, despite your symptoms?
When I can show up for them. My kids love to roller skate. There’s lots of strobe lights and people going around in circles… super triggering, but I’m able to take them and they get to have a fun time despite my symptoms.
How did finding an ally network or a support group (like the Dizzy Moms Club or VeDA) shift how you view your diagnosis?
My lows aren’t as low as they used to be. When things get overwhelming, emotional, or I’m super symptomatic, I can reflect on or turn to the DMC and know I’m not alone.
Why is an international advocacy day like Dizzy Parents Day so important to you, and what message of encouragement would you send to another parent who is currently suffering alone
right now?
AWARENESS. When I was first diagnosed, people didn’t even know what a vestibular system is or how it functions. And really neither did I! Join a support group! The DMC has done more for me than I ever imagined. The community from others around the world has been a huge part of my health journey. They have become forever friends.