Hi there! My name is Gray, and I’ve been (knowingly) living with a congenital heart condition called HOCM since I was 15. But more importantly, I’m a writer, musician, lifelong Mets fan, Pinterest enthusiast, animal lover, and proud Double Domer. Writing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. What started as filling up notebooks in elementary school became one of the most grounding and healing practices in my life.

After being diagnosed, poetry became a kind of anchor for me. It helped me make sense of what I was feeling when I didn’t have the words for it in conversation. It gave me space to be angry, scared, tender, weird, and hopeful all at once. Through that experience, I realized how powerful creative expression can be, especially for those of us navigating medical conditions, chronic illness, or disability.

I noticed that there are not many poetry or spoken word events in the Michiana region, and in order to amplify voices of those dealing with chronic conditions and disabilities, I thought (simply but not-so-simply) to make it happen. My goal for this project is for people to have a space to crack jokes together, listen deeply to each other, speak their hearts out, cry if they need to, and ultimately, build and share a community together in which honesty is celebrated, softness is powerful, and where everyone feels heard, loved, and respected.

I’m so stoked for what this project is becoming, and I can’t wait to meet every person who finds their way to it. If it speaks to you, I already know you’re going to inspire me just as much as I hope this space inspires you. Feel free to reach out anytime! I’m here <3