Update – February 27, 2020: It is our pleasure to share that the individual featured in this story now uses she/her pronouns and goes by the name Iris. She continues to be seen at Seattle Children’s Gender Clinic and advocate for gender affirming healthcare.
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In celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, On the Pulse shares a story about 17-year-old Torin, a Seattle Children’s patient who battled cancer. After years of treatment and rehabilitation, Torin is now standing strong, yet continues to face challenges that come with identifying as gender non-binary. Torin talks about their struggle and overcoming oppression by not being afraid to express their authentic self.
From as early as Torin could remember, they used writing as a way of expressing emotion.
“I knew I loved writing when I wrote my first series of stories in elementary school,” Torin said. “They were about the adventures of ‘Pencil Man,’ a superhero who had the power to draw and erase things.”
Although Torin finds the plot of the story silly now, it serves as a poignant theme in their life.
Each individual should have the power to create their own story and be true to themself.
It was during a 20-week ultrasound that Sarah Ouellette got life-changing news: Her baby would be born with a serious heart defect.
When Reese Patterson was in sixth grade, she experienced vicious cyberbullying from several of her peers.
In celebration of Black History Month, On the Pulse spoke with 
On New Year’s Eve of 2019, Sierra Landman learned she was pregnant with her first child.
In recognition of Mental Health Month, On the Pulse will be sharing valuable resources and inspiring patient stories each week to guide individuals and families struggling with mental health issues and help destigmatize the topic of mental health in our society.
