At just 11-years-old Gretchen started experiencing dizziness, joint pain, and fatigue. At tennis practice one day, Gretchen fainted and upon further testing, she was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a blood circulation condition that can cause painful and sudden symptoms, like nausea and dizziness. Since her diagnosis, Gretchen has worked hard under the care of experts at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU (CHoR) to learn how to manage her symptoms. CHoR has a duo of doctors who are experts in neurogastroenterology and autonomic disorders. They have been instrumental in helping Gretchen understand how the body and brain interact and the role that plays with her diagnosis. Gretchen takes vitamin supplements, focuses on staying active, and works with a cognitive behavioral therapist to understand how her brain responds to pain. Through her hard work and dedication, Gretchen has overcome her anxiety about flare-ups and experienced many firsts including her first trip abroad to Ireland and graduating from high school.