LA-based artist Kam Redlawsk is channeling her health issues into a powerful expression of creativity.

The illustrator has a progressive muscular disease called GNE Myopathy or Hereditary Inclusion Body Myopathy that is caused by an uncommon gene defect. The rare disorder affects muscular functioning over a slow period of time, and typically leads to complete disability. Often referred to as an orphan disease, it affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States and has fewer resources dedicated to it than more common diseases.

Redlawsk turned to illustrating in order to bring more attention to her disorder, but discovered that her work has even helped others who arent dealing with the condition.

My art was originally meant to spread awareness for GNEM but Ive realized the viewer may see his or her own life in them, which is really nice, she said. Ive had many strangers from around the world confess their own struggles and share how one of my drawings helped them to either see it differently or feel heard.

The images reveal the plights and anguish that comes from dealing with a challenging health condition especially one that affects your mobility.