- Isabelle George, a teen with dyslexia, found her voice at Dragonsteel convention.
- She shared how books helped her cope with medical challenges and express herself.
- Isabelle plans to serve a mission and study video editing despite future challenges.
SALT LAKE CITY — Isabelle George recently graduated from high school, but her journey to this milestone looked different than most. She loves ballet, percussion, drumline and American Sign Language.
She also loves books, a passion that surprises even her.
"I got grounded from reading if I didn't do my chores or something," she said with a laugh.
That wasn't always the case.
"Actually, when I was younger, I did not like reading at all. I have dyslexia, so it can make it really difficult for me to read," Isabelle explained.
Her mother encouraged her to listen to audiobooks while following along in the text. The strategy worked.
"And I started devouring books," she recalled.
Over time, reading became much more than a hobby.
"They were kind of a way for me to express myself, to figure out who I am because there are a lot of unknowns in my life," Isabelle said.
Those unknowns included a complicated medical journey and years of care at Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital.
"Everything's just a little different. Things work great 90% of the time, but the other 10% of the time, it's a hot mess," she said.
Her list of diagnoses is long.
"I have dysautonomia, and POTS, and mast cell activation disorder, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome and the list goes on," Isabelle explained.
She has undergone numerous procedures and knows more surgeries are still ahead. Through it all, she said Primary Children's Hospital has been a constant source of support.
"I'm so extremely grateful for Primary Children's," she said.
Today, Isabelle is giving back by volunteering in the hospital's School Zone, helping other children discover the same escape that books once gave her. One of her favorite novels is "Skyward" by Brandon Sanderson. Recently, she had the opportunity to meet the bestselling author and share her own story at his Dragonsteel convention.
"It was this huge convention hall in the Salt Palace and there were thousands of chairs, and I was terrified the first day I went in there," Isabelle remembered.
Standing before a crowd of fans, she shared the impact books have had on her life. Her message centered on the comfort stories can provide during difficult times.
"My main message that I shared is that books can be a source of healing and that books can be, kind of, an escape from this hectic reality that we live in," she said.
That desire to connect with people extends beyond books. Isabelle is also passionate about ASL.
"It's such a beautiful language," she said.
Looking ahead, Isabelle knows there are more medical challenges to face. She also has big plans. She hopes to serve a service mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and then attend college to study video editing.
Isabelle's story is one of several being featured during KSL's Giveathon benefiting Primary Children's Hospital. To support children and families receiving care at Primary Children's Hospital, visit kslkids.com and make a donation.
