About PotsieSpoons

It’s kind of a long story—here’s the short version

In 2015, I was in a rollover car accident, and I’m not being dramatic when I say my life has not been the same since.

After the accident, I started experiencing some wild symptoms that baffled my doctors. Eventually, I was referred to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, and while I was there, I met my first chronically ill friend. I’m not being dramatic when I say my life has not been the same since.

She encouraged me to start drawing comics consistently—and she set up my Instagram, so if you found me through that, you can thank her. We became instant best friends, and when we both returned home, it was hard having my best friend all the way across the country while we both got sicker and sicker.

Little did we know that, in less than a year, we’d be meeting up again—this time in Connecticut, with a shared diagnosis and undergoing the same surgical procedure.

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to do some pretty wild things, like get a behind-the-scenes look at the Kennedy Space Center, participate in a short film challenge, and do some public speaking (including a live TV interview—what??). I’ve also met a lot of really wonderful people and grown in ways I never expected, in large part because of my experiences with chronic illness.

Life hasn’t been what I expected, and it certainly hasn’t been easy, but it’s made for some pretty incredible stories and some pretty fun comics. I’m grateful for what has come by way, and grateful that you chose to spend a little time with me in this space.

Wishing you lots of love and many spoons.

- Vanessa Matelski

Vanessa dancing gently to music in her head.

Adventure is out there!

Because of my chronic illnesses and the advocacy work I've been doing, I've actually had the opportunity to do some pretty cool stuff, meet some wonderful people, and learn some amazing things. You can learn more about my unexpected adventures on my Instagram page, where I share my comics and plenty of plant pictures.

Check it out!

Vanessa looking thoughtfully at Potsie, who is sitting on her knee.

A bit about mals

Adventure is out there!

My other big, life-changing diagnosis is a congenital anatomical anomaly (try saying that five times fast) called Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome. It occurs when the diaphragm is situated too low in the body, causing the median arcuate ligament to compress the celiac artery and a bundle of nerves. You can find more information by clicking the link below.

Learn more

About PotsieSpoons

It’s kind of a long story—here’s the short version

Adventure is out there!

Adventure is out there!

Adventure is out there!

A bit about mals

Adventure is out there!

Adventure is out there!

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