Hi, my name is Lili and my pronouns are she/they. I began my climbing journey in my hometown of Baltimore in 2022 and quickly fell in love with the sport. However, in the summer of 2023, I had a bad bike accident. The trauma my body went through flared a condition that I didn’t know I had. I was diagnosed with a Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and began my ongoing health journey. I had to take a large break from climbing as I relearned to live in my new body. While struggling with my health, the Tufas community made me feel so supported. I was sad to not be able to climb, but grateful to be surrounded by such caring people.

I am slowly getting back into climbing but prioritizing listening to my body. Climbing looks different for me now as I learn to take proper rests, use slow and controlled movement, ask for help when I need it, and not compare my ability to what it once was. I have also learned that bodies are weird and unpredictable. Pain, illness, and injury are difficult and isolating but your mindset is so important. Even though I cant climb at the same level as before, I feel stronger than ever.

I would love to be an outlet of support for people. If you ever are struggling just know you have a friend at Tufas.