I have lived with my rare disease, Glutaric Aciduria (Acidemia) Type I, for 11 years and it hasn’t always been fun. I do miss out on a lot of things other children probably take for granted. We have traveled to the beach almost every year since I was born, sometimes more than once, and it is my happy place. I can run, swim, dance, boogie board, jump in the waves, make sandcastles, and just enjoy these moments together with my family. When I am at the beach, I can forget about my rare disease. The beach is one of my happy places and holds many memories I will cherish forever.