A 29-year-old woman from California had almost given up on finding love while living with her chronic illness, but fate took a turn when she swiped right on a dating app and met a man who would become her unwavering pillar of support.
Anna DiBlosi, from Los Angeles, captured the hearts of viewers online after lifting the lid on her boyfriend's extraordinary efforts to give her comfort and encouragement as she continues to battle her debilitating autoimmune condition.
Their touching relationship story has resonated with many after DiBlosi opened up about it on TikTok. Her video is comprised of a montage of moments where boyfriend R.J. waits by her side in hospitals, organizes her medications, administers her treatments, and takes her out for meals and joyful excursions. Their story has provided hope to viewers with chronic illnesses who have struggled with online dating.
"I was a happy, healthy 26-year-old living my dream in Los Angeles when I took a trip with friends to Tulum, Mexico, in May 2022," DiBlosi, who suffers from chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, told Newsweek. "I got food poisoning on the final days of the trip which sparked an autoimmune reaction that left my body in an unfathomable state of pain."
The severity of her condition took over two years to diagnose, and it left her in severe, constant physical agony.
"My skin, flesh, and bones felt as though they had been set on fire," she said. "It was a deep, burning nerve pain that never relented.
"While I have the aid of medication, I'm still in severe pain 24/7 and my life is nowhere near what it once was. I've been a full-time patient since that trip and I am no longer independent."
With her health issues consuming so much of her life, dating seemed impossible. That all changed in 2023 when DiBlosi decided to take a brief respite from her reality by joining an online dating platform.
"I was looking for a break from everything going on, I wanted to spend some time talking to a stranger who had no idea what I was going through with my health," she said. "I was looking for a break from my reality, not a new boyfriend, but the universe had other plans, and we have now been dating for just over a year."
R.J. not only wholeheartedly accepted DiBlosi's condition, but embraced his new role as her caregiver too.
"To say he takes care of me is an understatement," DiBlosi said. "He takes me to and from appointments, helps me with my medical device, spends hours in waiting rooms while I have treatments done.
"He also makes sure I'm fed, picks up my prescriptions, cleans my room, and many other things around the house."
More than the physical assistance, R.J.'s emotional support has made the most significant difference for DiBlosi.
"There are many days that I spend curled up in bed bawling because of how much physical pain I'm in, and I can always count on him to be there for me," she said. "He never makes me feel like 'too much' and never makes me feel like a burden.
"He truly accepts me even though my life is nowhere near 'normal' and I feel incredibly lucky," she added.
Their relationship has won the hearts of internet users around the world after DiBlosi captured moments from their life and shared it to TikTok on September 19.
An overlaid text on the video read: "One year ago, he swiped right on someone who was suffering from a life-altering chronic illness. My life is by no means 'normal' because of the amount of support, patience, and help I need with everyday tasks."
Online dating can be challenging for people with health conditions, some of whom may worry that there will be a stigma around their illness that could put them at a disadvantage in the dating pool.
Since being posted, DiBlosi's video on her experience has garnered over 91,000 views, sparking admiration and discussion online. Viewers, some with chronic illnesses themselves, have debated whether individuals with such conditions should disclose their health status on dating profiles, and how living with a severe illness shapes their romantic lives.
"Did he know you were ill when he swiped? I'm chronically ill and have been curious about this," one viewer said.
Another added: "My current husband swiped on me knowing I was ill."
"Mine current [boyfriend] of 2.5 years didn't know when he swiped, but I told him a few days into talking," a third viewer shared. "Never bothered him a bit cause he chose me for me."
"I've been with someone for 2.5 years who knew and has also been with me as I've received more diagnoses," another added. "Hope that gives you some encouragement."
The couple's story has shed continued light on the romantic challenges and needs of those living with an illness. As DiBlosi's video circulates online, it touches on the significant role that a supportive partner can play in one's life.
"I'm mostly bedridden and cannot work, exercise, cook, clean among so many other everyday tasks that I used to be able to do," DiBlosi said. "What truly stands out is how much R.J. supports me emotionally, which is something not easily shown on social media.
"I have a partner who goes the extra mile for me every single day."
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