'Hi Ren' Premiers on youtube on the 15th December - 7pm GMT

Nina Simone once said that it was an artists duty for their work to fearlessly reflect their life circumstances.
In 2016 I had a stem cell transplant that saved my life, this video was taken two year before that. After the transplant I decided to force my past into a little box and hide it from myself. I wouldn't ever watch this video back. There has always been a part of me that's terrified that I'll end up back here and loose myself again. That part of me always gets loudest when I'm on my own with my thoughts.
When I got better and my music started becoming successful after years of never thinking it would be possible I almost treated it as a reincarnation. I'd barley talk about where I'd come from with friends, but despite my best efforts my past usually found a way to leak into my music.
Here I was convinced I was going to die. I was severely underweight, I had severe bone pain every day, I could barley eat food, I suffered extreme fatigue to the point even standing in a shower was excruciating. I ended up in a state of stress induced psychosis, my minds only rational explanation for the level of suffering I was enduring was that it was some kind of demonic intervention or that i was part of some twisted experiment or study. This had been my life for years. I'd bounced from doctor to doctor full of hope only to have my heart repeatedly stamped on when my condition only worsened.
Cut to present day and PTSD from years of my body torturing itself stopped me from doing work that I think is vital. Shedding light on a very under-lit , underfunded, and barley understood area. The plight of the chronically sick. Millions of people all over the world are missing. Trapped inside themselves. Conditions like ME/CFS, ehlers danlos syndrome, POTS, MCAS, lyme disease, M.S. etc. Receive such little funding. To put the lack of funding into perspective, male pattern receives over one thousand times the funding than many of these chronic illnesses do combined. Recent studies found the quality of life of a person with chronic M.E. was significantly worse than someone with HIV or breast cancer. M.E. is currently one of the most underfunded disease at the national institute of health.
I was one of the exceptionally few very lucky people to escape before I died after receiving a stem cell transplant and finding a hugely restrictive diet that stopped my autoimmunity flaring to the point where it was disabling but I still suffer a wide array of symptoms every day.
To dive deeper into living up to the words of the late and great Nina Simone, who has for a long time been a great source of inspiration for me, I wanted my next piece of work to fearlessly stare my past in the face despite the trauma of doing so.
'Hi Ren' comes out on the 15th December at 7pm.
Turn on notifications here • Ren - Hi Ren (Official...

[@RenMakesMusic]

Nina Simone once said that it was an artists duty for their work to fearlessly reflect their life circumstances. In 2016 I had a stem cell transplant that saved my life, this video was taken two year before that. After the transplant I decided to force my past into a little box and hide it from myself. I wouldn't ever watch this video back. There has always been a part of me that's terrified that I'll end up back here and loose myself again. That part of me always gets loudest when I'm on my own with my thoughts. When I got better and my music started becoming successful after years of never thinking it would be possible I almost treated it as a reincarnation. I'd barley talk about where I'd come from with friends, but despite my best efforts my past usually found a way to leak into my music. Here I was convinced I was going to die. I was severely underweight, I had severe bone pain every day, I could barley eat food, I suffered extreme fatigue to the point even standing in a shower was excruciating. I ended up in a state of stress induced psychosis, my minds only rational explanation for the level of suffering I was enduring was that it was some kind of demonic intervention or that i was part of some twisted experiment or study. This had been my life for years. I'd bounced from doctor to doctor full of hope only to have my heart repeatedly stamped on when my condition only worsened. Cut to present day and PTSD from years of my body torturing itself stopped me from doing work that I think is vital. Shedding light on a very under-lit , underfunded, and barley understood area. The plight of the chronically sick. Millions of people all over the world are missing. Trapped inside themselves. Conditions like ME/CFS, ehlers danlos syndrome, POTS, MCAS, lyme disease, M.S. etc. Receive such little funding. To put the lack of funding into perspective, male pattern receives over one thousand times the funding than many of these chronic illnesses do combined. Recent studies found the quality of life of a person with chronic M.E. was significantly worse than someone with HIV or breast cancer. M.E. is currently one of the most underfunded disease at the national institute of health. I was one of the exceptionally few very lucky people to escape before I died after receiving a stem cell transplant and finding a hugely restrictive diet that stopped my autoimmunity flaring to the point where it was disabling but I still suffer a wide array of symptoms every day. To dive deeper into living up to the words of the late and great Nina Simone, who has for a long time been a great source of inspiration for me, I wanted my next piece of work to fearlessly stare my past in the face despite the trauma of doing so. 'Hi Ren' comes out on the 15th December at 7pm. Turn on notifications here kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZDRlGR_i9SArsU

[@neptunus2694]

I wish I could say that your story is beautiful but it is full of disasters that no one should deserve. Beautiful was the way you fought and fight these problems and manage to be the amazing artist like you. I hope you delve deeper into this darkness of the past and can draw light and make it prevail on the 15th.

[@andrevicente9440]

🖤

[@giada6133]

You're an amazing human being. I'm sorry for what you've been through. You deserve the best.

[@jeffireymurdock2073]

holy what the heck thats literally insane what

[@morearemy2636]

To see that someone could come out of this is a huge inspiration. I'll keep that in mind next time I feel down. Hopefully you will be able to recover completely. Physically and mentally.

[@kurtzbomb]

Hello Ren from 9 years ago. I just want to tell you that it's 2023 and you will never believe what you just accomplished this morning - your album is #1 in the UK! We are all so proud and happy for you. You are an inspiration to all of us. I am so glad that I was bored one day 8 months ago and decided to press play and watch "Hi Ren". It was a moment that changed my life. Continue being you - because YOU are magic! XOXO

[@nikkireigns]

🥲

[@amyshaw7811]

Love this ❤

[@Hailstarr86]

Beautifully said 🥰💗

[@TheBorderRyker]

👌🏻✊🏼🐷❤️‍🔥

[@isabellanappo3486]

I am so proud of you. My soul is crying. 2:02

[@shanebruce3997]

Hi Ren, I doubt you'll see this comment, as it will be buried in the thousands of comments that you receive. But maybe someone else suffering will who won't feel so alone. I just wanted you to know - I am a mental health professional and this testimony is powerful. I have family, friends who struggle with auto-immune and neuro-diversity - and I know you know this, but you are not alone. "Hi Ren" is a powerful anthem to what many of us struggle with. And you reminded us that it's ok just to be human. Thank you for your courage, your strength, your power of example and for letting us in to your private hell. I know I don't know you personally - but in the context of our humanity, I love you. And there those of us out here who are fighting for folks suffering with afflictions the same and similar to your yours.

[@Suntas]

"I know I don't know you personally - but in the context of our humanity, I love you." Fucking hell. I'm not a native english speaker but this sentence expresses a thought and a feeling i have had a few times in my life without me finding the correct words for it. Thank you very much.

[@eliolmos8497]

Couldn't have said it any better right now ren is my inspiration and I don't need to tell him to his face but I wish I could

[@shanebruce3997]

@@Suntas thank you DryHoof

[@rgCA_01123]

Thank you for what you do ❤️ My best friend of +20 years sufferers from POTS since 2017. My heart goes out to everyone who sufferers from these ailments 🙏

[@bryanroberts3671]

Bump

[@Silkytoaster]

Although this video says it was posted 6 months ago in fact it was posted about 10 yrs ago - you can see that Ren was much younger . He filmed this in his darkest hour of illness and hopelessness . I wonder if young Ren had any idea what present day Ren would accomplish . That line in HI Ren “ cower at the man I’ve become “ takes on a potent meaning . This is a testament to having hope - no matter how dreadful the situation is if you hang in there and keep trying there can be a better future . The world is a better place with Ren in it .

[@paxtonparis2746]

I ❤️ this response! I just met … Hi Ren , 3 days ago. Obsessed 🎉 🎶🎵🩷🎵🎶🎼🎼

[@frostie552]

Well, I was gobsmacked too, hearing Hi Ren for the first time. It stole my breath. That first minute showing a scabrous room, Ren in a push chair and hospital gown, were a revelation. As a fellow traveler on my own chronic illness path, I immediately saw my own desire to distance myself from my illness - who doesn’t want to go to da Nile, yea? - no way in hell would I let myself be seen in a hospital johnny. And my embarrassment and shame in being ill. Who do we become when we can’t make and keep promises anymore, professionally and socially? When we can’t even sufficiently look after ourselves on our own? It’s another freaking planet to live on, for sure, and it tends to be bleak. And maybe worst, it makes me boring! Now here is Ren, a new sun in my solar system. The first minute of your piece gave me so much before a note was sounded. Well, actually, a note sounded. Followed by 8 minutes of more. I had a spirit-pivot as a result of Hi Ren. I needed new inspiration to light up a new direction. Gratitude.

[@ltb3478]

With my autism I don't process the meaning of words even in songs.. but the words you impart at the end of "Hi Ren" changed how I look at things.. it moved me to tears to see someone be able to verbalise the difficulties I also share.. You changed my life - the world needs more people like you. please stay strong.xx .

[@joarlaupstad8725]

Late life diagnosed autism. I know that i put my self in this pinch, but it sucks, got som kind of shit that no doctor can pin point and all they are saying that you should not be feeling sick when all tests are green. My teory is......when i was at my most happy state in my relationship the lady left me and i got an wack in my immunsystem because mental health got shot. that welcomed an virus, but i do not know for certain. Do know for certain that my english is not the best, anyway, have lot of love for all of us struggling people but the same for ordinary peeps. Sorry being sidetracked for a moment there, think inflammation is the root, caused by the virus. i think this shit is cause of so much trouble for many people, it hits the brain and its party time in a bad way. virus, bacteria may be something else, but something clogs up the brain and make shitstormmenace. If im going down then i am doing so loving. take care fellow humans

[@sarahbanks1527]

Knoxhill reacts to rens music and he’s brilliant at figure it out for you

[@janae2171]

I caught Lyme at roughly the same time/same age in my life-in my early twenties-it’s surreal watching this. Seeing doctor upon doctor, specialist after specialist to be misdiagnosed and gaslit. Ten years later I’m still fighting. Winning some days while losing others. Jesus, this video hits me hard.

[@ericanatalini5538]

Wow 💖

[@jro341]

Sorry. There has to be something natural for this. Doctors are only into making money. I will die before ever going to a doctor again. It shouldn’t be this way.

[@riteasrain]

Yes! gaslit, misdiagnosed, endless searching for answers, in the end being told nothing more can be done. The fallout is devastating. I'm 72, happened when I was 34. That makes for a whole life.

[@KG-wp6gh]

@@riteasrain Lyme can be beaten. Autoimmune disease can be beaten too.

[@moonstonematrix]

@@KG-wp6ghoh I expect we just need some extra vitamin or to eat raw food, yeah?

[@christopherworth1]

If I may, your art has given me comfort and hope. At 71 years I've never known anyone who has connected so many souls from so many cultures, religions and beliefs in such a kind and empathetic way, and to constantly remind ourselves that "we are all human beings. Thank you for your courage and yourself.

[@hollyshaw-elliemae]

this is a higly underrated comment! i agree 1000%

[@patriciacloix71]

🙏💖

[@EsmereldaPea]

Well said, sir! Well said.

[@andrewf3746]

Oh my, this broke me. Its so hard seeing someone so immensely talented be so cruelly restricted by health problems. I am so glad things have turned a corner for you fella. Know the battle is always there but know this. You deserve everything good that's now happened. Ps, thankyou for helping me on my mental health journey this past 8 months or so. You and your music is why I am still here today. Your music found me just at the right time to save my life. Thankyou. Thankyou thankyou. Fan for life. X

[@AdamBazille]

Wow. That was deep. Hope you are well Andrew 🙏

[@ursulamacx]

(Amen)². Glad you are here Andrew

[@riotgirrrlwise7711]

ALL my prayers are with you sweetheart. I couldn't IMAGINE being in your shoes. It's like God blessed you with a ONE IN A FUCKIN MILLION GIFT because let's face facts here!! You are SOOOOO much more talented then 90% of the worlds musicians that anyone can hear at any given minute of any given hour of any given day P.👏E.👏R.👏I.👏O.👏D.👏👏👏!!!.... , and you finally get things going beautifully & BAMM! Like it was just snatched away. Well, I for one know what it's like to have an expiration date & beat it regardless of what the so called SPECIALISTS say so you've got that going for you. What we need to pray on is a better QUALITY of life. You and I know there's a difference between "Getting by", "Surviving", "Coping" & actually "LIVING"!! Not many people have been there. That being said Ren, I honestly know in my heart that there is a fork in the road ahead of you. God doesn't give sublime gifts like yours just to take it away ESPECIALLY since though you've been around a bit, not NEARLY long enough to be well established worldwide which is something hopefully we can ALL help with. I plan on sharing your story everywhere, as much as possible!! That miracle WILL find it's way to you Ren!! Please, be strong!! You are LOVED & have made SOOOO MANY LIVES THAT MUCH BETTER just being you!! Just KNOWING of you has brightened mine! Please understand, there are SOOOO MANY whom struggle daily with life altering ailments whom are tuning into your story & plan on fighting right along side you. I SWEAR I Do & WILL CONTINUE TO! Also, the more your talent is shared as well as your story, the more likely one or several of your fans are to come across it & just maybe these fans are the miracle you've been waiting for. Blessings, Light, Love, Health & EVERY BEAUTIFUL THING that can be sent your way with TONS OF FAITHFUL PRAYERS REGULARLY REN!! God bless, keep & ease your struggle brother mine.😘🙏🥰🦋🤟🏻✌️

[@robertchale]

Hi ren, nothing i can say will help change your situation, but you are a hero. I have terminal leukaemia and will likely be gone by Christmas but I'm so glad I was alive to hear your music. I found you during my first chemo and you resonated with me so strongly. I didn't know the extent of your struggles until today - don't give up on getting better and don't give upon your music. You make the world better by being in it and your music makes my world that little bit more bearable. Stay strong.

[@lizziesanders1095]

❤

[@ericanatalini5538]

💗

[@bb5693]

❤

[@magicalp0wers788]

I love you. I know you don't know me. But stay strong. Stay strong. You may not be alive before Christmas, but try, try to think positively because you just don't know you may be alive longer. You just have to have faith in yourself and your darkness will shine. ❤

[@beardwiley]

@@magicalp0wers788 Good news is this video was from 2014, two years before Ren received a stem cell transplant that saved him :) This video helps give an insight into just how bad it was at the time.

[@martinepeters9891]

"I wanna be alive so much". That one got me and EVERY day I'm deliberately grateful to spend another day on this planet after all health challenges I've gone through.

[@alyssadale2563]

You’ve got this Ren please don’t give up the fight. Please. You’ve been an inspiration to not only my life but my boyfriends as well and we have been showing everyone we know your music. People who are skitzophrenic, people who have jumped off of a third story building trying to end their own life and they are still here. Myself and my love growing up having the only condolence of the agony of growing up through the trauma being the knowledge it would eventually be over. We’ve been together 8 years. We’ve been through too much, before we met and since. We lost our son last December. His name was Noah. I was 33 weeks pregnant. Please don’t give up this fight. Your fans need you. We need exactly what it is that you have to give to this world. Please know that the world would never be the same without you and plus, you have so much more music to make❤❤️❤️

[@juliasharon5337]

me too

[@stuartcockroft4365]

Xx

[@amberblair8379]

"I wanna be alive so much" really hit me too. I have a very similar life to the Ren in this video and its not living. Its existing. Nobody deserves to just exist. I'm glad Ren found some relief with the Stem Cell Transplant, I wish I could get help like that... I've been in pain for as long as I can remember and was diagnosed with M.E (which is a totally different monster to chronic fatigue syndrome!) at age 12. I'm now 35 and have never received any real help. I still get doctors laugh in my face and not believe me. Its torture.

[@spakeface9752]

We don't live on a planet my friend

[@ranni.rose.2218]

When Hi Ren found me, I was in the biggest flare I ever had with my Fibromyalgia. The pain was excruciating.... Listening to your music, interviews, posts, your voice helped me so much. Thank you 💜

[@alexmortimer1032]

REN - To see where you once were in this video to where you are now (strutting around like a boss in "Animal Flow"), I cant help but feel immensely proud and privileged to be here to witness it. Your art is so POWERFUL no matter what you write or perform, and its clearly driven by your struggles and empathy towards others. For me, "Hi Ren" put my own struggles into sharp perspective and in a heartbeat it completely disarmed that dark voice in my head that says "i'm not good enough" or "i'm not worthy of happiness". I carried a guilt for years after I hurt someone because I couldn't just be myself, ive been made to feel microscopic and have lost friends and family along the way too. Hearing "Hi Ren" I felt that weight of guilt and everything else was lifted off my shoulders, I let go of that guilt and I relaxed for the first time since I cant even remember. As you say in this video "i just want to live".... So... Your message of hope and how you describe mental warfare as "a pendulum, eternally swaying from the dark to the light", that its "like a dance" and that you "cursed your clumsy footsteps" really resonates with me personally. I've punished myself and cursed every clumsy footstep my entire life. All i want to do now is fuckin' DANCE!! Your message right at the end "and I must not forget, we must not forget, that we are human beings" is a seriously powerful reminder to us all to not lose sight of what we really are and what makes us all human. So, all I can say REN is THANK YOU. Thank you for sharing your journey with us and moving and inspiring us all with EVERYTHING you do. It means so much to me personally. You really are a SICK BOI bro!!! 🤘😝✌

[@KismetSarken]

Hello Ren, I'm Kim. I'm a 52 year old, who never thought she'd see this age. I have severe depression, fibromyalgia, ptsd, chronic fatigue & semi-recently added long covid. This video bored right to my deepest soul. I felt these things at the age you were when this was recorded. I wanted it , the pain (of every kind) to end. To this day I don't know what kept me putting one foot in front of the other back then, but I did. I still have those days now, where the demons of my mind come calling. I do my best to not respond. I just found you tonight, and I'm so very glad I did. You are a true artist. Your skill with words rivals the bard himself. You fingers on the guitar are like the beautiful madness conjured by Vivaldi or Mozart. But you are truly of this age & time. I dreamed of being a spark that was remembered, I truly believe you will be. I look forward to seeing you & what you can achieve going forward. Cheers from a long graying punk granny from the states. Keep making wonders.

[@halloweellahere7602]

Oh my God this comment made me cry my eyes out. Punk Granny, I am so, so sorry for your life of pain. Can't even fathom the struggle. I'll count my fucking blessings from now on and I'll always remember you, you are a spark who will not be forgotton, to me anyway. I'll write PG (punk granny) on my hand each day as a visual reminder to stop taking life for granted. Crazy how severe depression came first on your list. How a disease of the mind can be more mentally and physically debilitating and devastating than an actual physical, endless, painful one. All the best to you Punk.

[@KismetSarken]

@Halloweella Here Thank you so very much. My life has gotten better than it used to be, but the struggle is always there. Thank you for your kind words. May you find happiness in this life & whatever you choose to do is it.

[@ceekayy79]

This comment got me just as hard as the video and Hi Ren did!! 44 y old so more of a grunge granny but my whole life I've suffered from night terrors, anxiety, chronic fatigue, addiction, hiv, and depression but somehow I always find a way to get out of the bed and try to live my life to the fullest. I'm so glad I've found Ren and his followers to help articulate my thoughts... much love from Texas

[@saskiadavies111]

Hey - 54 or 54yo here. Genuinely can't remember and haven't got the spoons to bother. I've got MCAS (recent diagnosis), fibro, extensive CPTSD, severe depression, an off-the-charts childhood trauma index, neurodivergent, POTS/Dysautonomia, the audio processing thing where sound hurts, celiacs undiagnosed til mid-40s, alopecia universalis, half a dozen worsening soft tissue injuries, hypoglycemia (super fun to find food quickly with MCAS, brain fog and hands that don't work) - medical history and prescriptions forms are never long enough. Ren is a superb example of how mental and physical health can be inseparable and how demoralizing and dangerous it is to be stuck in bed, socially isolated and to struggle to find any kind of help that might be cause for hope.

[@agip7324]

❤❤❤

[@MonicaGunderson]

I have an autoimmune disease, Ankylosing Spondylitis. I understand so much of what your saying. I see you, I hear you, I am so grateful you are still here. *very gentle hugs* I am on day 4 of a pain and symptoms flare. So over it..... 💙🦓 ; I am immunocompromised as well.... Needless to say, 2020-2022 was traumatizing for me..... So many people dropped out of being there for me.... Being a friend. Just turned their back.... Cause I'm disabled, immunocompromised.... During a pandemic. Thank You for being so damn authentic and real. I feel less alone.

[@museunicorn]

Ren, I am old enough to be your mother...and have such compassion for you, Dear One... Happy to read that you have found some measure of healing... Discovered your video for "Hi Ren" and was blown away by your artistry. I've been a singer-songwriter for longer than you've been on this planet and I'm in awe of your gifts and skills...and moreso your raw honesty and the sheer brilliance of the way you orchestrate such moving pieces. Thank you for persevering through the dark times so that you can shine a light for others who are suffering. As I type this I haven't played my piano in days because of pain in my hands...thank you for inspiring me to play through the pain...

[@mysticeyes10000]

My aunt had Lyme disease. She was mis diagnosed. She was paralyzed and bed ridden for months. They told her she was delusional and sent her to a psychiatrist. She tried to tell everyone she wasn’t. Her family and even myself wasn’t sure if it was just psychological. This was in the 80s and know one heard of this disease. Finally a doctor heard about her case. He knew it was Lyme disease and she started new treatments. It gave her hope knowing that there was a name for illness. It was a battle but she fought hard. And she lived a long life. It wasn’t easy but she did it. I have faith that you will get through this too. Stay strong . There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

[@DarlingSofie]

This is about as real as it can get. This man has suffered far too much. How someone can get so lost in pain and turmoil, and can come out the other side with such magnificence and magnitude. The awe and respect I have for this pure soul. 🌹

[@Silkytoaster]

Everything you said.❤

[@kayleneturnerkayleneturner2308]

This BROKE my heart. I've cried these tears, thought these thoughts, sat in this position, felt this hopeless hopefulness and this frustration and this anger. I'm so so so damn glad that you never gave up on finding the miracle, Ren. Thank you for sticking around.

[@charlesrobinson4244]

You not only received a miracle but you gave one. I spent decades of my life buried under complex PTSD, dissociation, anxiety, and depression. "Hi Ren" was an absolute epiphany. I have heard you say in interviews that you can't be your fans' therapists, and I'm not asking that of you. I just want to say thank you for being so real and saying out loud the things most of us only ever think. You simultaneously gave voice to both the unspoken and the voiceless. You are my miracle.

[@jamiewalker8772]

Awesome. I just randomly read this and it made me happy. Good on you ✌️

[@robasiansensation3118]

I just discovered Ren yesterday when I got a yt suggestion for Hi Ren. I was gobsmacked. I watched it several times, tears down my face at just how GOOD he is, how Authentic and how talented he is showing himself to us. now as I watch this, my 56 yr old self wants to wrap this kid up in a long rocking hug and tell him that his life is going to get brighter, and it's okay to feel frustrated and scared and we are here for him. We all seem to have that One Big Fkg Thing that seems too big, too steep, too scary to get to the other side of. When did I become so damned maternal? Love you, Ren. Thank you for your bright bright light.

[@palsgraph]

Bright, intelligent, genius, empathetic light

[@DavyHuttonMusic-si1vu]

The world has waited so long for an artist of your magnitude - I am 71 so I know this - I have seen many careers through the years. I hope things have turned a corner for you. Your strength of mind and purpose is what we all need to get us out of the hell hole we are making of this world. Much love to you man ❤️

[@Kingdomheartsgurlkyo]

I'm so glad he held on. He's saved me with his recent music. Thank you for existing, Ren. Thank you for sharing your life with us and reminding us that it can get better.

[@Tigs2]

Ren. Sorry i am late. I am 63. Everything you have been through has brought you to where you are today- probably one of the most gifted artists i have EVER seen- and I am 63! I listened to Hi Ren and it had me ( and a million others) in bits because we all recognize that struggle internally between light and dark. Your music really is connectin and we really are respectin. I have had two bouts of different cancer in the last 2 years. I am in a good place but the fight to continue when undergoing treatment is a bit of a challenge. Do not EVER give up. It is your legacy to help MILLIONS of people with your incredible story telling. And for what you have done for me - Thank you son.

[@kortekainess]

My wife suffers from schizophrenia, neuropathy, and is currently battling a severe case of gastroparesis which has brought her to the brink of starvation... Amidst it all, she feels shame, and embarrassment, hearing thousands of voices tell her such terrible things... Just saw your Hi Ren video (literally just tonight), laying in a tub at 4am just trying to put myself together enough to sleep. Preparing for another day of helping keep her not just alive, but hopefully to enjoy some part of living... Finding your channel meant something to me. I'm not sure what, yet, but time will tell.

[@gildog]

She must be an amazing woman you still love her so much and good man

[@marknoble530]

Stay strong man

[@claycarpenter8625]

I know your life isn't easy. Its a true sacrifice. I hung in there for awhile but it got the best of me and had to get away from it but it was physical at times also. I wonder how many people haven't suffered in some way. Life is so sad and man has made such a mess of it in his quest for power amd riches. The truly more important things have been pushed back. Stay strong

[@rva]

Your vulnerability is your strength. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us all.. I understand. X

[@sonjabenesch3228]

I want to hug you, only hig and comfort you, send you love from my heart and soul. 🙏❣️

[@sonjabenesch3228]

Sorry , hug not hig

[@susannatoy1898]

This comment at first glance seems on point and poetic. But a couple moments later I happened upon the realisation that it actually make no sense and you're just making English noises with you mouth .(keyboard) XD particularly the part "your vulnerability is your strength= that's just talkin in tongues lady . I jest.x

[@dropntbag]

Wow Ren, you have touched my life in these last 2 days like few humans have done in my 50 years. Thank you, thank you for changing my life for ever. I promise to make it my job to celebrate and share you

[@TnTyson81]

So proud of you Ren. Proud that you recorded this in the first place. Proud that you kept on fighting. Proud that you continued to make music. Proud that you uploaded this and faced it yourself. Proud of the Man you are and the messages you send out. Proud that I've been able to show my children your art. Fuck knows why I feel any of this pride for the things you've done but I do. I love you Ren and wish you all the luck in the world. You've fucking earnt it.

[@abeldiaz3877]

You have the love of millions of people. You are loved by every single one of us who have seen and felt you. Love is what can keep you going, I believe. Always remember that. We love you.

[@CAguardian]

I saw this video after watching Hi Ren and being utterly captivated. As a parent who has a kid who suffers from RA and auto immunity - watching him as a toddler be in pain and not being able to discuss it because he couldn’t articulate it - Hi Ren gutted me and made me an instant fan. It’s clear you had been suffering in that video, and now that I see this I understand. You are more needed than you know in this world. Your art gives a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves.

[@davidsmith6976]

Yes ,and that is vital,Ren has awoken so many people ,to the challenges others face eeryday,yet....silence ,thank you Ren,for showing the world ,these human beings lives matter,as much as anyones I celebrate your return,and may you continue ,to challenge perceptions ,and "norms" PEACE.

[@heatherhall3452]

Have you done any research on childhood vaccines? They’ve made our children sick 😢

[@shelleyscott4745]

Amen 🙏🏻 this world needs REN!!! ❤️❤️❤️💯

[@andreafairbairn6470]

I’m so glad to hear you made it and performed and wrote Ren. I’m 59 and I was blown away by your talent. Keep on going. Don’t look back. Stay present… you are loved…

[@bryanrobsonssocks6366]

Fast forward to 20/10/2023 & a UK No1 album!. Never felt so proud of someone I've never met. Your perseverance through so much pain & heartache is testament to your indefatigable character. You deserve all the success mate x

[@GauldenBoi]

I've never even come close to crying anywhere near as much as I have for any music artist as I have for Ren. His perseverance is absolutely beyond unmatched

[@OneLove101.]

This is so sad. I am relieved you now have a great team of people trying to help you. ❤️🥺 This is my life, stuck in bed, the same 4 walls, can’t eat, waiting for it to be over. I’m so sorry things had got to so bad for you. To see you 3 months on, I’m so glad things look so much brighter. Your music and incredible talent has been recognised 🌟🤩 Also, to know that finally you’re getting the answers about your health, and getting the very much needed help, before it’s too late. ❤️ Ren, as always, you speak the words I can’t seem to find. They’ve found my illness, and all of the jigsaw pieces finally fit into place, but it’s too late for me. I’m glad it wasn’t the end for you. You have so much to give the world. ❤️ I’m glad you never gave up, because the world needs to know your name and now we do. Hi Ren 👋 💙

[@ursulamacx]

Only been following Ren for eight months. In that time, i stopped waiting for the miracle around the corner. I realized that i am the miracle. Thanks for the hope and letting me feel that its ok to be exactly who i am. x

[@fatima-purposefullybeautif5950]

I discovered your music two days ago and you are a musical genius. I never was a fan of rap music but what you created is something else. It's the most authentic and gut wrenching music I have heard in ages. I can relate to so much of what you go through because I suffer from PTSD and major depression and whether you like it or not, yours have become a voice of a human battling the illnesses endemic to our modern world. You speak for all us and I'm so blown away by your authenticity and your vulnerability makes our daily struggles palpable. I hope the world stands up and listens. You need to be heard

[@shaqalito8740]

It breaks my heart. Not only to see Ren like this, it's deeper than that. It's simply to see another human suffer, it always breaks my heart.

[@bonnie3232]

Yes. My heart breaks to see anyone, human and animal alike, suffer. I've been called " too sensitive" but I think it is a good thing to feel as we do. God bless you.

[@xdaniedx]

Damn bro I'm so glad you're in Canada getting the treatments you need. And I've seen you post while there about how you'll be there longer than expected and how this is such a bad time because you're blowing up. Let the worries go and take care of yourself. Those of us who have just discovered you will be here supporting you no matter how long it takes you to get as close to 100% as you can. Love and respect from New York.

[@palsgraph]

Ren, I would trade my life for yours just so your brilliance could shine longer. Love bro and may you have many happy years to come..

[@by_the_stone]

A wise man once said there were no real winners or losers in psychological warfare. The fight will go on for sure, but you are a winner, that is just as certain. Thank you for staying strong and not giving up in these dark times. It's a blessing that your amazing talent has been preserved for all of us.

[@TheLeedsBoyz]

Watching this after watching the video when you found out you have the number 1 album puts everything into perspective. Your story is inspiring on so many levels. I am so happy for you

[@excessbeans]

Hi Ren. I had sent you a message on Facebook, knowing you’d never seen it. My mom struggled with Lyme for decades. It took her years to get better. Only to be bitten again and it all to come back. She died because of tick induced alpha gal. I just wish I had found your music sooner. She would have loved you, loved your message and your creativity. You’re shedding light on Lyme disease that hasn’t been done before. So very few people know how debilitating and life altering Lyme is. And I want to thank you for that. My mom was an activist. She tried her best. She went to rallies in the US and was a voice for those suffering. But she never felt like what she did was enough. And now, I’m faced with it too. I have a wide range of health issues, and I’ve been pushing away Lyme, too scared to admit that that’s what is causing my illness. But it is. I know it is. And it’s time for me to do something about it. You’ve inspired me to finally do something about it. You said in Hi Ren, when I was 17 years old I shouted out into an empty room, into a blank canvas, that I would defeat the forces of evil. And for the next 10 years of my life I suffered the consequences, with illness, with autoimmunity, and psychosis. Ren, I have the exact same story. I’m 27 years old, and I have been fighting this invisible illness that I was scared to admit I had. I’m scared of treatment, I’m scared of herxing, and I’m scared of getting so sick like my mom did. But, then I think about you, and how hard you’re fighting just to live. I think about my mom, and how hard she fought to live too. And I start to realize, I’m not alone. I can beat this too. Because deep down in my heart, I know I have Lyme. It’s always been Lyme. Much love to you, kindered spirit. I wish you the best.

[@robertgraves3215]

OMG. I've been bit 3X since 1987. Then West Nile almost killed me in 2010 . (coinfection!) . Have you read Steve Buhner's book "Healing Lyme"? He just died . "Bitten" is also another intense one. (I forget the author) .

[@excessbeans]

@@robertgraves3215 right now I’m working on Dr. Rawl’s book but I’ll check that one out next!

[@robertgraves3215]

@@excessbeans Two people I refferred have said it's changed their lives.

[@KCsFunHouse]

You’re not alone, I’ve had Lyme for at least 15 years now on top of other health issues. Your mom sounds like she was an incredible person and given how hard she fought to bring attention to what we go through I know she would want you to fight like hell for an answer. Then maybe you can pick up activism where she left off, she’d be so proud. Stay strong and keep fighting one day at a time.

[@excessbeans]

@@demonweinsshadow the “crawling under your skin” is morgellons disease. I highly recommend Dr. Rawl’s or Dr. Buhner’s herbal protocol. They both have written books that are worth looking into. See the problem is, the insurance companies deny the treatments to not have to pay them because they’re expensive. And because the CDC is essentially in big pharma’s front pocket, they deny that “chronic Lyme disease” is a thing. The ICD 11 code updates were a great first step, but nothing is going to change until the CDC recognizes that borreliosis and it’s coinfections are stealth microbes that are hard to treat with antibiotics past the 72 hour mark. Keep the people sick, and they can’t think. The masses are easier to control.

[@oshlloydCaptures]

I’ve watched this a lot, along with so many old videos of yours just to feel better. To feel like someone else has gone through it & come out of it better. Thank you for being vulnerable to us, thank you for never losing faith. You’ve saved my life & others by being here for us without actually being here. I love your journey bro, I respect you so much

[@bonnie3232]

Oh, Ren, so very young here. Suffering so much, with no answers. So grateful young Ren held on. He is such a gift to us. ❤❤

[@ClaireW-HippyHobbit]

As a person living with ME (which I agree is the symptom not the illness) this resonates HARD. It is difficult to watch, as it reflects the despair people with chronic illness sometimes feel. It is so draining - not just the illness, but needing to research for yourself endless 'cures' and £, because the NHS does not know how to treat them. Glad you had a way out. I hope your current treatment gets you back to full fitness, as you have so much positive creativity to contribute to the world. Thank you for being brave enough to post this and shine a light on these conditions on behalf of those still trapped in their homes.

[@Lozza2993]

As someone that struggles with a chronic autoimmune disease and cptsd I felt every word of this. It's so hard for people around you to understand what you're going through when nobody around you experiences the same thing. I hope you know that your life is worth living for even when times are shit. Out of a thousand days of pain there is always a day that will help you forget it all, if for even a second, that is the day worth living. Stay strong. Much love and hope from this Scottish lass for better days ahead.

[@barbelislagowski1795]

So many people can relate to this endless cycle of chronic illness. So many. Your music your lyrics.....it's genius, phenomenal, poignant. I cried as I just watched it (Hi Ren) over and over because I could relate and it made me feel so deeply. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing this with the world. Deep respect...and much love and hope. ❤

[@giafogg7182]

So happy you received that miracle. Deep bow of respect to you. Namaste. 💕

[@wratower7409]

The contrast between one of his darkest hours and the bright light he’s become is awe inspiring. The world is a better place because he’s still in it.

[@dustyplankton8145]

We love you Ren, the WORLD loves YOU! the amount of people who have seen 'Hi Ren' around this planet is unreal, and your breaking taboo's of mental health through your music, keep on trucking brother x

[@neverexisted8921]

I wanted to leave a comment but everyone else said it so beautifully, so this going to be my mini cheer up! for you. I'll be here, I'll be listening to your story, I'll be hearing your music, Ren. You present yourself as human, rather than a brand, which is the common narrative in the music industry. I can't wait to see your storytelling skills come to life once again. Thank you for putting yourself out here. We appreciate you. ❤

[@ashmomofboys]

So I’ve watched Hi Ren maybe a thousand times. I just found this. And while the song is pretty clear in what it is about, to know the story behind it is just insane. I wonder if you truly know how many people you have touched through this. I wish this video had 11 million views as well. Thank you for sharing this. And thank you for being true to that quote. To fearlessly use your life to make one of the most incredible pieces of art I’ve ever seen. I’m so glad you found your way out of that place.

[@pappa_paulie]

Praise God you're doing better now Ren. I know this was a long time ago... but I went trough a similar situation where I couldn't leave my house for a few years. It's so tough and you think there is no light at the end of the tunnel. I love you man. For anyone reading this in a similar situation there it's hope and it will get better 🙏. One love

[@timkanaev2092]

We've never met. I've never seen you in real life man. But looking at what you have accomplished what you have been through I wanna say that im so proud of you. Your battle with your own demons helped and helps me to this day. And your music especially. I found you in a pretty rough period of mine and your art your story helped me and inspired me a lot. I send you all the love i have and grateful that such people exist. I do hope to meet you one day and doing everything for that to happen. Thank you for being such an inspiration.

[@StLProgressive]

I do know, unfortunately, exactly what it’s like, which is why ‘Hi Ren’ hit me like a ton of bricks. I’ve never come across an artist who was like me, who’d gone through similar health issues and out it all out in his music. I had cancer when I was 30, which damaged both my immune and nervous systems. A few years later I started having severe, chronic abdominal and pelvic pain. I lost my job, my house, and financial security. It took over 8 years of hell for them to figure out what was wrong with me, and another 2 before that pain was brought under enough control for me to function somewhat normally a few days a week. Not having a diagnosis was the worst part. I was told it was all in my head, or that I was drug seeking, an addict. I don’t know how many of my son’s school events I missed, how many plans had to be canceled. It was a major factor in my husband’s decision to bail after 25 years. The last year has been so bad. I’ve been stuck in bed pretty much 24/7, unable to go out except to doctor’s appointments that are absolutely necessary. Sometimes I think I’m gonna go nuts in here. I think I would’ve if I didn’t have my son here with me, my dogs and cat. I wouldn’t be able to stay in my own home without my son, that’s for sure. I have to wait to have a couple of major surgeries, number 16 and 17, but who’s counting? Hopefully the treatments you’re getting now will help, I’ll have those surgeries, and we can get out there and live to the fullest. Much love. 🖤

[@ManicmAlice]

I've watched this so many times. I've cried with you. I live w chronic illness as well, so I empathize so much with your struggle. Your hope is inspiring. I'm glad you're still with us. I'm glad you're still fighting. I'm glad you're sharing your music, & much of yourself w us. Thank you, Ren. Know that you bring miracles to so many w your music, your art, your words, & your very being. All the love, brother. 💜

[@patriciacloix71]

LU ET APPROUVÉ MOI ÉGALEMENT JE COMPRENDS COMPLÈTEMENT JE SOUFFRE H24 TOUT MON SOUTIEN À REN LONGUE VIE DIEU EST GRAND DIEU EST AMOUR PRIONS IL EST PUR UN GÉNIE TALENTUEUX BRILLIANT JE L'AIME 🙏💖🇫🇷

[@kizunadragon9]

From this to the top of the world. You have earned all your success and you deserve all your success. I am so glad you are feeling better now. The smile you have on your face in 2024 says it all.

[@katiesokolova8128]

I'm suffering with a disease doctors can't even put a name on. They literally don't know what's going on and have tried all kinds of experimental drugs with no luck. You, your music, your message literally saves my life as I write this. You are a warrior! You are strong! And I'm myself, and other people like us where doctors are helpless walk beside you on this journey. You are not alone. I wish I can hug you and support you in my gratitude

[@NoraPI]

Have you tried Mickaela Peterson Lion's Diet and listen to her TedX talk?

[@NoraPI]

Have you tried Mickaela Peterson Lion's Diet and listen to her TedX talk?

[@TigerBella.]

Ren, I don't want to sound generic, but know you matter to many. You are an inspiration and one hell of an artist. Never give up on yourself

[@RenegadeFan1970]

And here you are, so many months down the line with your whole life in front of you and a number 1 album. Your RENegades are all with you every step of the way xxxxx

[@songbirdj482]

I thank you for sharing this vulnerable, raw, truthful video. My life was “taken” from me in 2015. I was 26. I’m still in it close to ten years later. My chronic illness has no cure. I’ve lost all the organs I can live without. My life feels like a cage. Even my closest family and friends cannot truly understand, but I know you can. And I know millions of others can, too. Having said that, watching your music take off the last couple years has brought me a sense of hope and your music brings me a sense of community. I am so thankful for you. I always will be. Thank you for persisting.

[@sarahp3984]

I’m 37 and have Elhers Danlos Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, POTS, MCAS and ME. When Hi Ren came out a sobbed listening to it. I now listen to it most days. You here in this video is me every day. Thank you for looking back and reflecting on the pain and trauma. Hi Ren means more to me than you’ll ever know. Wishing you health, happiness and the success you deserve.

[@SuziQ.]

I don’t know what to say, except to send virtual hugs, and tell you that you’re not alone. Xx

[@RebaK22]

Get tested for Lyme as it can cause all of the above

[@SuziQ.]

@@RebaK22 , I’ve been asking my doctor to test me for Lyme since 2017, and he won’t. I think I need a new doctor. I’ve been Dx’d with Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain (decades ago). Now I have symptoms of arthritis, and something new and weird and scary. I’ve had chronic pain from herniated discs for over two decades, and now have spinal stenosis. Chronic migraines have been part of my weekly life since I was a teenager. Even if I don’t have Lyme, I’ve found ticks on my body, and they carry other diseases besides Lyme.

[@RebaK22]

@@SuziQ. yes, please get tested. Ticks carry many diseases

[@randomname4726]

​@@RebaK22It can't cause EDS though. EDS is genetic and as far as I understand the rest are caused by EDS. I've got the same conditions and mostly been in bed the last 8 years.

[@ericacraze6462]

Ren, dear one, we hold you in our hearts. I have played your music to my teenage students. They are blown away. It has resulted in such an outpouring of their suffering, their hopes and their dreams. Your talents is so intense, so inspiring. You have so much more in you too give. We will wait with you in love and compassion on this horrible journey till the day you are well again . Love and light from your fans in South Africa. Xxx

[@dccorallo]

This is why he’s so happy now. He know great sadness and disappointment. Nobody deserves all the love he is getting and will be getting more than he does. I hope he takes over the music scene worldwide

[@terry2kisses385]

Hey Ren. I listened to my first Ren song almost a year ago and I haven't touched the dial since! Except for the times I've listened to the big push you've been it brother. I'm fascinated with the way you've overcome your struggles. Your attitude is reflected in your music. I'm an old man at 53 from abuse both physically and mentally due to Drugs, alcohol, lots of car wrecks, legal troubles, the deaths and departure of cherished friends and loved ones, and isolation of my thoughts. All of these things combined and I can't remember what life is supposed to be like. I don't have any of the diseases you mentioned but I sometimes wish I did. Then I could at least have a decent excuse for my self pity. I just want you to know that the times I find myself smiling and feeling energetic(which are very few anymore) are the times I'm listening to your songs. I appreciate you taking the time to share such personal experiences with us and I'm very happy for the turn around in your health. I wish you the best and thank you for your music. I'll be listening. Terry

[@aZevonFan]

I think it's an amazing sort of poetry/fate that Ren recorded this video hoping that someone would see it and take to people, use it show them how devastating chronic illness (3:50) And now Ren is the one who is sharing it with a much larger audience and bringing awareness and representation on a massive scale. It's also a bittersweet that it had to still be done by him, that it takes the people suffering with illness to fight both for their health and to be seen.

[@lizpurvis3478]

I’m 65 and have been an autoimmune warrior for six years, my immune system thinks my liver is a alien and tries to attack it, daily drugs cause bone damage, and cancer but it won’t win. You are a phenomenal force, your music is awesomely good. I only discovered you and your music a couple of days ago but you, both as a musician, and as a person, have touched and inspired me more than any of my ‘70s heroes of the music industry!! Much love x

[@shhmaya]

this vlog must've connected with many people, I know I'm one. your body language, the self soothing, the despair mixed with hope and frustration. so many times in my life i prayed to leave. did shit to leave, failed, or not, cause i want to live, but i want to be happy. it's hard. impossible for me at the moment (anhedonia - it'll pass), but maybe someday. your story gives me hope. i fell awful for what you had to go through, but i'm selfishily happy you're here making amazing music and LIVING! this was very brave. i have my video and audio diaries. i'd never show them. i know is not much, but your music and your story truly resonated with me, especially at the moment. i already made a promise that i can't leave; but i'll promise i'll try to be happy and think of a future.

[@TheAncientMetaler-1963]

Ren, you were praying for a miracle and it came. YOU are the miracle, and WE are blessed by you still being here.

[@lanegirl_214]

This is such a raw, emotional video, I am at loss for words. Im a student close to graduating rn, and my dream is it to become a scientist to research diseases like yours and to hopefully help people who are suffering such incredibl pain like you did. I've worked hard to get the grades I need to go to university and study biology, and people like you who share theire stories with us are so incredibly motivating to keep working hard until we can cure these diseases. I'm so hyped for the song, much love from Germany!

[@jocobrat]

Thank you🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💗

[@LowPockets8619]

World needs more people like you that want to find these cures. Go work hard to find the cures! All the best

[@drawrinworld9265]

Hey ich hoffe das dein Abi super läuft und du gut in dein Studium startest. Du schaffst das. Ich wünsche dir ganz viel Glück.

[@lanegirl_214]

@@drawrinworld9265 danke :) Vorabi hab ich schon erfolgreich geschafft, also hab ich hoffnung ^^

[@PepperPeep]

What you said really resonated with me. When I was 16 I was diagnosed with a crippling chronic illness that I have now been living with for 23 years. I stopped hoping for a cure, I just pray for the strength to get through each day. I lost most of my teens and all of my 20's being miserable and bed ridden. But I am doing better at 38 than I was doing at 28 and way, WAY better than I was doing at 18. I'm glad you hung in there and that you're doing better and creating your wonderful music.

[@AdelleOverton]

You get your miracle, Young Ren. You reached #1 in the charts, there's over a million of us subbed to you on KZbin. In all that darkness, your dedication and fire created such a blinding light, seen across the world. You became a beacon for so many of us lost in the Void of chronic illness. Thank you so much. 🙏🏻 You did it! 💜

[@MadDadLad]

Ren buddy. Through your pain and all the challenges you've faced, you created a medium through music and performance that had captivated, motivated and moved millions of us the world over, including me, a 33 year old dad of 2. You are wise beyond your years my friend and as you said yourself in the phenomenal Hi Ren, from the ashes you will rise. You are doing so much good for so many people buddy, and I hope and pray that you will fight with everything in you to get better and leep being the amazing human being that you are. Huge love and respect from Ireland, my Celtic brother!🫡🤜🤛💙

[@hrdwck9862]

I’ve just come across your music. I’m middle aged and never thought I’d come across a talented new artist every again but YOU ARE INCREDIBLE! Honestly, a modern version of Bowie. You’re so talented and changeable in your styles you remind me of him.

[@MarcelousTV]

Reading these comments makes really appreciate how little my problems are and has awakened me to the amount of suffering that so many endure. You are a warrior Ren, who has brought something so ugly to light in the most beautifully profound way. The impact of your song “Hi Ren”, to so many people across the globe, can not be overstated. What you have done here is nothing short of remarkable, and I believe you have started a revolution that is bringing awareness to a plight that has gone unnoticed because those who suffer very rarely have a voice. My heart, respect, and well wishes goes out to all who have been touched by this song and has gained courage and strength because of it!!

[@markstrutton6640]

Damn man. To see how far you have come from this place is, and should be, so fucking inspiring to everyone else struggling.

[@TheCuriologess]

Keep fighting Ren! I got sick with disseminated Lyme Disease in 2019, since then the antibiotic killed my gallbladder, then they did for surgery Superior Mesenteric artery syndrome, and now pyloric stenosis & gastroparesis. We need to keep fighting… and keep writing. I’m on medium as The Curiologess if you need an ally- who is stuck in the house with you ❤

[@DeniseAshurst]

I am 58 years old. I stumbled across Hi Ren. I was blown away. You are a rare talent... I know an amazing musician with a future when I see one... even with whatever the fuck is going on with you. You are one in a long line of genius, born of unique physical, mental and emotional struggles. Someone is going to hear your cry for help and stick beside you on this roller coaster ride. Life is hard for many people. I have seen so much and having been through unimaginable tortures in my own life, as well as having those of others, i know that this is a bad day for you and perhaps there will be many more before a diagnosis is made, but you WILL make it through this or with this... either way. You are fucking amazingly talented and i have no doubt someone will come along soon and grab your hand and pull you out of your painful isolation. You are fucking amazing. Seriously... Hang in there... There are surprises yet in store. You are so young and have much to share with this world. You are not alone.... x

[@nomiseldnurt7064]

Our son has chronic graft versus host disease and he is trapped at home just like you are speaking about in this video. We manage to care for him one day at a time because there is no other way. Cry when you need to and don’t give up because your music is brutally beautiful. Praying for a miracle for you and my boy x

[@MareBartleet]

"brutally beautiful" sums it up perfectly.

[@rk-mc7001]

Hello Ren, thank you for sharing your darkest times, because I too have Lyme Disease and know exactly what your hell was like and the day I turned a corner in my healing was the day where I finally had hope after 6 years of treatment and counting. There is hope even when it does not appear to be so at the time for anyone struggling with Lyme Disease. Do not give up. Love you Ren.❤

[@winterlady]

Much love to the boy you were then and to the man you’ve become. Full of compassion and care for yourself and others.

[@Oscar.-.]

I only found you a few days ago and it's crushing to see you in this state, even if it was a long while ago. Please stay strong through everything, We will never stop caring.

[@RenMakesMusic]

Hey man thankyou! this is a video from 2014 if you read the pinned comment it explains :) am managing alot better these days

[@Oscar.-.]

@@RenMakesMusic That's really great to hear, keep producing music. You are one of the most talented artists I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.

[@RedBackBite0677]

@@RenMakesMusic You are my favourite artist, great to hear your better now, I love how poetic and emotional your music is!

[@joannalewis5279]

You mean so much to us who are suffering in an internal prison and your music is a beautiful expression of hope. All my love

[@ginakuhlman854]

Hi Ren! Well it is now March of 2024 and I just was checking out some different artists and picking one song to listen to and see if I liked it enough to listen to more. Well your song Hi Ren was the one I picked and now it is three days later and I have listened to every song uploaded on your channel. I love every single one of your songs and I plan on telling everyone I know about your music. Your music has made me feel less alone in my own mental health struggle and I want to thank you so much for being strong enough to make music that I promise you will and has saved lives. I wish to be able to see you play live someday. Your an inspiration to so many people.

[@user-vu2ud4go3k]

I stumbled across your music only a few months ago and I have been absolutely mesmerized and enthralled with you artistry ever since. Seeing this video of you younger, vulnerable, emotional and unsure of the future had me shedding some tears of my own. I understand so well what you are going through. I was diagnosed at 29 with autoimmune disease, arthritis. I was an extremely active person in my younger years, always on the go, ambitious and positive. I knew something was wrong with me but because there were no real tangible, outward signs of sickness or disease people tended to not believe me or thought I was making it up for attention. I feel your struggle on every level. "Looking" ok on the outside but your joints and muscles are saying "Oh, you wanted to move out of bed today did ya? Well fuck you!" Having chronic fatigue where your body is so exhausted for no apparent reason and you can't muster up the energy to grab a fucking shower. Sleeping for 18 hours a day, having to eat crap food that tastes like a fucking piece of cardboard, the countless tubes of RubA535, topical steroids, oral steroids, pills for this, pills for that, injectable medication, intravenous medication, its neverending, overwhelming and frustrating as hell. So, I feel you! Fast forward 13 years and at 42 I am finally at the point where I have accepted the fact that my autoimmune disease has no cure and I will have to follow a medical treatment and maintenance plan as well as maintain personal, lifestyle changes if I want to look and feel my best. I'm in a good spot with my disease as I have learned to coexist with it instead of letting it own me. And it makes me genuinely happy to see your improvements both in your personal and professional life. You are an unbelievably talented and inspirational young man and you were born with your amazing gifts to help and inspire others through their darkest hours. Not many people in this world have the charisma to reach so many yet, here you are! I am so happy I discovered your amazing music and your funny little videos with your cheeky sense of humor. They have made me smile and laugh on many shitty days. I guess what I'm trying to say is thank you for being a beacon of light for those who struggle to find their way to shore. Some of us may have to swim longer than others, but it's nice to have a shining light to to swim toward and keep us determined. Thanks Ren!! One love!!❤❤

[@birbymcbirbface156]

I relate so strongly to this feeling. This lit up a part of my soul I can't explain. I have POTS, EDS and various other invisible illnesses and I've never heard someone speak my own inner world so clearly. Lost my childhood, my teens and almost all my twenties now. Sending you all the love and gratitude x

[@musikgirl7]

To say you have a warrior spirit and a beautiful soul is a complete understatement. Praying with you for that miracle, and still recognizing that the miracle is you. Each breath, every moment. Thank you for sharing yourself with us, Ren. I hope you can glimpse how much love there is for you in these comments. Grateful for you.

[@Veeliscious]

🙌👏

[@baileythesocalledbear6052]

Beautifully said

[@docdurdin]

God, I hope more fans will see this to REALLY understand what Ren went through to be here.

[@Silkytoaster]

I couldn’t agree more .

[@kellyclose8934]

But many people haven’t lived through it. Not because they weren’t strong. I’m privileged to discover Ren, and such a blessing. REN’s story doesn’t end here. Challenges still exist and he isn’t cured, but he seems to be in a better place, and I’m so grateful. This an issue in healthcare we need to address. What do we need to do to change it so so many people arent suffering in silence? Ren seems to be on a great path forward, and I’m so grateful for that. His music has pulled me out of a dark, dark time. But there is more to do.

[@tenshimoon]

​@kellyclose8934 as someone who has suffered through the chronic illnesses of depression & anxiety since childhood(since around 7 or 8), a rare circadian rhythm based sleeping disorder, being born neurodivergent (which gets treated like an illness, a stigma, a myth that doesn't even exist for my particular condition, and a character flaw & moral failing), I wholeheartedly agree. Healthcare is such an underfunded, often misunderstood area and the people with disabilities and chronic illnesses are one of the most misunderstood marginalised groups in the world. Too many governments just don't care, barely give any thought for the ill, and in fact restrict immigration for most of us because nobody wants to take care of the sick, let alone allow the sick to move to somewhere that might be better for them in the long run and help them get the help they need. Wealthy governments of wealthy nations even actually outright lie about "not having resources" to take care of the chronically sick and new immigrants who are chronically disabled when less wealthy governments and nations are already doing it much better than them and have no limitations on receiving disabled immigrants. The messages we receive from this and many other issues with government funding for their own natural born citizens is loud and clear, which is that we are all nothing more than burdens and drains on society, therefore nobody wants us. And my government (of a western nation that's far wealthier than those less wealthy nations I mentioned that are doing universal healthcare better than the wealthiest western nations) has been slowly dismantling our national healthcare inch by inch, province by province, decade by decade since the 80s, which is putting increasing financial stress on the chronically ill and disabled and lowering our quality of life. THEN they bring medically assisted suicide as part of our national healthcare system, and make it much more easily accessible to anyone with chronic illnesses (and I'm not against people making that choice if they genuinely feel they have no quality of life and don't believe it'll improve)... and the message gets driven further home - they would rather fund our choice to die than our choice to live. We are nothing more than worthless burdens to society, so they'd rather remove and strip us of our quality of life with underhanded cutbacks until we have no hope left, THEN offer financially assisted, legally assisted suicide. And they think they're so sneaky that none of us can see the pattern here. Instead of funding *actual* "pro-life" initiatives such as increasing government funding for the healthcare system and the chronically ill & disabled, they make cutbacks to healthcare for the chronically ill/disabled to both line their pockets as well as slowly erode and privatise our national healthcare, then offer much more easily accessible, government funded suicide for when we lose all hope (because they spent decades eroding our hope and quality of life with increased cutbacks), and hope their "burdens" on society will all eventually give up and take their government funded assisted suicide, so they don't have to deal with providing actual lifelong healthcare for the chronically ill/disabled. And we receive their message loud and clear: you're nothing but a burden so we would all be better off if you were dead. Sorry for the long tangent, this is just an issue that hits too hard and close to home for me.

[@UOTDF]

Wow - this is a video of the piece of coal being crushed by immense pressure, not realising that one day it would become a diamond. You’ve brought light to so many lives, Ren, including this man in the 60th year of his life journey. Love you, mate. Thank you

[@sonofsupernova3455]

I think you’re going to be the saviour of so many hurting and helpless people. You’re an inspiration mate, peace and love.

[@daspe1642]

I don't quite understand every word. Cause my english is not that good. But fact is, i can feel the suffering in the sound of your voice, when you sing. That's why i love your songs. (The few i've heard till now) i hope you'd rather find a cure to your suffering, ending up making softer music, than see you going under in your pain. Still lovin your voice.

[@zoelefevre3974]

Hang in there kiddo!! Keep getting excited when they try new meds...thats your way out of this...its keeping you alive. You are a gift Ren! Listening to your music has been such a great treat and learning curve in my life and millions more I am sure. Yes you have lost alot of younger years but you have way more coming. I am First Nations...have you thought about seeking an elder and going in for a sweat?? It does wonders....really helped me out of a very low time in my life. Sending you a hug! XOX

[@user-lr2ne6hq6d]

What a strong young man! As a father, I can't even imagine what it's like to see your child in such distress!! It's good to see that you seem to be feeling better now. I hope life offers you the rest, tranquility and happiness you deserve. Take care buddy!

[@martinelewis2267]

As a mother and grand mother I want to hold you tight and comfort you. What you are going through is insane. And yet your poetry your voice your music.... are out of this world and make me cry every time. You are touching so many people. Have you ever considered alternative ways of healing Ren? Whim Hoff? Much love to you young man.

[@SuziQ.]

I’m sorry, but the last thing someone with chronic illness needs is someone telling them that they can heal themselves. I’m ashamed that I suggested something similar to my dad, who was dying of cancer. I understand that your comment comes from a place of caring, but don’t you think that if we could wish ourselves healthy, we would? ~ a fed up girl who’s had chronic pain for more than half of her life

[@MyForestNymph]

You are not alone Ren. So many of us with chronic illness out here suffering snd being disregarded and ignored by the fucked up system . Your suffering is transmuted into such brutal beautiful art . I feel exactly as you do . I fought autoimmune most my life and when I finally got better I got covid early on and long covid and was worse then ever before . I’ve tried a millions and one treatments too . All the hope the pain and money and dispair and dreams colliding . I was breath taken by your musical art expressing this brutal suffering of autoimmune , as I could feel each word , the eternal jeckyll and Hyde crossfire . Thank you for pushing your pain into art that showed me I wasn’t alone .

[@westbank5436]

Ren, my man, do you actually realize how fucking strong you are? Feeling so hopeless and broken and not having an answer to why you are sick but you never gave up. Now you got your answers, getting the proper treatment now and looking a lot healthier and now your banging out hit after hit getting the rewards you very much earned. The most important thing is that you are saving lives now actually saving ppl giving them a little hope back and that is the greatest thing you will ever do and I'm sure you would agree!!! Thank you Ren!!!

[@brentwilliams359]

@RenMakesMusic I just want to say thank you 🙏🏻 You’ve changed millions of lives through your music and vulnerability, and that’s worth more than any grammy. Take it from the REAL PEOPLE you’ve helped. I don’t know what it’s like to suffer the physical illnesses that you’ve shouldered, but I do know the equivalent mental illnesses all too well. The state that you describe here is one that I’ve felt purely because my MIND convinced me of it’s truth, and that’s a battle I fight every day. You’ve single-handedly given me hope in that fight, and in a fight like this where (seemingly) such little hope exists, that’s worth more than ANYTHING to me, because without that hope there’s very little left… Thank you, Ren 🙏🏻

[@IsaacGerken]

Saw the HI Ren video, and man, I've never seen video so mesmerizing. The song is great, but it's the performance that makes it all the more powerful. Watched reaction videos all over, and the song hit everyone in the feels. Looked up other songs, and man, what a masterful storyteller and performer. The world is in dire need of art like this, hope a cure or way to put Lyme in remission is found. Never seen anyone like Ren, can't even describe how phenomenal I've found his performances to be.

[@samcrorie]

I hope you realize how incredibly brave and heroic you are. Besides being a seriously talented musician you seem like a great human being. Watching this is heartbreaking. I hope things are better for you now. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, there are soo many people rooting for you. 👍❤️

[@palsgraph]

Never doubt it Ren. You have struck a nerve we all have. A battle we all fight. A hope many of us never saw. You are my hero.

[@999Velvet]

@@palsgraph mine too

[@vickyqualters3765]

Ren you are a miracle, your music is going to change the world. You are going to shine so so bright x

[@kendrastrange18]

This won't get seen by many but this is me now with kids to care for. My brother already took his life and I have babies so I have to stay... but fuck I can't do this anymore. But I actually can, your music reminded me of that even though I'm still totally stuck. It has to get better. I want to hold you like a baby seeing this and being a mama myself, however I see what you've come to NOW and so glad you are tough and fighting it out. Autoimmune diseases are horrid. Then they breed mental issues. Anyone dealing with this, stay, don't give up on the flareups giving you a break and treatment that can help you. Stay strong.