In "Here I Am," Jonathan Safran Foer explores the theme of visibility through the lens of illness. The quote suggests that the protagonist feels overlooked and believes that only by becoming unwell can he gain the attention and acknowledgment he craves from others. This highlights a desperate need for connection and recognition in a world where he feels invisible.

The choice of illness as a means to be noticed underscores the lengths to which individuals might go to seek validation. It reflects a poignant commentary on human relationships and the struggle for identity, suggesting that sometimes people resort to extreme measures to break through the emotional barriers that keep them isolated from those around them.