I am so excited to celebrate this 10-year milestone, a new chance at life and birthday! Ten years ago, I experienced respiratory failure and was placed on life support in the neuro intensive care unit. My family was told there was no certainty I could be removed from the ventilator.
After receiving lab results on 3/6/2015, my family was told I had a devastating diagnosis of a rare autoimmune disease that only affects 0.5 out of 100,000 people—Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD).Three weeks later, I was removed from life support, found to be paralyzed, blind, and given a life expectancy of five years.
But God was not done with me YET! He breathed life into me, planted my steps so I could learn to walk, REVERSED the damage to my optic nerve so I could see, and although my vocal cord is still paralyzed, He amplified my voice! He turned the impossible into I’M POSSIBLE and molded me into a walking MIRACLE! I was a doctor who became the patient, ONLY to fight my way back to practicing medicine once again.
Thanking God for my blessings, my favor, and my grace! An immense thank you to my family and friends who stood by me and never stopped praying for me when I could not pray for myself. They supported me every step of the way. Their love and encouragement mean everything.
Many thanks to my Neurologist, Dr. Stephen Vanhaerents, who had the foresight to send the correct labs to make my diagnosis possible. Thank you Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation and The Sumaira Foundation for your support, research, and patient advocacy.
As I celebrate this milestone, I recognize that this month is NMOSD Awareness Month—a time to spread knowledge, increase proper and early diagnoses, inspire hope, and uplift those affected by this rare disease. Today, my journey continues as there is no cure for NMOSD. Armed with faith, strength, and the support of my loved ones, I’m gonna run this race until it’s finished!
Highlights from NMO Awareness Month 2024
The Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation gave me the opportunity to share my NMO testimony on LIFETIME with Montel Williams and Olga Villaverde. Watch this insightful episode of The Balancing Act, Behind The Mystery of Neuromyelitis Optica. Dive into this crucial conversation and expand your understanding of NMO. Watch it here!
A Mission Born from Adversity
As I look back on my journey through two major health scares, it becomes increasingly clear that this path I’m on is not just a personal choice, but a God-given mission. These experiences, as daunting as they were, have not only shaped me but also illuminated a purpose far greater than I could have imagined.
In facing and overcoming these challenges, I’ve been entrusted with a profound responsibility and a calling—to educate, empower, and advocate for those affected by Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO). It’s a role I embrace wholeheartedly, driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
This mission goes beyond just spreading awareness; it’s about creating a community where shared experiences become a source of strength. Every story of struggle and triumph over NMO not only enlightens but also fosters a bond of solidarity and hope
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
I am immensely grateful for every platform that allows me to share this message, every individual who joins in this cause, and every life we touch through our collective efforts. As we move forward, I carry with me not just my own experiences, but the stories, challenges, and aspirations of our entire NMO community.
Despite the challenges, I remain hopeful for breakthroughs in treatment and, ultimately, a cure for NMOSD. Every day is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of unwavering support.
As we honor NMOSD Awareness Month, let’s continue to amplify voices, advocate for those in need, and champion research efforts that bring us closer to a cure. Together, we can make a difference! To all my fellow warriors: Keep fighting, keep believing, and never lose hope. The journey is far from over, and together, we are stronger!
