I was living my life as usual, juggling travel, and work, taking care of my kids, and enjoying each day as they came. My professional life was a whirlwind, constantly taking me around the globe. I was often in the public eye, speaking on various platforms about the economy, retail trends, and financial developments.
In May 2015, while on vacation in Italy, I began experiencing dental issues. The local dentists diagnosed me with gum bacteria and prescribed medication, but it did nothing to alleviate my symptoms. I went to an oral who should have been able to identify the issue but because dental schools only spend around 40 minutes on the topic, he was unable to diagnose it.
My condition worsened, and as the summer progressed, I began to notice alarming skin lesions and breakouts. Each visit to the doctor resulted in a new cream, but no real answers.
I resigned from my Board of Directors roles at the Association of Corporate Growth, Los Angeles, and the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles to focus more on my health.
After 15 months of frustration and deteriorating health, and after visiting over 15 doctors and taking countless tests, a very experienced and knowledgeable Dermatologist, Dr. Sid Danesh, finally identified the root cause: “PemphigusVulgaris”.
Learning that I had a rare autoimmune disease left me feeling relieved that the riddle was solved, but now what?
That’s when I discovered the International Pemphigus Pemphigoid Foundation (IPPF). I found a community of like-minded individuals, all seeking answers, advice, treatment, and support.
This connection was a lifeline. I soon realized that my experience and voice could make a difference, so I became a member of the Board of Directors for the foundation. I found my calling in advocating for others affected by this rare disease.
I am deeply grateful for the support and sense of community it provides. And YOU can be a part of this journey too. YOU can become an advocate for those who need it most.
See how you can help here: https://lnkd.in/gr2WQifq
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