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Diagnosed with ALS in 2007
Founded "Corey's Crusade" to give voice to ALS sufferers
Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2001
Became national speaker & trainer for The National Alliance on Mental Illness
Their stories of turning adversity
into advocacy will inspire you!
Browse through our collection of inspiring stories from our incredible advocates.
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Liz McIngvale
Liz McIngvale Adversity: Diagnosed with severe OCD in her teens Advocacy: Created Peace of Mind Foundation to support others with OCD ...
Clint Malarchuk
Jan 27, 2024 | Advocate, Depression, PTSD
Clint Malarchuk Adversity: Diagnoses of depression and PTSD Advocacy: Working to eliminate the stigma of mental illness. "Speaking honestly about my battles is almost like a nationwide support group for me. It gives me fuel to keep moving forward and to...
The Sugermans
Aug 10, 2022 | Advocate, Paralysis
Mike & Janice Sugerman Adversity: Paralysis Advocacy: Sharing their stories to help other families "We didn’t choose advocacy. Advocacy chose us. We wrote a Facebook entry about Mike’s recent paralysis and got 500 responses about how brave we were to...
Dr. Zachary Burton
Mar 10, 2021 | Advocate, Bipolar Disorder
Dr. Zachary Burton Adversity: Diagnosed with bipolar I disorder with psychosis Advocacy: Co-founded and leads The Manic Monologues to disrupt stigma; serves with various mental health nonprofits "We lean on the brutally and beautifully unashamed, raw power...
Chrissie Hodges
Chrissie Hodges Adversity: Undiagnosed OCD Advocacy: Pure OCD Advocate "I started my advocacy to help others know they are not alone and recovery is possible for Pure OCD. Little did I know by hearing other's stories, struggles, and seeing their resiliency...
Patrick Filosa
Jun 20, 2017 | Advocate, Amputation
Patrick Filosa Adversity: Amputation Advocacy: Raises money for nonprofits that serve young amputees ...
Leeza Gibbons
Oct 31, 2016 | Advocate, Alzheimers
Leeza Gibbons Adversity: Lost her mother and grandmother to Alzheimer's disease Advocacy: Has become a leading voice in the movement to create a world without Alzheimer's "I got drafted into serving on the front lines of Alzheimer's advocacy, but now I see...
Ann Graham
Aug 14, 2016 | Advocate, Cancer
Ann Graham Adversity: Cancer diagnosis Advocacy: Founded a nonprofit to serve pediatric cancer patients "I used to think that everything happens for a reason, until I saw children dying of cancer. Cancer was my best teacher and ultimately, a saving grace. I...
Chris Downey
Jun 24, 2016 | Advocate, Blindness
Chris Downey Adversity: Lost his sight due to a brain tumor Advocacy: Became an accessibility design expert and advocate for the blind "As an architect without sight, I endeavor to build bridges across the visual divide while removing ill-conceived walls...
Stephanie Snow Gebel
May 5, 2016 | Advocate, Wolfram syndrome
Stephanie Snow Gebel Adversity: Daughter diagnosed with Wolfram syndrome Advocacy: Founded The Snow Foundation to fund trials, provide support and resources "My greatest priority is to be a strong voice for rare disease and to provide hope for my daughter,...
Barbara Claypole White
Barbara Claypole White Adversity: Son diagnosed with OCD at age 8 Advocacy: Uses fiction writing and blogging to provide hope to those with OCD "Readers often say, ‘I’ve never told anyone this before…’ And the book clubs I visit turn into therapy. People...
Brad Bulla
Mar 18, 2016 | Advocate, Grief & Loss
Brad Bulla Adversity: Son died in a drunk driving accident where he was the passenger Educates others about drunk driving and advocates for violent crime victims "By sharing my story, perhaps I can make a statistic come to life and touch someone’s heart. If...