“Why I am not President” - Shared Stories of Disability and Patient Advocacy with Deborah Vick

Crystal Ball, Clarity of it All

Deborah Vick is dedicated to serving her family, community, and those battling chronic illnesses, to the best of her abilities. Deborah is married to her college sweetheart and is a mother to two loving boys, a service dog and a newly adopted cat. She earned her BA in Political Science, a master’s degree in Higher Education with a focus on diversity inclusion, and she continues to pursue the completion of her law degree. She has also completed various continuing education programs including mindfulness coaching and STEAM programs for elementary schools.

Deborah continues to overcome the challenges of her various disorders including myasthenia gravis, Ehlers-Danlos and dysautonomia. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which the antibodies attack the receptors from the brain to the muscles causing severe muscular weakness. Ehlers-Danlos is a series of connective tissue disorders in which the collagen in the body cannot tighten after expansion, creating severe pain from loose joints, subluxations, dislocations and in many cases, impacting internal organs. Dysautonomia impacts the autonomic system, including the ability to regulate blood pressure, breathing and bladder control. This also can lead to frequently, but temporarily, losing consciousness.

These disorders do NOT define Deborah. She has used these experiences to help strengthen her will to persevere, and to help share her story to empower others.

2021 has been a milestone year for Deborah. Not only has she found her voice, but she has also received recognition by her peers through nominations for several WEGO Health awards, participated in several panel discussions at rare disease conferences, co-founded RareABILITY (newly formed nonprofit), and has the honor of representing California in the Ms. Wheelchair USA 2022 competition.

Guests Social Media Links & FREE Gifts :

Deborah’s Link Tree HERE

Sponsor Debroah HERE for MS. Wheelchair USA Competition HERE

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Legal Disclaimer- Please do not take anything in this podcast as legal or medical advice. I am not an attorney or a medical physician. This is strictly information entertainment. Reach out to a licensed professional. If you or someone you know needs to speak with someone, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

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