Patient Leader Certification: What's Your 60 Second Pitch?

Hi, I’m Jamie Musgrove Wood. I bring a panoramic view to the advocacy arena as a patient leader, former nurse, wife, mother, caregiver, and person living with Andersen–Tawil syndrome and hypokalemic periodic paralysis.

Andersen–Tawil syndrome affects approximately 1 in 1 million people. Even after working in healthcare for nearly two decades, I had never heard of ATS, despite losing a sibling to complications related to the disease. My own diagnostic journey changed everything.

After finally learning how to manage my condition, I found hope. That hope pushed me to search for others living with this rare disease, so I created a Facebook page to connect with patients and families navigating similar challenges. Along the way, I realized many people without medical literacy needed help understanding how to navigate the healthcare system and advocate for themselves.

Soon, I found myself as a moderator within that support network. Today, I stay active on social media through posts, lives, and a newly created blog, while exploring new ways to educate through art, conversation, and community spaces. I am deeply passionate about raising awareness, encouraging self-advocacy, and helping patients feel less alone while continuing to learn and grow myself.

My illness is rare. Hope is not

Hi! My name is Joanna! I live with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) alongside several other chronic illnesses.

After my "big sick" in late 2018, I started to connect with other chronically ill people via social media. Over time, due to those connections, I was able to find the answers that I've been looking for and receive my diagnoses. I'm passionate about helping reach people who are living with MCAS, EDS, or POTS (and other similar conditions) which extends both to those who are unaware of these conditions and those who are aware but still looking to not feel alone in their journey. I continue to help grow this community and love seeing so many new advocates constantly joining the group!

I'm most proud of the community which I've helped to build! It's filled with lovely people from all walks of life who are kind and understanding. Being around these people makes me feel hopeful about the direction of research, awareness, and so much more!

I’m Dr. Michele Ross, a neuroscientist and fibromyalgia advocate focused on transforming how we treat chronic pain. After years of living with fibromyalgia and neuropathy myself, I saw firsthand the limitations of conventional medicine - especially when it comes to long-term relief and quality of life.

My work bridges neuroscience, patient experience, and policy to advance evidence-based natural alternatives, including kratom, cannabis, and emerging psychedelic therapies. I focus on what the data actually show - not the headlines - translating complex pharmacology into real-world solutions for patients and clinicians.

I’m the author of several books, including Kratom Is Medicine, CBD Oil for Health, and Vitamin Weed, where I break down the science behind plant-based therapies and how they can be used safely and effectively.

Today, I serve as a scientific advisor, expert witness, and public educator, working at the intersection of research, regulation, and patient advocacy. My mission is simple: expand access to safer, science-backed options for people living with chronic pain - and make sure policy finally catches up with the evidence.

I’m ShaRae! I’m a mother of seven and grandmother of four. I’m certified to test and give results concerning HIV. I have always been curious about safe sex practices and std prevention. I’m comfortable talking to whoever is comfortable with questions for me. I have had curable diagnosis in my past. I appreciate this opportunity to help anyone who needs it. I’m a believer that we don’t know unless we try.