Kimberly

I’ve spent nearly my entire life — over 52 of my 56 years — living with pain from chronic migraine, vestibular migraine, cluster headache, long COVID, Sjögren’s disease, asthma, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, Raynaud’s, and sarcoidosis. This journey has brought many challenges, including depression, anxiety, and isolation.

I began advocating out of necessity, driven by love and a desire for quality care for myself due to a lack of understanding and support for patients like me living with complex medical needs or diagnoses in rural communities. Educating yourself about your diagnosis is crucial, as is building trust in your physician for the best possible care. We need to learn that it’s okay to speak up and use our voices. Having chronic pain and invisible illnesses can sometimes make us feel powerless. However, you can learn to regain your strength through advocacy.

I’ve been a patient advocate for the past two years, involved with GHLF, Headache on the Hill, and currently participating in the ACT NOW advocacy program.

Why I Advocate:

I’ve lived with pain for most of my life, and for years I felt misunderstood and unsupported — especially in a rural community with complex health needs. Advocacy became my way to regain power, speak up for myself, and push for better care. Now, I use my voice to help others feel less isolated and more empowered to do the same.